Two Lifetimes from a Single Gesture of Reverence

The difference between one respectful gesture and one word of slander leads to two opposite outcomes after two hundred cycles of rebirth.

A narrow path led into an ancient, quiet temple as the afternoon sun cast long shadows across old bricks. Two travelers happened to meet there. One was a weary wanderer, dusty and burdened by worldly afflictions. The other was a wealthy merchant, proud in demeanor, always believing himself to be the center of the universe.

They both paused before a clay statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. It was simple, yet radiated gentle compassion. The traveler looked at the statue, and a rare peace arose in his heart amidst the chaos of life. He thought silently:

"This figure is so beautiful, with such a kind face. Though I do not yet understand the teachings, my heart feels lighter."

He stopped, pressed his palms together at his chest, and bowed respectfully several times. It was a simple gesture, not yet deeply rooted in doctrine. Then he continued on his way, leaving behind a small seed of goodness.

In contrast, the merchant looked at the statue with contempt. He sneered and said to his attendant:

"It is all a trick. They mold some clay and call it divine to cheat foolish people out of their money. These priests erect statues for worship and force people to bow down; it is ridiculous."

Having spoken, he waved his hand and walked away, leaving behind sharp words that cut off any opportunity to create good conditions. Both left the temple, seemingly without incident. But through the wisdom eye of an enlightened being, time is not measured in years, but in endless chains of cause and effect (karmic law).

Two hundred lifetimes passed. This duration felt endless to sentient beings, yet it was merely a brief moment in the flow of karma. The merchant from those days, due to one word of slander and an arrogant mind that denied the Three Jewels, slid deeper into the suffering of samsara (cycle of rebirth). Karma pushed him lower and lower until he was reborn as a blind, dirty earthworm crawling close to the ground, never able to lift its head again. A single moment of hatred and delusion, a lie about truth, had destroyed his future liberation.

Meanwhile, the traveler from those days, thanks to a simple gesture born of sincere respect, planted a firm seed of enlightenment in his storehouse consciousness. After two hundred lifetimes of practice and accumulating merit, he finally attained realization, becoming a noble one who enjoys eternal peace. From the smallest action, cause and effect operated with precise subtlety.

### The Meaning of the Story

This story serves as a warning about the power of dependent origination and the law of cause and effect (karmic law). No action is too small or meaningless. A respectful gesture, however simple, can lead to Buddhahood over many lifetimes, while a word of arrogant slander can result in rebirth among animals. The lesson emphasizes that within the "existence" of present actions lies the "emptiness" of future results not yet formed. Yet, when conditions are sufficient, this emptiness becomes clear existence. Practitioners must be careful with every thought and word, for they are the seeds that determine long-term destiny.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang