Buddha's Mercy
By Jun Wang
Imagine that Wuchang (the Chinese Grim Reaper) suddenly paid you a visit and dragged you off your feet to face a judge in the Afterlife.
"It's the end of my life, NOW? What about my fortune, my career? I, I haven't been able to relax and enjoy life! Have I worked in vain all those years?" you cry, wrangling bitterly with the Ghost.
An amiable voice answers back. It is the Buddha speaking to you: "From ancient times until today, it has been rare for humans to live past 70. You're almost 70 now and you'll soon die a natural death, which is heavenly grace upon you. So what are you upset about?"
"Buddha! I've worked hard throughout my life, and I had no time to enjoy myself, which I feel is most unfair! Can you allow me a bit more time on the mortal plane? Whatever it takes!" you plead. (Buddha has mercy, so feel free to ask!)
"How long would you want?" Buddha asked.
"I would give all my fortune even for a single year!" you answer.
"No need for that. If you had been mindful during your life, you could live 20, 30 more years or even longer," Buddha smiled.
"Aw?! Really? How?" you ask.
"When you were living, you savoured all kinds of processed and refined food. However, if you had eaten more cereals, vegetables and fruit, you would have had five more years of life."
(Luxury did me no good, what a shame!)
"Often you did not sleep until after midnight. If you had slept one hour earlier, you could have lived another five years. If you had slept two hours earlier, your life could have been extended by ten years."
(Such regret!)
"Dur ing your lifetime you were angry with others countless times, which only left both sides unhappy. If you had had a broader mind and a broader smile, you would have had fifteen more years of life..."
"But all that is in the past! Now I've seen the light!" you promise fervently.
"If you could be young again, would you be able to do what I said?"
(A slice of hope! Buddha the Almighty might help.)
"If I could live again, I would definitely do all that, I swear to you...," you vow.
"Shhh...! No promises. Don't swear so easily before the Buddha. Throughout your life, I tried to give you this advice - on TV, in newspapers, magazines, through mail, and in Zhongweizi's (the author's) blog - but you failed to listen."
"Ah? But I didn't know it was you then! This time I will certainly do it, I swear upon my... - well, let me save that promise. Have mercy on me!"
"All right, all right!" (Buddha does have mercy!)
A fragrant breeze blew and you became dizzy...
Why are you still staring at this page?! Forgotten what Buddha said?
Author: Jun Wang
Class: EDP CFO 2005
Based in: Zhejiang
Title: Vice General Manager, Zhejiang Super Lighting Electric Applicance Co.
Blog name: Qian Jiang You Shui Qian Jiang Yue
URl: http://blog.sina.com.cn/zhongweizi 
