Why I HAD to Go to Walgreens in the Middle of a Thunderstorm.

Recently, while traveling, my hearing aid signaled that the battery was getting low. Although I searched my bag thoroughly, I could not find the package of batteries that I carry for such occasions. I decide to go to Walgreens to get a new pack before my hearing aid shut off which I managed to do just I in time. Shortly afterward I noticed the package of batteries in my bag that I couldn't find before. I then joked, "I guess someone at Walgreens needed to see a monk."

However, that is not just a joke. I have long heard that it is a great blessing just to see a monk. Although no one said just how it was a blessing, just as it says in the Mahamangala Sutra, “Stanza IX

27. Khantii: Patience

28. Sovacassataa: Meekness when corrected.

29. Sama.naana~n ca dassana.m: Meeting (seeing) monks.

30. Kaalena dhammasaakacchaa: Discussing the Dhamma at the proper time.” However, I did find the following list on a Theravadan web site:

“The Benefits of seeing a true monk

1. Makes us aware of our responsibilities to cultivate meritorious deed.

2. Inspires us to follow the good manner and conduct of the true monk.

3. Enables us to have the right view and greater wisdom in way of life.

4. Becomes a non-recklessness person.

5. Seen as a person who fully pays homage to the Triple gems.

6. Enables us to attain the threefold treasure: Mundane treasure, Celestial treasure and Nirvana treasure.

7. Enables us to attain the path and fruits of the Nirvana.”

Bearing such things in mind, a few days ago, in the middle of a thunderstorm, I felt a powerful urge to go to shopping at Walgreens. I had chosen a couple of cleaning products from their weekly ad to purchase, but planned to go at a more “reasonable” time. Nevertheless, obeying my intuition, I went, getting the items I intended to buy and a few others. As I approached the checkout a young man with only one item was also approaching it and I waved him ahead, but he said that I should go ahead of him, which I did. When we had both paid for our purchases, he asked me where my temple was. I explained that our classes were in borrowed facilities.

We then spent several minutes talking about his experiences visiting Tibet several times. We also talked about the realities of the situation in Tibet especially in the light of the recent shut down by Chinese authorities. What are the odds of the only Tibetan Buddhist monk in this redneck town meeting a young American who really understands what is happening in Tibet?

I cannot say whether I may meet this young man again. However, I can hope that, despite my being the last and least of all Drikung Kagyu monks, nevertheless he may receive the blessings of meeting a monk. Thereby, even my most mundane activities may be for the benefit of all sentient beings.