I had an early start today, as I was invited to do some volunteer
work. It was something new for me, so I woke up feeling excited. :)
Around
7am, I was trekking the slight slopes downhill to my bus stop, with my
earphones stuffed in my ears, only half-listening to what was blasting
from my phone as my mind became decidedly preoccupied with everything I
needed to take care of, especially in the next few days. Suddenly, I
came across this kind smile and so I smiled back. Despite the drab
fading garb of a monk, the distorted curvature of the spine from old
age, the shine of the utterly smooth, bald head, I knew she was a woman.
She
was lonesome with a few of her belongings she was pushing in front of
her with a worn-down trolley. She was gesturing for me to come to her so
I approached. I wasn't able to understand what she was saying, for I
didn't speak Chinese. Thankfully, a man who could came by, and I smiled
apologetically and went on my way.
I quickly stopped by an ATM
and then crossed the street to my bus stop and miraculously, she was
already there. How that happened, I wasn't sure. Maybe the man who was
able to speak to her gave her a ride. She smiled at me still and so I
smiled back. There was a few people waiting, and she was smiling and
laughing and talking to all of us, not minding if she was being paid
attention to or being comprehended.
Bus 70M pulled up. A young
Indian woman helped her with her trolley. I was right behind this sunny,
cheerful monk as she awkwardly climbed on with her trembling feet, clad
in black cloth flats I thought I'd only see in kung fu movies. My hands
were ready to catch her in case she stumbled or fell but she got on
just fine, even flashing a good-natured smile as she turned back to look
at me. People gave way in order for her to occupy the most accessible
seat, and she struck up conversations with people nearest to her,
eliciting a laugh from a seemingly sleep-deprived man to her right.
I
was sitting a few feet away, fascinated by this effervescent creature. I
did not understand a word she was saying but I was drawn to her spirit
and light. Anyone who accommodated her with polite smiles and engaged
with her in small talk also were. Alas there were people who looked away
and paid no heed, perhaps finding it strange that a sole female monk
was on the bus early Sunday morning.
As though the 20-minute
ride seem to fly by, the nearest MRT station was upon us. Half of the
passengers stood up, queued towards the doors and began to alight. She
happily waved goodbye, especially to people who had been kind to her
during that bus ride. I exchanged one last smile with her, inadvertently
bestowing me with positive energy to take me through the day.
Finally, the bus drove away, with her looking into the distance on the continuation of her journey.
Thank
you, dear monk, may you reach your destination safe and sound, giving
even more sunshine to the road you walk on this blessed Sunday.
