Buddhas in my pocket

Jody from Kempsey writes :

“When Maitripala visited the Kempsey Sangha in May she spoke about her pilgrimage and the tiny Buddhas she was giving out. This inspired me and she generously gave me two tiny Buddhas to pass on.

I was on a work related trip in Sydney and on 23 June I spoke to a man in the Devonshire Street tunnel at Central. He was seated on a crate, cap upturned in hand, seeking support. We chatted only briefly. He told me he was sleeping here and there. He was an older man with a white beard. He was born in Russia and had been in Australia for a number of decades.

I told him about the tiny Buddhas being given out. At first he didn’t know what I meant by Buddha. When he saw the figure in my hand he was delighted!

He accepted the Buddha and said it was “lucky”. I told him it represented his highest potential. He was very happy with that and interested in the idea of finding out more about the Buddha at the library. A warm and friendly connection was made. Perhaps I may see him when I return to Sydney.”

Buddha donated by Vidyatara, Australia

A friend in Toowoomba knew someone who might benefit from receiving a little Buddha from my Pocket . This is what she wrote after it found its new home .

“This Buddha was given so someone I felt for so much as she was going through a hard time. She was someone caring for a loved one with a terminal illness.

There was nothing I personally could do to change the situation.
I could listen, encourage and share some of the insights of the Dharma.
Then I thought of the 2nd and last little Buddha I had chosen from you which was resting in my drawer. In that moment I knew it was the best thing I could give her.
She was very moved to receive it.”

Buddha donated by Don, Melbourne.

This buddha found itself in the hands of someone in their 8 th decade of life.

It was inspiring to to hear how her inner life is so rich and stimulating.

Although as we age the body can slow us down, she was a role model for still maintaining a thirst for learning and continual development.

She chose this Buddha for its earth touching groundedness. And for its connection with transcendental heights. She loved the balance of these two qualities in its small form.

I hope in 20 years time, in my 80’s,  I have the same sparkle of interest in my eyes and thirst for insight that I witnessed in this fine woman when I handed this Buddha on.

Buddha donated by Kalyanavaca UK