The Buddha visiting the sick
While the Buddha was residing in Jetvana Vihara, a Bikshu got seriously
ill. As he could not tidy his room for quite a while, it was very dirty.
Although he had visitors earlier on in his illness, nobody came to see him
as time went by.
When the Buddha learnt about this, he came to visit this Bikshu
one day:" Has anyone come to see you since you fell ill?"
" Buddha! At first, a lot of people came to see me. But
nobody came after a while."
" How are you now? Are you any better?"
" Buddha! It is not easy for my ailment to heal at this
old age." The Bikshu said in tears.
On hearing this, the Buddha held the Bikshu's body in his
arms. Suddenly, the Bikshu became well again, all because of the incredible
power of the Buddha!
" Thank you for making me well again, Buddha! Why have
you bothered to be so compassionate to one like me who has already been
deserted?" The Bikshu asked.
" People should help one another. You have helped me,
and I should help you in return." As he said so, his countenance glowed
with compassion.
" Buddha! I have not helped you in any way."
" You have. It is only because you have not attained
fruition that you do not have knowledge of the past."
" Kindly reveal it to me."
" There was a devious king in the past who would do anything
to collect treasures. He had a very merciful assistant named 'Five hundred'.
At that time, a monk had incited the anger of the king, and it was thanks
to the courageous petition at the risk of 'Five hundred''s own life that
the monk was saved. You were 'Five hundred', and I was the monk then."
The Buddha accounted on this previous karma.
" Oh, I see!" The Bikshu was happy to hear about
this, and he became a healthy man who had regained human warmth through
the Buddha's relief of his suffering.
[ The Buddha said:" Of the eight fields of merits, caring for the sick comes first." This well illutrates the Buddha's great emphasis placed on looking after the sick. It is not only an act to gain blessings, but a way of cultivation as well. This is why all Buddhists should resolve to be the doctors and nurses of sentient beings.]
