David Matthew Olatunji Bey
First Published August 9, 2017
Several hundred years ago there were two disciples, Lu and Mu. They were the best of friends. They always encouraged each other to read, study and live according to the divine laws. Lu and Mu were known by many to be very virtuous in their actions and have great wisdom to share.
One unfortunate day their Temple was attacked by Captain Gang Kou and his army. Gang Kou in his ignorance of the Temple's mission wanted control and rule over the people in this region and he wanted to disrupt this Temple’s activities.
Lu and Mu surrendered themselves and asked that the Temple not be destroyed. That perhaps the captain and his men could reside there. Lu and Mu were quickly locked up in a room to live out the remainder of their life.
Gang Kou was known to be a very cruel person. Everyday he would order his cook to serve the rice with meat to Lu and Mu. He wanted them to break their vows as vegetarians. Each day Lu and Mu would remove the meat from their bowls and just eat the rice. One day Gang Kou was notified that they were doing this and ordered the cook to chop the meat up and mix it in the rice. Each day Lu and Mu painstakingly removed each bit of flesh before eating. This went on for years.
One day Lu says, brother I can no longer do this. I am growing tired and weak. For 30 years now we have been removing flesh from the rice. Our bodies are frail. Surely the Great Immortal and the Buddhas will have mercy on us if we just ate some flesh. It takes us so long to remove it.
Brother Mu spoke in a stern voice that we cannot forsake our vows, our bodies, and all that we have done. Nearly in tears Mu begged his brother. Please brother, I begged you, please do not eat the meat. Please.
Brother Lu replied, I will ask for forgiveness.
Besides, we have kept our vows for so long. The Great Immortal will understand our situation. We continue to pray, read and study everyday. Even though we have been locked in the little room. We have both prayed for Gang Kou’s heart to be softened. I am sorry to upset you brother. But I am sure that the Great Immortal will give us pardon. Lu proceeds to eat the rice and meat.
Years later both brothers pass on from this world to the heavenly world. Brother Mu met the Buddhas with welcomes and cheers. Brother Mu you have lived such a virtuous life. Even through the darkest of times you have maintained a pure heart. Please enter. We have a special place for you.
Now many of the Buddhas gathered around to meet Brother Lu. They have heard of his trials and like Brother Mu they were ready to welcome him into the gates.
Brother Lu, there is one matter that you must speak with the Great Immortal about. If it were up to us, you would enter even as we speak. However, this matter is beyond us. In this instant you must appear before the Great Immortal and make a plea. Brother Lu knew that the Great Immortal is so merciful that the Great Immortal would pardon the fate he had faced. And hopefully the merits in the previous life would balance the karma of such a simple thing as eating meat.
Brother Lu before the Great Immortal made his plea. The Great Immortal listened and spoke no words until Brother Lu finished his plea. Then in a moment there was silence.
The Great Immortal spoke only these five words. THE LAW IS THE LAW.
Lu returned to the Buddhas and even Brother Mu was there to greet him. They are anxious to hear the news. What did the Great Immortal say to Brother Lu? Brother Lu looks at them all. The Great Immortal spoke THE LAW IS THE LAW. Like a silent storm from afar sadness filled their hearts and tears in their eyes. They all knew in that moment that Brother Lu must return to Earth and endure the Life/Death cycle to face his karma.
Awesome News! I’ve just released my first book—Steamed Bread: Inside the Wall of a Chinese Tech Company! It's now available as an eBook PDF, and it’s full of stories that’ll inspire and intrigue you.
Get your copy here: buymeacoffee.com/davidbey/e/298758
Feeling generous? Treat me to a coconut or two to fuel more stories and fresh ideas. Your support is deeply appreciated as I continue to explore, create, and share new experiences. Cheers to the journey!
Copyright © 2024 by David Matthew Olatunji Bey
Photo by Suki Lee