Nicro, the name we often call this white dog, is short for Nigrodharam, a place in the city of Kappilavasthu in Nepal. For now, we consider it Nicro’s hometown because it was here that he started following the foot-traveling Sangha, accompanying us for the remaining half of our journey of Following the Buddha’s Footsteps.
 
Since then, So and Aloka had a new brother, Nicro, who was about three years old. He was big and strong, yet gentle and shy. Whenever an enemy attacked, Nicro would quickly flee, leaving the two brothers to fight. But he would then find his way back and lightly attack the enemy from behind. When our side rushed forward in the offensive position, Nicro would join in repelling the enemy. Yet when the enemy turned around, growled and roared, Nicro would run away so fast, it was as if he were flying.
 
Even though we found these images amusing, we felt sorry for Nicro because of this weakness. After spending many days on the road, soaking in the rain and enduring the heat with the Sangha, Nicro at least had a real shelter and acquired a new youngest brother, Karuna.
 
Nicro was originally a homeless dog who wandered here and there. Perhaps that was why he often roamed the streets, walking in the middle of the road and sleeping alone on the roadside at night. During our journey through piles of dirt, sand, and ash, he would roll around in them until he was covered in grime. Nicro got along well with the youngest Karuna, and they were always playing together.
 
I named him Sukho, which means peace and happiness. I hoped that Sukho would find absolute happiness through the merits acquired during our journey of Following Buddha’s Footsteps.
 
One summer afternoon at the ruins of the Buddhist university Vikramshila, Sukho (Nicro) got lost. In the darkness of night, Ajahn Phra Adul and I, along with some of our brothers in Dhamma, split up to search the neighboring villages. “Sukho… Nicro…” Despite calling out for him, he was nowhere to be found. We could only offer our blessings and prayers for him and continued our journey the next morning. Ajahn Phra Adul decided to announce a reward of 1000 rupees for his safe return. The children and young people in the village searched for him, but they were unable to find him.
 
After more than a day and a half on our way back to Nalanda University, we found Sukho injured and dirty, his collar missing. We were surprised and wondered how Sukho had managed to find us. He must have fought off attacks, endured hunger and thirst, and followed the scent of So, Aloka, and the youngest Karuna day and night. We were overjoyed to be reunited with him, and we gave him food and water, cleaned and groomed him, and prepared to continue our journey.
 
This time, I took Sukho on a leash to teach him basic rules and help him overcome his fear of other dogs. He eventually succeeded and was no longer afraid. However, he became scared when we crossed a high bridge. I carried him across, feeling his trembling throughout. Sukho weighing 57 lbs plus two bags on the shoulders tired me out. However the compassion for this being outweighed my exhaustion.
 
Ajahn Phra Adul and I discussed bringing Sukho to Thailand because he believed that Sukho could not survive in Bodhgaya and didn’t want him to return to his former wild lifestyle. We took care of all immigration procedures for Sukho, including rabies vaccinations, microchips, and other requirements. Ajahn Phra Adul canceled his flight with the Sangha and bought a new ticket to depart five days later, staying behind with me to complete the remaining procedures. On April 6, 2023, at 3:00 am, Sukho boarded a plane with Ajahn Adul in New Delhi, India, and landed at Bangkok airport, Thailand.
 
Sukho had the opportunity to pay respects to the Sangha and then followed Ajahn Adul to Wat Nong Bua temple, which is now his new home.
 
Shortly after, Sukho got lost after following Ajahn Suphat of this temple on the alms round. The monks and Buddhist devotees came together to announce a reward for finding Sukho. Eventually, he was found stiff and lifeless by the roadside. It was April 21, 2023, about 5 km from the Relic Stupa. We were shocked and devastated to receive the horrific news, and we knew that Ajahn Adul, the monks, and laypeople in Thailand shared our feelings.
 
In recent days, I have received several phone calls from Thailand and New Zealand about Sukho’s death. My sympathy and thoughts have rushed in, and I realize that Sukho’s choice to follow the foot-traveling Sangha left a deep impression on the Buddhist devotees and those who followed the Sangha on our journey of Following the Buddha’s Footsteps.
 
In the middle of the night, when all things were quiet and still, I closed my eyes and reminisced about the moments when we walked side by side with Sukho, overcoming hardships. I felt a mixture of love, sadness, and unwavering belief that the merits that Sukho created through the journey of Following the Buddha’s Footsteps, listening to the suttas, paying homage to the Buddha, and venerating the Buddha’s relics, will bring Sukho to be rebirthed in a peaceful realm, whether as a deva or a human, liberated from all the sufferings of animal life.
 
Dear Sukho, your teacher hereby transfers merits and offers blessings to you! May you rest in peace on the journey of birth and death. May you be free from all worldly attachments.
 
Farewell with love, my child.
Teacher Paññākāra
 
 
#chuahuongdao #chuahuongdaotemple #sbsstupas
#buddha #buddhism #Dhutanga #dhammajourney
 
Source: Dhammacetiya