The following comes from a Dharma talk by Daehaeng Kun Sunim. Although it may be tempting to think that she’s speaking in metaphors, she isn’t. I’m reminded of the time she gave me a fierce look and said, “I always keep my promises!” 🙂
Let me talk about one more thing before we end today’s talk: Some of you are worried about what happens after I pass away, that I won’t be here to guide you. Right? However, because you are practicing and learning to rely upon your fundamental mind, I will always be with you, just as if I was alive. No…, not “as if.” I will be there, alive. Even now, I often leave this body behind to go take care of things. So if I need “this” shape to help save people, I go use this shape. When I need “that” shape to help save people, I use that shape. If the shape of an old monk is needed, that’s shape I take. If a beggar is needed, then I go become a beggar. If a bug is necessary, I become a bug. Could you call any of these shapes me? No. “I” don’t exist. Not even a little bit. Not even now. If you all work hard and deepen your practice, what is there that you couldn’t do?! So there’s nothing for you to worry about!
– Daehaeng Kun Sunim, April 2, 2000
This made me cry! And it is totally true! Yes, KunSunim does always keep her promises. It is so beautiful and so warm, these few sentences you wrote, have so much in them. ” I will always be with you” – I am so grateful for that, especially because I know it is so
I’ve printed this out, it’s gonna be my insurance policy, I’ll carrie it around.
*carry
What a wonderful gift to have the memory of having her tell you this so many years ago. She was not just her physical body. What foresight, wisdom, and sensitivity she had!
I know I’m reading this late, but wow, amazing. I hope you can post more snippets of her dharma talks, Chong go. Thank you.