|
Mahâbodhi Forest Monastery."
"That's right, Bhante."
"Hmm….how much Sayadaw must have experienced, comparing the situation of thirty years ago with the present situation. Would he have had many reflections about the past? Or would he have developed spiritual urgency, bearing in mind the impermanent nature of phenomena (sankâras)?"
"Surely both could have happened, Bhante."
"How did they arrange for the Sayadaws' lodging?"
"There wasn't a single building left within the Mahâbodhi Forest Monastery grounds. There was just a small gatehouse. It was just a small bamboo hut. The floor was also bamboo. The hut was really tiny. It had become dilapidated. They put a bed into this tiny hut for Sayadaw. As for U Paññobhatha, he had to sleep right on the floor. The roof also wasn't tight any more. There were holes in it.
Among the men who had accompanied the Sayadaws there was a layman called U Thein. He spoke to Sayadaw like this, 'Venerable Sayadaw….Is your coming here now is only for yourself? Isn't there something for us as well?' he said.
"U Thein's speech was polite. Sayadaw also appeared to be happy to hear U Thein's words. He was probably hoping someone would come and say that."
"Bhante, it was said that Sayadaw underestimated us, that he thought we wouldn't be able to meditate. We lay supporters also underestimated him. We thought he wouldn't be able to stay in that big forest."
"Right….did the events that followed give proof to the low opinion Sayadaw and your group had of each other? What happened? What you all are telling me is becoming more and more interesting. Please continue," I said.
To explain my use of the words, 'you all,' sitting near me were Daw Kyi Kyi, Daw Hla Nu, Daw Bhu and Daw Shwe. Not far away were two schoolteachers, Ma Moe Moe and Ma Wah Wah, Ma Win Mah, Daw Khin Tint and Ma Cho Than, who had come together with the group to offer breakfast. Before long, U Nyan Sein and Maung Aung Zin, both schoolteachers, and Maung Saw Win Htut arrived. When Daw Kyi Kyi was speaking, Daw Hla Nu, Daw Bhu and Daw Shwe also joined in and spoke. For that reason I addressed my questions to the four of them.
|
|