The world of Tzu Chi May-June 2022 (Vol.141)

2022 • 06 48 I n every moment when thoughts arise, karmic seeds are created. Innumerable kalpas ago, there was an elder whose son was ill. He constantly suffered ailments that doctors were unable to cure. At the same time, there was another young man whose father was an experienced doctor. The father carefully passed the art of healing to him, and the son worked very diligently at learning to prepare medicines and treat illnesses. At that time, the elder’s son was extremely ill and in great pain. He posted a notice calling for a doctor of extraordinary skill. He also stated that whoever could help cure him would be greatly rewarded in return. When the young doctor saw the notice, he tore it down and headed to the home of the elder’s son. When he arrived, he checked the son’s pulse, diagnosed his illness and prescribed some medicine. When the son took the medicine, it was extremely effective. Each day, his symptoms improved until he was finally healthy. However, once the elder’s son had aster Cheng Yen Tells Stories The Slightest Thought Creates Karma recovered, he refused to pay the doctor. Although he had not received the payment he had been promised, the young doctor did not really mind, and he left the man’s house without issue. Not long afterwards, the man’s illness arose again, and he was once more filled with pain. He had no choice but to ask the doctor to return. So, once more, the doctor came and prescribed him medicine, which suppressed the symptoms again. But even then, the elder’s son did not keep his promise and again refused to pay for his service. Angry with this man, the doctor left and moved far away. Later, the elder’s son grew ill once more. He sent someone to find the doctor, but no one knew where the doctor had gone. The elder’s son was near death and full of pain, so he called his servants, saying that they had to find the doctor no matter what. This time, the elder’s son was determined to keep the doctor by his side and reward him with great riches. After a few days, they finally found the doctor, but he was still very upset at having been tricked over and over again. It was