The Old Couple and the Ambulance

In the late afternoon in a countryside area of the Western region, golden sunlight stretched across a small dirt road. An old couple sat on their porch beside a pot of steaming tea. The old man gazed out onto the quiet road and sighed:

"We are old now. We only wish for good health to live a few more years. What use is money?"

The old woman nodded, her hand caressing a clay pot in the corner of the house, where they kept their life savings. It was the money they had gathered over many rice seasons, bundles of vegetables, and fish, saved for their old age. But today, their hearts held a different kind of worry.

For many years, they had often gone to the temple to listen to the teacher's dharma talk on the law of cause and effect. The teacher said, "You reap what you sow. Those who live generously, helping others and the world, will receive blessings and peace in this life." At first, they just listened for enjoyment, but the more they heard, the deeper it sank in. They looked around their village and saw many heartbreaking scenes: the seriously ill had to be taken to distant hospitals by bicycle or motorbike, sometimes unable to be saved in time because of the long distance or lack of proper transport.

One evening, the old man sat down for his meal, put down his chopsticks, and looked at his wife:

"Dear, what are we saving this money for? We are old; we cannot eat it all, nor wear it all. How about we buy an ambulance to help people get to the hospital in time?"

The old woman was surprised, but then her eyes lit up. She remembered the teacher's words: "While living in this world, every day is an opportunity to create merit. Do not wait until you are wealthy to do good deeds." She nodded:

"Yes, let's do that. As long as we live, we will help others every day. After we die, we cannot take money with us."

The couple decided to use all their savings to buy a second-hand ambulance and carefully refurbish it. Once they had the vehicle, they did not keep it for private use. They placed it at the head of the village for anyone who needed it. They volunteered as drivers, regardless of day or night, rain or shine. As soon as they heard the phone ring, they would set off.

At first, many people in the village gossiped: "These two old people are just showing off. They have money but don't spend it on themselves; instead, they buy a vehicle to transport others." But later, when a patient was transported to the hospital in time and their life was saved, everyone was deeply moved. Their good reputation spread, and people in the village and surrounding areas all came to know of this kind-hearted old couple.

One afternoon, after transporting an elderly woman to the hospital and returning home, the old man sat panting by the steering wheel. The old woman handed him a glass of water. He smiled:

"Do you see, dear? Although we are old, we can still help others. It feels happier than just sitting around with our money."

The old woman looked at him, her eyes glistening:

"Yes, the teacher was right. Plant a wholesome cause, and you will reap a wholesome fruit. We wish for nothing more than for everyone to be safe and at peace."

From then on, the old couple became shining examples in their village. They not only helped the sick but also advised the villagers to live kindly, do good deeds, and let go of competition, jealousy, and resentment. Many young people in the village followed their example, contributing their effort and resources to acquire more vehicles and help those in difficult circumstances.

The couple's life remained simple. They still sat by their pot of tea every afternoon, but their hearts were filled with joy. They understood that true happiness does not lie in possessing great wealth, but in being able to do something beneficial for life and for others.

Meaning of the Story

The story of the elderly couple shows that the bodhisattva mind is not somewhere far away. It is found right in concrete actions, arising from compassion and an understanding of the law of cause and effect. When hearing good teachings, those with the bodhisattva seed immediately think of the welfare of all beings, not just their own concerns. They are willing to sacrifice their possessions and energy to help others and the world, and it is this very act that creates blessings and peace for the present and the future.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang