February 9, 2023
 
Having witnessed Sổ and Āloka being hit by the car, we all were shocked. What had worried me during the journey finally occurred right in front of my eyes.
 
The two members on the journey following the footsteps of the Buddha deserved to be admired and respected. Sổ and Āloka are not only our loyal friends but also our joy in every way. Although their stubbornness sometimes drove us mad, Sổ and Āloka never were lacking our love. We have tried our best to assist the two in completing their journey following the Buddha’s footsteps. We hoped that they will have the good kamma to attain higher rebirth: as humans, as deities, to have wisdom, and to eventually cultivate and attain liberation.
 
Therefore, the image of the two being hit by a car truly haunted us, even though we know life is “Impermanent.” Sổ was pushed by the force of the car and flew more than 5m to the side of the road, while Āloka seemed to have an invisible string pulling him back, causing him to be hit in the face and leg. “Sổ… Āloka…Sổ…”, the monks’ call was echoed loudly through space, and a miracle revealed itself at that moment. Sổ stood up in a daze with some injuries and blood on his face and chest. Āloka was injured in his front leg and bleeding from his mouth. Now he only has one front leg and one back leg left in good condition.
 
The moment we realized that both had escaped from the blade of Death and were safe to continue their unfinished journey was one of incredible relief. We felt happy, shared our merits with them, and taught them what to do and what not to do. It was not easy to keep a life after such an accident. We have moved countless dead bodies of animals, such as dogs, cats, goats, cows, horses, and more, from the middle of the road to the side of the road after they were hit by cars. Here and there, skeletons were exposed and dried up over the years. Piles of broken bones were scattered everywhere, and decomposing bodies emitted a foul odor. Oh! There are so many things to tell, and it’s overwhelming.
 
Sổ and Āloka certainly crossed the threshold of Death this time, thanks to their merits, perhaps. Will the maxim that “good fortune repeats, misfortune comes singly” hold? That depends on their kamma. What I can do for them is to protect and teach them to the best of my ability, and every time I share merits with lay devotees, donors, and everyone in general, Sổ and Āloka also will receive a share.
 
It is true that “Everything is impermanent.” With each event like this, the Buddha’s teachings become more evidently true. Each event is a message to us that we need to make an effort, have faith, and practice diligently, and not let ourselves go with the flow until it’s too late.

#chuahuongdao #chuahuongdaotemple #sbsstupas
#buddha #buddhism #Dhutanga #dhammajourney
 
Source: Dhammacetiya