Pure Inspiration

Ishanka – 95
Everyone gathered in the corridors of the hall, waiting to line up on
both sides of the road leading from the top kuṭi to the hall to pay their
respects. It was raining heavily and it didn’t seem as though there was
going to be any let-up, but right at the time Bhante was due to leave,
around 8 am, the clouds parted, the rain ceased, and the sun burst
through the clouds. Bhante emerged from his kuṭi smiling and was
carried in a chair along the path. A chorus of ‘Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
(It is well!)’ broke out as he was helped into the car which was taking
him to Colombo. The car had barely left the property and the clouds
closed, the sun disappeared and the rain came crashing down again as
the car disappeared into the rain soaked distance.
Post Script
I wish to share a couple of anecdotes related by friends who were also
students and supporters of Ven. Ñāṇavimala
Anecdote I
Whenever Ven. Ñāṇavimala was on cārikā (walking tour) in the hill
country, he would unfailingly visit my friend and her husband, who
were devoted long time supporters. He would accept their invitation to
stay for a few days in an annex on their property. While there, Bhante
would set off on his alms round in the morning and then retire to his
quarters for the rest of the day. In the evenings he would see visitors
and answer their questions on the Dhamma. Bhante Ñāṇavimala was
precise and generous with his advice.
Both my friend and her husband were keen meditators and relished
the opportunity to discuss their practice and relevant suttas with
Bhante. On one occasion, it occurred to my friend's husband to tape