When we arrived, the place was crowded. When we left, all was quiet. The streets were empty; only the foot-traveling Sangha rhythmically walked through the dark night. The road was rough and rutted with holes everywhere. A few of us including myself tripped on these holes and fell, but fortunately, none of us were injured.

The leader of the group tried to find a suitable place to stop for breakfast. As to what was on this morning’s “menu”, we could only guess.

After breakfast, I decided to stay towards the back of the group to observe. Indeed, one has to see to understand and to love. The older monks strenuously carried their bags, one for medicine and another for their alms bowl, taking heavy footsteps alone down the highway. The younger monks took frequent breaks to rest and take a drink. We passed one another with understanding and loving smiles. Despite speaking different languages –Thai and Vietnamese – we all came from the same Father, the Buddha. Our path went through villages, towns, roadside stands… Numerous locals greeted us with admiration, expressed concerns, or asked to take pictures with us. A gentleman asked me what was in the two shoulder bags I was carrying. I immediately replied, “Bowls for alms to feed myself in order to survive.” The man seemed to agree and nodded. I hope he understood.

Accompanying me was a boy on a bicycle. I spoke to him in English, he replied to me in one of the languages of India. He and I, one walking, the other pedaling, for a long route. When I was silent, he would sing for me. Ultimately, I think neither of us understood a single thing from the other!

I parted with the boy to go for an alms round, and then finished lunch. Afterwards, the four brothers in Dhamma each took a corner in an abandoned room. Bhikkhu Chon Huu was just half asleep when I saw a baby goat coming. I immediately called out “goat”…

Bhikkhu Chon Huu woke up and asked, “What are you calling for?”

I told him, “I called for the goat…”

Bhikkhu Chon Huu said, “I had just closed my eyes, with not even enough time for a nap and already you woke me up calling about a goat!” The brothers laughed together to relieve their tiredness.

We are still 300km from Bodhgaya. The closer we are to the sacred land, perhaps the more religious the people are. Upon seeing the Sangha, some people clasped their hands and bowed, others prostrated to the ground, still others touched the feet of the members of the Sangha to pay respect. After 43km, we arrived at our place for the evening. Today, there was still no water for bathing, and I have no idea how many more days we will be without bathing water. Yet, we are still so happy. In the shivering cold and dew-laden air of the night, we gathered with a cup of ginger tea to warm the hearts of the distant travelers.

Source: Dhammacetiya
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