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

Chapter Five
A Bowl of Milk
Every day Svasti went into the forest to visit Siddhartha. When he was able to cut two bundles of grass by midday, he had lunch with
Siddhartha. But as the dry season continued and fresh grass became more and more scarce, it was often late afternoon before he could visit
his friend and teacher. Sometimes when Svasti arrived, Siddhartha was sitting in meditation, and the boy sat silently for a brief moment, and
then left the forest, not wanting to disturb his teacher’s meditation. But when he found Siddhartha walking slowly along the forest path, he
joined him, sometimes sharing simple conversation. Svasti also met Sujata frequently in the forest. Every day, she brought Siddhartha a rice
ball with one condiment, such as sesame salt, peanuts, or a bit of curry. She also brought him milk or rice porridge or rock candy. The
children had many occasions to talk with each other at the edge of the forest while the buffalo grazed. Sometimes Sujata brought her friend
Supriya, a young girl Svasti’s age. Svasti wanted to bring his brother and sisters to meet Siddhartha. He was sure they could cross the river
at its most shallow point without difficulty.
Sujata told Svasti how she first met Siddhartha several months earlier, and how she had since brought him food every day around noon.
It was on a full moon day. At her mother’s request, she had put on a new pink sari and carried a platter of food to offer to the forest gods.
There were cakes, milk, congee, and honey. The noon sun blazed. As Sujata neared the river, she saw a man lying unconscious on the
road. She put down her platter and ran to him. He was barely breathing and his eyes were tightly closed. His cheeks had the sunken look
of someone who had not had food for a long time. From his long hair, tangled beard, and ragged garment, Sujata knew he was a mountain
ascetic who must have fainted from hunger. Without hesitating, she poured a cup of milk and eased it against the man’s lips, spilling a few
drops on them. At first he did not respond, but then his lips quivered and parted slightly. Sujata slowly poured milk into his mouth. He
began to drink and before long the cup was empty.
“Child, please pour me a little more milk.”