Not long ago, many people came down with a flu. Master then kindly instructed those who had the flu to wear a mask over their mouth and nose for several more days after they had fully recovered.

Master said that the people who were infected had not taken good care of and protected themselves properly, while those who were ill did not take enough precaution. It was an inconsiderate, selfish quality. Do not think that this is a small matter. Its effects are far beyond our imagination. Master cited an example to explain it to us.

There was a fellow practitioner who was lost in a love affair and had not come to group meditation for a long time. Because his girl didn't like it. It was not easy for him to recover from his situation and come to attend a retreat, and with the determination to practice earnestly. However, because he caught a flu, he was unable to take care of himself when he returned home. That gave his ex-girlfriend an excuse and a chance to look after and influence him. Since his girlfriend was not a vegetarian, it was naturally difficult for his food to be pure vegetarian. Then, what would become of the aspiration to practice that this fellow practitioner so difficultly raised? Therefore, we have to be very careful even in small matters.

Master also talked about the time when She had a flu while She was abroad a long time ago. She wore a mask so that other people would not be infected, especially the children, who had a lower bodily resistance to infection.

In order to be even more close to Master and to see Her holy countenance even more clearly, the fellow initiates present requested that Master not wear a mask. They were willing to be infected, and thought that it would be a supreme blessing. However, Master refused to do so, to protect everyone. (A brother resident disciple immediately verified this.)

Master mentioned the incident only because of this occasion to cite an example, and several years later, which shows that all Her actions come from the most sincere affection and humility. By telling us this story, Master wanted us to know that She practices what She teaches us.

I recalled the first time Master came to our center in Phnom Penh. As She came to the stairs leading to the upper floor, She very naturally, and without any hesitation, took off Her shoes, and proceeded to go up the stairs. All the fellow initiates present were stunned and immediately asked Master to put Her shoes back on. It was because the polished stone staircase was not clean enough, and one should only take the shoes off walking on the smooth ceramic tiled floor there. After hearing that, Master replied calmly, "It's alright!" and went upstairs in Her socked feet. Everyone was greatly impressed by the humility of such a great Master.

Master had said that all the great people pay attention to small matters, and it becomes their habit. What Master spontaneously did in daily life is the best example of that.

Saintly Humility How To Play And Be With Children