The Unforgettable Smile

From IKTWiki

Written by: Ms. L-H Chang

Preface

Sixteen years ago, Temple owner Mr. Teng and his family had immigrated to South Africa. He and his wife, their daughter and son had settled in the capital city of Pretoria. It was there they have met the local Tao members and went through the process of attending Tao classes, become a vegetarian and participated in local Tao affairs. Later, Mr. Teng had wanted a Family Temple and taken up the responsibility as a temple owner. He became an example of devoted Tao member to the local people. Under the grace of God and the virtues of holy teachers, all Tao divisions in South Africa had supported and encouraged each other in propagating Tao Affairs. They were the best Tao representatives to the local Chinese society and among other major religions too. Everyone had interacted well, with one notion that Chinese had to work strongly together as one!

The Teng family owns a gift shop in the local shopping center. Every day, they face different kind of customers (tourist, local residents and oversea Chinese) with appreciation in meeting them and will spread the message of Tao when opportunity is right. Chi-Kung Buddha had granted a name for Mr. Teng’s temple as "Tong-Shin (With one mind/heart) Temple." Chi-Kung Buddha had wished every Tao members will propagate the Tao with one mind/heart. Moreover, he had hope that the Teng family will learn to appreciate the boat of dharma bestowed by God, so to begin their propagation of Tao. With this new obligation, Mr. Teng had encouraged this family to join him. His daughter and son are students at that time, so they had much free time and the English competency to assist in Tao Affairs. His two children became young English translators for Transmit teachers and lecturers whom come from Taiwan to propagate Tao in South Africa. His children had helped to overcome the language barrier and extend the message of Tao further locally into the heart of young generations. The Teng family was on their path of learning to become a true Tao cultivator.

However, the Holy Obligation is impermanence! An accident, took Mr. Teng’s son -Danny’ life in 2004. Danny was only twenty-three years old, a young man who is just about to start his life. Sadly the incident happened, took everyone by shock, especially his parents. The hardest thing was his parent had to see their son go before them. If it weren’t for the Tao cultivation, the deep understanding of soul and believe in Tao, it would have been an unbearable event for people that don’t have any religious support.

On February 9th 2004, the Teng family brought their son’ ashes back to his home country-Taiwan. It is their wish to share their son’ story, so more people can read about how Danny had tried to prove the preciousness of Tao with his life. The Teng family strongly believes, it is Danny’s will to encourage us all to realize how fortunate we are to receive Tao, and we should never give up this path of cultivation which will lead us back to Heaven one day!

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"I am so happy that I am going to graduate from University in 4 month time. Thanks mom and dad, this is really great!" said Danny. That was our last Christmas with our son.

I will never forget that phone ring rang on August 1st, 2004. The phone rang just like any other day, except we didn’t know what was going to hit us. "Mr. Teng, something bad happened...your son...Danny... had an accident... the water-bike flapped over...we can’t find him now!" After receiving this shocking phone call, all we could think of was running back home to the altar to pray to our Holy Mother for her support and hands in us before rushing to the lake (where the accident happened). On our way to the lake, my husband and I couldn’t stop comforting each other that everything would be alright, and our son is alright! We have thought and hope that it is most likely for Danny to be injured but nothing life threatening, because we believe God and Buddha are with him.

When we finally arrived at the lake, the first group of rescue team already had their first try with no success. The rescue team was busy contacting their higher authority for more assistance. It was not long before more rescue teams came, and they brought along many searching equipment with them too. The lake-floor searching went on for the entire afternoon until the thundershower came. The rescue teams later enquired whether they could rest first and start searching again early next morning. The thundershower was coming down hard, so we had no choice but agree to wait for tomorrow to come. Seeing Danny was not yet found, many Tao members were worry about the possibility of Danny been hit by the thunders. We have all pray for miracle to happen and ask our Holy Mother’ mercy in bringing Danny back to us!

