19/02/2025
The Buddha’s Valentine’s Day Surprise
One Valentine’s Day, a young monk named Ananda was sweeping the monastery courtyard when he found a shiny, heart-shaped box. Curious, he opened it and discovered a note inside:
"To the Enlightened One, with love. P.S.: Share the chocolate."
Ananda rushed to Venerable Bodhi, the head monk, who was meditating under the Bodhi tree. "Venerable! Look what I found! It’s a gift for the Buddha!"
Venerable Bodhi opened one eye. "Ananda, the Buddha has been enlightened for over 2,500 years. I don’t think he’s expecting chocolates."
"But it says ‘To the Enlightened One’!" Ananda insisted.
Venerable Bodhi sighed. "Fine. Let’s take it to the Buddha statue and see what happens."
The monks gathered around the golden Buddha statue, placing the heart-shaped box at its feet. They chanted, "May all beings be happy, especially those who share chocolate."
Suddenly, the statue’s eyes flickered open. The monks gasped.
"Who dares disturb my meditation with… chocolate?" the statue boomed.
Ananda stepped forward, trembling. "It’s Valentine’s Day, Enlightened One. We thought you might like a treat."
The Buddha statue chuckled. "Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day of love, attachment, and overpriced roses. Very well, I accept your offering—but only if you share it mindfully."
The monks sat in a circle, passing the chocolates around. Each monk took one piece, savoring it slowly and reflecting on its impermanence.
Monk Rahul, however, couldn’t resist. He sneaked a second piece when no one was looking.
The Buddha statue cleared its throat. "Rahul, attachment to chocolate leads to suffering. And possibly cavities."
Rahul blushed. "Sorry, Enlightened One. I just really love chocolate."
The statue smiled. "Love is beautiful, Rahul, but remember: true happiness comes from letting go. Now, pass the box."
As the monks finished the chocolates, the Buddha statue winked and said, "By the way, the box was from me. Happy Valentine’s Day."
The monks stared in shock as the statue returned to its usual serene pose.
Venerable Bodhi shook his head. "Well, that’s one way to teach non-attachment. Now, who’s up for meditating on the emptiness of chocolate wrappers?"
The End of Story ...
Happy Valentine’s Day! May your heart be light, your mind be clear, and your chocolates be mindfully shared. 🌸🍫
Lersi Mongkol Chotipanyo (Ajarn Bee)
14/02/2568