Late yesterday morning, I was preparing to send my car for servicing. When I looked down from the level where I live, I saw policemen and a tent. From what I know, the tent is usually used to cover a corpse. At that moment, I couldn’t believe this was happening so close to me. I texted Mel and Xiumin to check, and they were sharp. Both said it was a suicide.
I took the lift down, and when the door opened, the police were examining the body. I saw that it was a middle-aged woman with long, curly hair. I was scared for a brief moment. Then a thought came to me, the body was just like that of dead birds, rats, cats, and dogs. Most importantly, we are the same. One day, I too will be that body. With that thought, the fear in me subsided.
I’ve lost hope with the monastic sangha and I no longer want to be involved. However, remembering Dhamma benefits me and with this, I am contented!
Late in the evening, I learned from the news that the woman who had fallen was 66 years old and the police believed there was no foul play. The investigation is still ongoing.
After feeding the cats past midnight, I happened to take the same lift as some residents here. As they were talking about today’s incident, I asked if they knew which level the woman lived, and they told me level 11. I was curious.
I told Mel that no matter how hard life gets, we should never give up. Where there is darkness, there is also light. Focus on the bright side. This also reminded me of Jane Goodall, who has always been a role model for me to live life to the fullest!
May the merits accumulated be dedicated to the deceased’s favourite rebirth!
Cats who teach me to fly... 