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Content created: 2010-11-24 File last modified: Previous Tale Background |
In the fourth lunar month of the 23rd year of the Republic of China (1934), the Living Buddha developed malignant tumors on his feet because of his years of ascetic cultivation walking on hot rock beds. He was staying at the time with a disciple.
"Master, shall I call a doctor for you?"
"Don't bother. Our life in this world is only to receive the karmic retribution of our acts (shòubào 受报). After we finish suffering as a result of our sins, then, regardless of our happiness or our suffering, we can be relieved of all retribution.
"Living and dying make no difference. If one has a secure hold on life, all the suffering will not hamper one's correct belief (zhèngniàn 正念).
"All I am concentrating on now is to chant and await my death. I know what I am doing. Don't feel bad. 'Each of us must be diligent (gèzi`nǔlì 各自努力),' as the Buddha instructed."
The Living Buddha passed away (shìjì 示寂) at the Great Golden Pagoda in Burma on the full-moon of the 5th lunar month of the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935), and thus this holy monk left this filthy world (wǔzhuó èshì 五浊恶世).
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