After each birthday, I usually return to a sacred place—Bodh Gaya…
There stands the Bodhi Tree, where the Buddha attained enlightenment after 49 days of silent meditation, and a Buddha statue whose energy field is at once majestic and sacred, compassionate and penetrating—the most profound my soul has ever ‘touched’ on my journey…
On his first return, Dad met a monk… While they were talking, one of the monk's disciples passed by and quietly said to Dad:
“He is a great teacher here.”
I treasured it deeply, and the two of us felt as if we had reunited with a brother after a long time, finally meeting again in this lifetime…
That monk became a familiar companion, traveling everywhere with Dad and supporting his every step in the sacred land.
From that day on, whenever Dad returned to Bodh Gaya, the monk would meet him at the airport and prepare every little detail: his accommodation, his travel itinerary here, and even profound ceremonies and spiritual activities in this land…
One day, without anyone mentioning anything or making any request…
The monk quietly took our family photograph, printed it, placed it before the Buddha statue with the deepest and most wonderful energy Dad has ever known, and chanted prayers—sending peace and blessings to you children and the whole family.
It has been two years since that prayer. The last one or two photos are from a year ago, when Dad returned.
And today, Dad warmly recalls this story because he feels… perhaps he will soon return there once again.
This time, come along with me.
Returning to where the Enlightened Heart still beats quietly between heaven and earth.
