A monk knocked at the door of a wealthy landowner late one night and asked for shelter. It was readily given.
The next morning as the monk was about to leave, his host asked him for a blessing for the continued prosperity of his house.
“Father dies, son dies, grandson dies……let it be so,” intoned the monk.
“Is that a blessing or a curse!” exclaimed the householder.
“What have I done to displease you?”
“I am not displeased,” replied the monk. “If the son dies before the father or the grandson before the grandfather, the family is wounded and prosperity wanes. I have prayed for the natural order to prevail in your house.”
His host murmured an apology for his outburst and bowed in gratitude.