T.K. has gone blind. We were devastated when Head Nun told us the news but then, as she said, he is more than ten years old and old age has caught up with him.
"Don't worry, T.K.," she said, gently patting his head. "We shall take good care of you." She then very lovingly prepared for him a shady corner near the kitchen and placed bowls of food and water for him. Everyday we would all pay him a visit but T.K. is not one to wallow in self pity.
"T.K., is there anything you need?" I asked, feeling so sorry for him.
"For heaven's sake, Da, I may be blind but that doesn't mean I'm totally helpless! Thanks to Head Nun, I'm quite comfortable here. So please don't treat me like I'm some invalid!"
"Sorry, T.K." I whispered.
"You know, Da," he began. "In this world we meet with various vicissitudes of life. Some are pleasant, some not so pleasant and old age is something we all cannot escape from. It will creep up on us one day and soon our body will be stricken with disease and the mind filled with worry, turmoil and misery. You know my story, I was a mischievous rascal when I was young. Call it good luck or good karma earned somewhere along the way, I found a home in this temple with Head Nun but still I have to atone for all my bad actions and going blind is probably the price I have to pay for my sins. So don't waste your time feeling sorry for me. Take refuge at the lotus feet of the Buddha, He alone can help you through this journey of life and bring you peace and equanimity. Always have His name on your lips because continuous remembrance of Him will help you cross the sea of Samsara."
That was just one of the "discourses" T.K. gave me and till today, I still remember his every word.
Yes, no one saves us but ourselves. We ourselves must walk the path.
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