Pure Inspiration

Ishanka – 94
them. ‘We were waiting for you, Bhante,’ was the reply. This morning,
a relative who had passed away, but was now a deva had told her that
she could do something good and acquire some merit. The deva
instructed her to make food for her family and some additional food
for a worthy monk who will be along shortly and that she should offer
him this food.
While on cārikā (walking tour) around the south of the island in
elephant country, Bhante had expected to reach the next village before
nightfall but it was getting quite dark as the sun had set. Some way in
the distance he could see a light and when he approached it, he could
see that it was a monk standing patiently by the road with a lantern.
When he approached the monk, he invited Bhante to accompany him
to his kuṭi in the forest, about one kilometre from the road, where
there was a well with good water. Bhante asked the monk how he
knew of his approach? ‘I was meditating earlier today and I was
informed that a monk will be approaching and I can do him some
service. He is one of your relatives and he will be here soon.’ He
stayed with this monk for about three days and continued on his way.
Bhante left Dhammakuta the day after Vesak. In his final blessing to
everyone, he said: ‘You have perfect conditions here for your
practice,’ and his face was radiant even though he was now quite weak.
To me, he said, ‘Forget the past and continue with your practice.’ His
departure coincided with the final day of a ten day course, focussed on
mettā.