Once upon a time, there lived a Buddhist Master named Kuya (空也), an itinerant Japanese monk who traveled to propagate the Buddha’s teachings.
One day, on his way to give a Dharma talk, he passed through a forest. Suddenly, a thief holding a knife appeared in front of him.
“Don’t Move! I protect this forest from strangers. You cannot pass unless you pay me a fee!” the thief demanded.
Without replying, Master Kuya began to cry.
Pointing at the Master, the thief mocked him, “Oh, look at you! Crying for your life...You’re a coward and unfit to be a monk!”
Master Kuya remained silent. He stood staring at the thief, making eye contact as tears rolled down his cheeks.
The thief continued to laugh at him.
Then, the Master simply said, “I am so very sad for you. My tears are for you and your unwholesome deeds. You don’t realize your own goodness!”
“Yes, I do! My purpose in life is to steal!” said the thief.
The Master shook his head and said, “I feel so sorry for you!”
“You’re lying, you’re just afraid to die!” the thief replied.
Raising an eyebrow, the Master said, “I’m not afraid to die.”
“Stop talking nonsense! If you don’t pay me, I will kill you!” the thief said.
“Kill me if you wish, but before you do, let me tell you something,” Master Kuya replied.
The thief nodded. “OK, go ahead!”
“In Buddhism, the law of cause and effect means that every action brings about a certain result. You threaten people and steal from them, causing them fear and pain. If you carry on, be prepared to face the consequences. Evil deeds, such as killing and stealing, leads you to be reborn in hell,” The Master explained.
“I don’t believe you!” the thief shouted.
Master Kuya responded, “Whether you believe in it or not, the law of cause and effect applies to everyone. You may have heard of the saying, ‘You reap what you sow.’ So let me warn you, the pain and suffering that you’ll endure in hell is beyond anything you can imagine. THIS is why I’m crying for you. I am so sorry that you don’t see the dangers of your actions, and the terrible karma should you continue your evil ways.”
“But if I don’t steal, what else can I do?” the thief asked.
“You’re still young and healthy. If you’re willing to work hard, there are other ways to make a living. Think about the other skills you have yet to learn. There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world, you need to work for it. The wealth you steal can never be truly yours. You think you are gaining by stealing from others, but really you are only losing everything of value.” Master Kuya explained.
“I never thought to be anything else than a thief, I guess I didn’t know any better,” the thief said. He continued, “From this moment on, I vow to make better use of my life and plan to follow and learn from you.”
Touched by the Master’s words, the thief felt the depth of the Master’s compassion and so decided to become his disciple.
The moral of this story is that an act of compassion can turn a life around. Mater Kuya’s compassionate tears made the thief realize his true potential in life. This also illustrates that the practice of compassion requires wisdom. The Master skillfully conveyed his message in a way that touched the heart and mind of the thief. Through his moving words, the thief decided to stop his evil ways, and to follow Master Kuya to do good deeds.
When we show compassion, our words and deeds are like the sunshine or pristine water, bringing light and purity to this world. The light of our compassion for others brings them the warmth of hope. The power of our compassion can give us the strength to face obstacles in life without fear. A compassionate heart is like a lamp that guides those who are lost to find their way.
Compassion is also like the ultimate travel pass. Even if we have nothing, no matter where we go, a compassionate heart will always lead us to a life full of happiness.
Just as Venerable Master Hsing Yun says,
Having sympathy in one’s heart, one can benefit others.
Having understanding in one’s heart, one can tolerate others.
Having patience in one’s heart, one can work with others.
Having compassion in one’s heart, one can liberate others.”
