While
On The Path
A Couple Who Finally Met A Good Person
As
the Vegetarian House was ready to close one evening, a couple suddenly
came in. They had been driving a truck, so their bodies and clothes
were dirty, and their eyes looked not only tired, but suggested
a tone of anger. At that point, the sister initiate who managed
the restaurant remembered Master's teaching: "Treat everyone with
a loving heart". She therefore rose quickly and smilingly said "I
am sorry to say, all the dishes have cooled and there is not much
left. Perhaps if you don't mind, we could charge you less instead."
The couple
accepted and started to eat. Now and then, the sister initiate,
brimming with a heart full of love, continued putting more food
on the couple's plates, even after the bill had been settled. With
this, their frozen faces changed to shining joy, like the sunshine
in spring.
The man
started to talk to the fellow sister: "Before I came in, I was
thinking that there were no good people left in this world. I have
changed my mind now, as today I have finally met a good person".
The man continued to pour out all that was in his heart. "Today
is the first time that I have heard words said with such loving
care, and I am really touched. Previously, when I was having a
similar meal of `left-overs' in another restaurant, I made a joke
to see if they would charge me less, but the boss said, "Either
eat or don't eat - it's up to you." What a nasty tone he used.
From your actions today such as your warm greeting to us, I am
sure I have finally met a good person." He then looked at Master's
photograph and said, "Your Master must be a very good person." After
the meal, the couple left in high spirits.
The next
day, they returned to the Vegetarian House. At first, the sister
did not recognize them because they were wearing clean clothes
and their faces were brightened with a smile - totally different
than the day before. They seemed filled with love, as if they had
regained confidence in the goodness of other people.
They were
watching Master's lecture videotape while eating. After the meal,
they bought some of Her photos and necklaces, and happily put them
on in an instant, showing their purity of mind. Since then, they
have often visited the Vegetarian House, to inquire about spiritual
practice, and to further understand Master's teachings.
The fellow
initiates who help out at the Vegetarian House realize deeply that
the restaurant is a 'modern ashram,' meeting the needs of many
sentient beings. To think, just one meal caused such a drastic
change! Master's love incessantly comforts the lonely hearts of
all sentient beings, like the Quan Yin Bodhisattva with a thousand
hands and a thousand eyes, "fulfilling a thousand requests, answering
a thousand prayers."
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Rescuing
The Heavenly Seat