Introduction

Hi, I'm Vege Cat. I live in a Buddhist temple with a bunch of sweet, old nuns who have adopted me.


The temple has got beautiful mirrors, golden statues of the Buddha and lovely gardens.

The nuns are kind to me and I love the vege food they serve me. Now I don't even know what fish tastes like! I don't remember how long I've been here ... they say close to two years.

Life at the temple is quiet and peaceful. I have got used to the droning of the nuns' voices as they chant their prayers everyday. Sometimes it sends me to sleep!


However, I like Head Nun's talks. From her, I learnt things like unconditional love, detachment and the path to Nirvana. I reckon I can attain Nirvana faster in this place than anyone else!


Then something unexpected happened one day. I was sunning myself outside the temple when Cousin Li appeared from nowhere.

Cousin Li had always been the "hero" of the family and had saved many of us from danger when we were young. He recognised me instantly and was overjoyed. He talked excitedly about my family and showed me old photos ... and memories of my younger days flooded back.

I saw photos of my mum and dad and my older brothers.


Then there was Grandma and my rich cousins.


And then my childhood sweetheart who had died of a broken heart when I disappeared.


"But ... but what really happened? How did I end up here?" I cried, my mind totally confused. At the same time, I was mad with Li. I was on my way to enlightenment and Nirvana and he had to show up and spoil everything. Now my heart was in a turmoil and my head was spinning.


Li said gently, "Da (for that is my real name), you were very young then. We all went on an outing to Grandma's place and you got separated from us. We never found you. "


"But", he continued. "I knew in my heart you were not dead. I kept searching for you for the last two years and at last I have found you. Your parents miss you very much. Will you come back with me?"


Just then, the temple bell rang. It was time for prayers. The nuns hurried past me calling, "Come on, Vege Cat or you'll be late for prayers."


I hesitated. Li asked me again, "Da, will you come back with me?"


The temple bell rang a final time. I knew then what my answer would be.


I said firmly, "Goodbye, Li" and walked up the garden path towards the prayer hall.


I heard Li's protests but I walked on. I was on my way to Nirvana and nobody was going to stop me.