The rescue work didn’t end on the 2nd day as we wished, our anxious heart extended to 3rd day, when Danny’ sister (Angel) rushed back from Taiwan. When Angel finally made it to the lake, she ran to the lakeside and cried out for her brother, "Danny, where are you? Please let us find you, Sister is back now mom, dad and I are so worried about you! So many uncles and aunties are here too…Please…Danny can you hear me...Danny...Danny." Perhaps, it was Angel’ sorrow cried out that had wakened Danny. In return of our family’ longing and waiting, was the official announcement of Danny’ eternity apart! The rescue teams have used several searching instruments and with the assistance of lakeside witness, Danny was finally found on the third day at the same spot where the rescue teams have been searching for the past few days (it was mystery to us at first why was he not found earlier). Our hearts were broken, minds were devastated, and we couldn’t accept the fact that Danny has truly left us! It was extremely difficult to understand, how can a lake that is only 2 meters deep has taken Danny’ life, who is 176 cm tall and excellent at swimming? What is even more unbelievable was, according to Danny’ friend and lakeside witness' description the water bike had first flapped over, and Danny came up on to the surface, but he then took off his lifejacket and went back into the water again. Why did Danny take off his lifejacket? What was he looking for? Why did he go back into the water? I had so many questions but no one could have answered me. The helplessness in me was far greater than what I could bear! I burst in tears and screamed out into the sky, "CHI-KUNG BUDDHA...WHERE ARE YOU???" Yes...it is fortunate that we have found Danny…but my heart died with him too!

Thinking back on the 1st day of searching, one of the Transmit teacher in South Africa had tried to foretell through a divinatory symbol which had expressed that, "Smoke came out of the ground, It is not peaceful, gone to seek predestined relationship (fate) at a higher level; Its life is short not long, injured at young age, all weeping for the lost of his child." How could it be? It is impossible! It can’t be real! Danny has always been a sweet boy, loved by everyone that knows him. He is understanding, sensitive and always treats others well. He always greets everyone with his lovely smile! When one thinks of Danny, one will always remember his beautiful smile with his two dimples. That is how he remained in everyone’ heart, that unforgettable smile! Ever since he was small, Danny has always loved to sit with his leg coiled up (thigh flat on the floor and leg crossing each other). Some senior Tao members had mentioned once, that Danny has to be someone special (Some Buddha sit with leg folded like that). How could a child that was so well blessed, gone so suddenly and left his mom, dad and sister behind?

On the second day of searching, another transmit teacher had also tried to foretell through a divinatory symbol which had expressed, "Buddha has taken him." The transmit teacher had encouraged me to face the reality with gratitude. Transmit teacher had hoped I would try to understand Danny had finished his duty here on earth with us, and it was Danny’ time to return to heaven. But why so soon? I asked deeply inside my heart. Danny had started to help the South Africa’ Tao Society since he was 12 years old, he has been acting as translator in many aspects to assist carry out Tao affairs. That was only ten short years that he was involved in Tao Society, isn’t that is too short to end his life? Oh, dear Chi-Kung Buddha…I beg you to be merciful, please send my baby back to me…please…can you please give Danny back to us?

Before Danny was found, one of Danny’ aunt (she could sense the spirit) in Taiwan had sent the following message about Danny to us:"

• The parental kindness is not yet repaid and inherit; thou left at young age leaving both parents weeping;
• White-headed are grieving for thou returning; leaning against columns in the front courtyard blaming themselves;
• Wailing the road of returning is far; it is time for heaven returning and reunion in dream;
• The road of returning is long and arduous, the river water incessantly ended (covered) thou time (age);
• Thou heart is full of sorrow in leaving, to return to thou home and ancestral shrine;
• Doubt and delay not thou time of returning, a distant calling for thou returns;
• Thou parents had went overseas (crossing the sea) for living, they had not return at mid-age;
• They wait to return home in glory, expect not thee death do them apart (unexpectedly death came to break them apart);
• Bidding thou parents farewell at year-end time, wishing thee parents rely and not apart;
• Thou father in grief for missing son, thou she’ ll bid thee farewell in dream."

This farewell poem had shattered my last hope. Moreover, it had completely expressed the helplessness in facing death. My dear son…Danny!

January 15th, it was Danny’ funeral. The sun was bright that morning, but as soon as the funeral started, the rain began to pour hard. As if God was showing his sorrow to us. Danny was born in 1981, he had passion for sports and was excellent in Judo, swimming and softball. He was highly involved in three major youth religious group of I-Kuan Tao, Tzu-Chi and BLIA. He was the Vice-Chairman of Chinese Student Association in 2003. Everyone’ comment about him was: full of energy, well mannered, respectful, positive and talented. Friends and family have loved him and expected him to do great things in his life. Many of them still find it unbelievable that Danny’ life would end at such young age.

Three hundred people attended Danny’ funeral. Our family is truly thankful to all friends and family, for been there during Danny’ last stage of life journey. I would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to several transmit teachers, temple owners, Tao members, Hui-Li Master and other BLIA masters, Tzu-Chi members, the R.O.C. ambassador in South Africa -- Ambassador Du, Section Chief -- Mr. Chung, Overseas Chinese Affair Commissioner - Secretary Wu and other senior officials, Johannesburg Councilor -- Ms. Chen, Danny’ principal, teachers, classmates and friends for all the support that you have given us.

