True satisfaction means wanting nothing more than what you already have, yet human nature often drives us to accumulate more even when we claim to be fulfilled. This classic Zen parable perfectly illustrates the paradox of greed and content mindedness.
A Quaker had this sign put up on a vacant piece of land next to his home: THIS LAND WILL BE GIVEN TO ANYONE WHO IS TRULY SATISFIED.
A wealthy farmer who was riding by stopped to read the sign and said to himself, “Since our friend, the Quaker, is so ready to part with this plot, I might as well claim it before someone else does. I am a rich man and have all I need, so I certainly qualify.”
With that he went up to the door and explained what he was there for.
“And are you truly satisfied?” the Quaker asked.
“I am indeed, for I have everything I need.”
“Friend,” said the Quaker, “if you are truly satisfied, what do you want the land for?”
Quakers are people who belong to the Religious Society of Friends, a historically Protestant Christian set of denominations. Members of these movements (“the Friends”) are generally united by a belief in each human’s ability to experience the light within or “answering that of God in every one”.