A karma Lesson

 A karma Lesson 

Luang Ta Maha Bua hardly talks about his own mystical experiences because those who do not believe may incur bad kamma when they criticise him. But there was one experience he revealed to his disciples at the hot water room of Wat Pa Ban Tat around 2550 (2007). Luang Ta said that one time after he had said his goodbyes to Luang Pu Mun, he went into the deep forests to accelerate his practice, and fasted for several days. 

His body became thin and his skin sallow, and his physical strength dwindled, but yet his heart remained radiant and bright, focused on the themes of the Dhamma. His physical rupa, however, was exhausted because of all the walking and sitting meditation, coupled with the lack of food. Concerned about his declining health, the female thep (tewada/deva) that was constantly protecting him, materialised in front of Luang Ta in a form visible to humans. 

The divine being paid respects to him and revealed that she has a strong kammic affinity with Luang Ta because she was his mother in a past life a long time ago, and was delighted to be able to see her son again. She also expressed concern and wanted to help him by offering him divine food, which just a little would help revitalise his body, and reminding him of their past connection, hope he would kindly accept. 

Luang Ta replied, "Now is not the time for me to accept food" [Monks cannot eat after noon]. 

The goddess replied, "This is divine food, which is superior to human food, it need not be consumed using one's mouth, it can also be absorbed via the body." Luang Ta was adamant, and said that "Kamma is based on intention. Even if it is divine food, absorbing it after noon is against the Vinaya. Even if nobody sees it, my heart knows. The heart is the origin of good and evil, the one who is responsible for one's kamma." 

Seeing that he remained unmoved, the goddess replied that she will bring the food to offer him tomorrow morning instead. 

Luang Ta was circumspect and asked her, "It will not be good if you appear around my dwelling, as it would look like a monk and a lady are together on their own." The goddess assured him that there was nothing to worry about, as she was only visible to him and nobody else. The next morning, after consuming the divine food, Luang Ta's body was instantly refreshed like a dehydrated fish out of water was placed back into its pond. He was also able to find the strength to continue practising hard for the next several days. He mentioned that the goddess' beauty was incomparable, even the prettiest Miss Universe looked like a monkey compared to her. 

Admin: Note that another monk who has consumed divine food is LP Jaran of Wat Amphawan. Divine food, even upon consuming a small mouthful or morsel, is enough to fill one up for the day. It also does not produce any waste, because of its refined nature, unlike human food which makes us go to the toilet. However, devas generally only offer them to monks who practice well, and not ordinary beings like us.