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

people in Savatthi.”
“Visakha, do you know how many people die each day in Savatthi?”
“Lord, sometimes nine or ten, but at least one person dies every day in Savatthi. There is no day without a death in Savatthi.”
“Visakha, if your children and grandchildren were as numerous as the people of Savatthi, your hair and clothes would be as soaked as
they are today every day.”
Visakha joined her palms. “I understand! I really don’t want as many children and grandchildren as there are people in Savatthi. The
more attachments one has, the more one suffers. You have often taught me this, but I always seem to forget.”
The Buddha smiled gently.
Visakha told him, “Lord, you usually return from your travels only just before the rainy season begins. Your disciples miss you greatly the
rest of the year. We come to the monastery but it seems empty without you. We walk around your hut a few times and then return home,
not knowing what else to do.”
The Buddha said, “Visakha, diligent practice of the teaching is more important than paying visits. When you come to the monastery, you
have a chance to listen to other Venerables teach the Dharma. You can ask them questions to assist you in your practice. The teaching and
the teacher are one. Please don’t neglect your practice simply because I am not here.”
Venerable Ananda, who was standing nearby, proposed an idea. “It would be nice to plant a bodhi tree here at the monastery. That
way, whenever disciples come to visit and you are gone, they could visit the bodhi tree in your place. They could even bow to it as though
bowing to you. We could place a stone altar beneath the tree where disciples could offer flowers. They could walk slowly around the tree
while practicing the contemplation of the Buddha.”
Lady Visakha said, “That is a wonderful idea! But where will you find a bodhi tree?”
Ananda answered, “I can ask for a seed from the bodhi tree in Uruvela where the Buddha attained Awakening. Don’t worry. I will
acquire the seed, sprout it, and tend the tree.”
Lady Visakha felt lighter and comforted. She bowed to the Buddha and to Venerable Ananda and then returned home.