old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

“She said these words hurriedly and was almost out of breath when she finished. Megha did not know what to say. After a moment of
silence, he said, ‘You are very special and most honest. When I saw you, I also felt something special inside. But I am seeking the path of
liberation. If I married, I would not be free to follow the path when the right opportunity presented itself.’
“The young woman answered, ‘Promise that I will be your wife and I vow that when the time comes for you to seek your path, I will not
prevent you from going. On the contrary, I will do everything I can to help you fully achieve your quest.’
“Megha happily accepted her proposal, and together they went to find Master Dipankara. The crowds were so dense that they could
barely see him up ahead. But even just catching a glimpse of his face was enough for Megha to know that he was a truly enlightened one.
Megha felt a great joy and vowed that he, too, would one day attain such enlightenment. He wanted to get closer to be able to offer
Dipankara the flowers, but it was impossible to move through the throngs of people. Not knowing what else to do, he tossed his flowers
into the air in the direction of Dipankara. Miraculously, they landed right in the arms of the Master. Megha was ecstatic to see how the
sincerity of his heart had made itself known. The young woman asked Megha to throw her flowers to the Master, too. Her two flowers also
landed in the Master’s arms. Dipankara called out, asking the persons who had offered the lotus flowers to present themselves. The
crowds parted for Megha and the young woman to pass. Megha clasped the young woman’s hand. Together they bowed before
Dipankara. The Master looked at Megha and said, ‘I understand the sincerity of your heart. I can see you have great resolve to follow the
spiritual path to attain total enlightenment and to save all beings. Take comfort. One day in a future life, you will attain your vow.’
Megha asked the beautiful, young woman if he could buy her five lotuses to offer to Master Dipankara.
“Then Dipankara looked at the young woman kneeling by Megha’s side, and he spoke to her. ‘You shall be Megha’s closest friend in
this life and in many lives to come. Remember to keep your promise. You will help your husband to realize his vow.’
“Megha and the young woman were deeply moved by the Master’s words. They devoted themselves to studying the path of liberation
taught by the Enlightened One, Dipankara.
“Children, in that life and in many lives thereafter, Megha and the young woman lived as husband and wife. When the husband needed to
leave in order to pursue his spiritual path, his wife helped him in every way she could. She never tried to prevent him. Because of that, he
felt the deepest gratitude towards her. At last, he realized his great vow and became a truly enlightened one himself, just as Dipankara had