Pure Inspiration

Ishanka – 97
At that point, a well-meaning family friend advised them to seek the
assistance of a ‘spiritualist’ who, in turn, assured her he would ‘deal
with the problem’ effectively. My friend hesitated and confided to her
family friend that she didn’t want the squatter to be hurt in the process,
but only to get him to leave the property peacefully without causing
further trouble. She felt compelled to act in order to help her husband
in his aspiration to become a monk.
After my friend paid the fee, she was instructed to collect the ‘magic
potion’ (a powder) a few days later. This was to be sprinkled
surreptitiously on the boundary of the disputed land. It was during that
time that my friend, a long time supporter, visited Ven. Ñāṇavimala.
She paid respects, made some offerings, and then inquired about his
health. She didn't mention her own problems. Bhante was unwell and
frail in appearance, but his face was serene and his mind was very
clear. His response astonished her, for he simply said ‘Not for the sake
of oneself, nor for the sake of another, would a wise person do
something wrong’ (summarising Dhammapada verse 84). My friend
understood immediately the meaning of Bhante's words and decided
not to go through with the prescribed ‘spell’.
The happy ending to this story is that there was a legal ruling in
favour of my friend to evict the squatters and return the property to
the rightful owners.