A story of Four Monks

In a monastery, four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. 
They began with enthusiasm, and no one said a word the whole day. 
By the nightfall of the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out. 
The first monk blurted out, "Oh, no! The candle is out." 
The second monk said, "Hey! We are not supposed to speak!"
The third monk said in an irritated voice, "What is this? Why did you two break the silence?" 
The fourth monk smiled and said, "Wow! I'm the only one who hasn't spoken."

                         ~~~~~    ~~~~~~~~~  ~~~~~~

Analysis:

Each monk broke the silence for a different reason.
The first monk got distracted by one aspect of his experience (the candle) and forgot what was more important - the practice of witnessing without reacting. 
The second monk was more worried about others following the rules than actually practicing them himself. 
The third monk let his anger towards the first two monks affect him. 
The fourth monk lost his way because of pride.

As we learn to truly listen, witness, and observe without impulsively reacting with distraction, judgment, anger, and pride, then we understand the true meaning of life.