STORY 19 – THE INSECTS IN THE BLUE WATER LILY POD

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

I remembered Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri’s compassion, care and kindness to all beings, even the very small beings around her.

In the monastery I saw her pick up a fallen leave from the bush and try to rescue a drowning bee in the blue water lily pod. She carefully lifted the struggling bee to the rim of the pod and left it there to dry out its wings. 

Later, when we were at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage in Jane Brook, she would do the same. Whenever I pushed Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri in her wheelchair and passed the puss’s water container outside the sliding door, she would stop to check whether any insects had gotten into trouble in the water. If she noticed any insects struggling in the water, she would ask me to pick up a leave or a twig on the ground and help them out of the water.

I was amazed and appreciated Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri’s care to the beings around her. I was also grateful for the opportunity to offer life and safety to the beings.

………………………………