this happened about 6mths back when i had a short trip to kl
with a bunch of friends. it was dinner time and we settled down in
coffee shop, ordered chicken rice. then when our meal arrived and
as we were chatting and laughing away, out of nowhere a thai monk
appeared beside me. i didn't notice him when he approached as my
back was facing the entrance. he was holding an empty bowl and
looking at me without a word. before i could make the next move
although confused from an unexpected situation, the waiter chased
him away. i felt sorry for that thai monk. i wasn't aware that they
were supposed to ask for alms during noon. whether he is a fake or
real one, he did look like he was in need of food maybe for
someone? who knows. of all my friends around, i was the only one he
approached and my friends teased me and that happened on the 1st
day of our trip. for the rest of the days, i was thinking about the
monk, where is he now and hope he had enough food and sheltor for
his well being and true practice.
since they are not asking or cheating around for money and just
asking for food, i thought i should have offered him something
within my ability when a being in need was right in front of my
face.
ironically, a few days back in tpy, i came out of a bakery shop. i
saw a crippled beggar sitting on the floor right outside the shop.
i was walking with my hubby and stopped my pace. took out some
money and offered him. then i also offered him the buns i bought
but he rejected.
what is a true real need?
one is a spiritual person going around as normal asking for
alms.
another is a suffering being begging for money instead of
food.
to each his needs i guess.
