Life sometimes presents us with unexpected moments, where casual words can have profound impacts. Phap Hoa shared a story about a Buddhist follower and his family.
One day, while the couple was happily living together, the man suddenly asked his wife, “What would happen if I were to pass away one day?” This question caught his wife off guard, leaving her unsure how to respond. The next day, he had a stroke and passed away. Though his wife didn’t say anything further, his question had unwittingly foreshadowed an unimaginable event.
This story is not just a coincidence, but a clear example of how words can influence our lives. Though we may not always recognize it, casual remarks can often carry significant weight, acting like a prediction or a sign of major changes to come. The story of the Buddhist follower is a striking illustration of how words are linked to the events that unfold afterwards.
Another story that highlights the power of unintentional words comes from a couple who were followers of Phap Hoa. That Christmas season, they decided to give gifts to friends and family starting in early December. When people expressed surprise at their early gift-giving, they casually remarked, “Give gifts early, in case we don’t have the chance later.” Little did they know, that Christmas, both of them were involved in an accident and passed away. Their offhand remark turned into a heartbreaking prophecy.
In life, there are sometimes natural signs that we cannot immediately explain. For example, before an earthquake, dogs often bark incessantly, birds fly erratically, and wild animals exhibit unusual behavior. These signs are how animals sense underground changes that humans cannot perceive until the major event occurs. Similarly, unintentional words in life can serve as early indicators of impending upheavals, even if we don’t recognize them right away.
The stories about unintentional words and natural signs demonstrate that life is full of strange and mysterious phenomena. Although we may not always understand them, there are things in nature and in our words that can forewarn us of major changes. We should always be mindful of what we say and the signs around us, as sometimes they serve as reminders of events yet to come.
Lesson by Venerable Thích Pháp Hoà