The world of Tzu Chi January 2020 (Vol.118)

TZU CHI 118 51 sleep. He could not eat for seven days, he could not sleep for seven days, and he was sick for seven days. The king then returned from his victory. Before entering his palace, he went around and inspected the city. When he came to the monk’s lodging just outside the palace, he decided to stop in for a visit. He found that the place was a filthy mess, and he saw the monk lying on his bed, apparently sick. The king ordered his soldiers to clean up the place. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and asked the monk if he was sick. “Your Majesty,” the monk replied, “I’m not sick, but my mind is in turmoil.” “Why is that?” the king asked. He replied honestly, “I saw the lady’s body and lost my composure.” The king then said, “If you want her, then I will give her to you. Get up and come with me.” The monk put on his clothes and went with the king to the main hall. The king requested the court lady to present herself. The king told her, “From now on, you will live with the monk.” Later, when the monk was not around, the king told her secretly, “He’s sick because of you, so try to help him.” “I understand,” she answered, “and you can count on me.” So she followed the monk out of the palace. “Where are you taking me?” she asked him. “We should have a house.” He thought for a while and then asked, “Where can I get a house?” “Why don’t you ask the king for one?” So he went back to the king, and the king indeed gave him a house in the city. It was a building where piles of junk were stored. The monk brought the lady there, and she took one look. “Look, the house is full of garbage and it needs to be cleaned up. First, I want you to sweep the floor, and then I want you to wipe the walls clean.” “Where should I start?” he asked. “Go to the palace and get a broom, a dustpan, and other cleaning supplies. Then get back here and sweep out this house.” So the monk went back to the palace and got the supplies. He then gave the house a thorough cleaning. When he finished, he was dirty and sweating, but the lady was not satisfied. “Now the house is empty, so you need to move some furniture here. We need