In your life, every thought and action is recorded as though they are seen through a celestial camera. The divine sees all with sharp, unerring eyes. Thus, it is wise not to harbor ill intentions or to commit even minor wrongs simply because you think they might go unnoticed.
A tale of borrowed rice and deception
A story has been passed down in southern Hebei, China, for generations. Long ago, two sisters grew up depending on each other. As they reached adulthood, the younger sister continued to struggle in poverty and often relied on her older sister’s help. Whenever her situation improved, she would return what she had borrowed, and their bond remained strong.
However, misfortune struck, and the elder sister developed an eye disease. Despite seeking various treatments, she eventually lost her sight entirely. Meanwhile, the younger sister’s life remained difficult, and she once again found herself in dire need. She visited her sister to borrow rice.
Although blind, the elder sister readily agreed to help. She pointed to the rice jar and said: “Take what you need.” The younger sister filled a basket with rice and promised: “I’ll return it by autumn.” But when the time came to repay her debt, the younger sister was tempted by the knowledge that her sister could no longer see. She decided to cheat, filling the basket only partially and covering it with a thin layer of rice.
“Here’s the rice I borrowed. Feel it and check,” the younger sister said when she returned. Trusting her sister completely, the elder sibling replied with a laugh: “Why would I need to check? I trust you.” Pleased with her deception, the younger sister believed her dishonest act had gone unnoticed.
A mysterious illness and a debt repaid
Not long after, the younger sister fell ill with a strange disease and passed away. Left alone, the elder sister raised a flock of chickens to ease her solitude. Among them was a particularly remarkable hen that laid eggs daily, even when the other hens stopped. The elder sister grew very fond of it.
After two or three years, the hen became weak and sickly. One night, the elder sister dreamed of her deceased younger sister, who tearfully explained: “I’ve spent years repaying the rice I owed you. My debt is now settled, and it’s time for me to go.” Upon waking, the elder sister realized the hen had died. She understood then that the hen had been the reincarnation of her younger sister, returning to repay her debt from her previous life.
A reflection on belief and tradition
In today’s world of materialism and relentless pursuit of wealth and fame, atheistic ideologies dominate the minds of many. Skepticism about reincarnation, the divine, and the moral law of cause and effect runs deep. Yet, in moments of despair, why do people instinctively call out: “Oh God! Heaven help me!”?
China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture have ingrained these beliefs into the very fabric of its people, though they may be buried under modern atheistic thought. Stories like this one serve as reminders of life’s timeless values and truths. For those who believe, blessings await.
Translated by Chua BC
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