Treading miles and miles through fog and wind, despite the hardships, we never faltered or changed our mind. Even though we stayed up late and got up early, wandered from place to place, had frugal meals, peaceful smiles have always been on the face of each monk in the Sangha. We walked 30 km to have a lunch break on the hillside of Yellow Melaleuca Hill. People may “woa!” and envision a hillside of yellow fragrant blooming with bees and butterflies flying from flower to flower for nectar. Everyone may think that this place should be very beautiful, tranquil, and poetic. In fact, it is just a name, and the blooming season has not come yet. Yellow flowers are yet to be seen, but “poop-mine” already exploded when one of us stepped on it. This kind of incident is also a normal occurrence in this walking journey. In addition, each step we take drags along a bunch of thorny grasses, sharper than rattan grass, piercing through clothes and poking our skin, which causes a lot of pain.

We continued walking 21 km to a place to sleep. Every day the time seemed to be longer. Walking constantly, looking forward to the destination but it seems to be faraway. “A long night for the insomniac, a long way for the weary.” It is so true. My legs are sore, burning, bleeding; the shoulders are sluggish and aching. That is the reason why I mentioned a long way for the weary. Because when we are tired, the roads seem to be much longer.

We also had two new members today – a yellow dog and a spotted white yellowish dog. Both followed the Sangha after breakfast until night fell. These two dogs were also fortunate and blessed, for they had a chance to join the journey of dhutaṅga practice, wandering from place to place, without a home. There was yet another dog following us before the sun rose, then crossed the street, sat down and looked at the Sangha walking away. The condition of each sentient being may vary from time to time, these types of conditions can not be forced to happen. Perhaps, these dogs may have enough blessings to be born again in human form after they pass away. By having an opportunity to take refuge in the Sangha, to listen to the chanting, may they develop wisdom, have the right view which becomes favorable conditions for their future liberation.

May all sentient beings always be born as humans with full wisdom, right view, and practice toward liberation.

Source: Dhammacetiya
#chuahuongdao
#sbsstupas