On the night of funeral, one of Danny’ friends (who didn’t participate in searching for Danny) had dreamed about Danny was discussing Buddha dharma on the lakeside with her. The dream had the same lakeside scene as what had taken place when we were searching for Danny. In that dream, Danny was not affected by the others on the lakeside but was only concentrating on discussing Buddha dharma. This dream relates to Danny’ message delivered through a lady (Ms. Chen, in South Africa) whom can sense the spirit, "Please do not consider that I was soaked in the water, I was on the boat (Boat of dharma). There was no water before, but there is now and I am ready to sail. "Danny is really gone; he has truly left us now. Sadly this verifies to what Danny had said to me the morning that accident happened before leaving the house, "Mommy I will be gone soon!" Danny doesn’t talk like that normally; he usually would just tell me the place where he is heading. When everyone left the funeral, I had died internally, all numb sitting in the corner. Transmit teacher was gathering the rest of us to leave the funeral, but I cried and screamed, fused to leave. No! I don’t want to leave ...not this way watching my son leave before me...how could I ever let him go. Oh, it hurts too much...so much that nothing can describe my pain now! Affinity brings us together, and it does us apart too.

January 16th, Danny had expressed his thankfulness to several senior officials, his elders and senior Tao members for their kind assistance in this incident, through Ms. Chen (whom can sense the spirit) again. Moreover, he had expressed his gratefulness towards his close friends who had guarded his coffin on the day of funeral. Danny’ funeral had caused a great sensation in out City -- Pretoria. People of different racial/religion had came and they were able to witness I-Kuan-Tao’ solemn etiquette (decorum) ceremony.

January 20th, I was crying again for missing Danny. Soon after I cried the telephone had rung. It was Ms. Chen (the lady whom can sense the spirit) on the phone and she was again speaking on behalf of Danny, "I was half-way on the ladder which is heading for heaven. But then I saw mom was crying sadly for me, it breaks my heart to see you grief, my legs are stuck they couldn’t move any further. Sorry mommy, "please forgive me for being an unfilial son! Please try not to cry for me anymore. Otherwise, I won’t be able to leave you and head for where I am destined for." I had to wipe my tears, for Danny, my beloved son.

January 30th, our whole family had escorted Danny’ cremians back to Taiwan. There were about eighty friends and family waited for Danny at the airport. One of our Tao member who can sight the spirit had said, "When Danny saw so many people had come to fetch him, his face was full of happy tears!" Ever since the day Danny had left us, I have been hoping to see him in my dream. Finally, on the dawn of his cremains installation Day (Feb. 9th), I saw Danny in my dream. He was smiling with his two sweet dimples, waving goodbye at me.

February 23rd, I took two of Danny’ friends (they are not Tao Members) to visit Danny’ shrine. When Lecturer Ling had opened Danny’ cupboard door (of his shrine), suddenly, the room was full of distinctive peaceful scent. Tao members believe Danny must have completed his Tao Duty (achieved perfect enlightenment) and he was then sharing this completeness with people that he cares. Even though Danny has left us now, we have been witnessing Danny continue to manifest the preciousness of Tao in everyway. I was touched by these and am thankful to God’ grace and the virtues of Holy Teachers.

February 28th, it was the day before I was leaving Taiwan to return to South Africa. Danny had tried to deliver his message through his aunt (whom can sense the spirit) once again:

• "The spirits that are apart will be connected in dream;
• The parental kindness is not yet repaid but time has come to bid farewell;
• Mother you know that it is hard for me to leave;
• I shall follow where my affinity leads me."

June was supposed to be the month that Danny going to graduate from University. Angel (Danny’ sister) bought him his favorite Teddy Bear with a mortarboard, together with fresh flowers that he likes, placing them next to his cremians and took photos of it. That night, Angel dreamed of Danny telling her it was so hard to leave family and he want us to try not to grief anymore. Few days later when photos were developed, we were surprised to find a strip of Golden light on all the photos. Some used to say, golden light means good spirit and holy. My family and I deeply believe this was Danny’ way of demonstrating that he has now returned to heaven. He is now into another stage of his Tao cultivation. Moreover, he wants us to be relieved and give him all the blessings.

There are no words to describe the days without Danny. It was as if Danny had taken a long and far journey and our reunion date with him is so uncertain. There are many things and peoples that remind me Danny is not around anymore. This feeling of emptiness fights strongly against my belief for Tao inside myself. I pray for greater strength to help me in healing my helpless heart. It was fortunate that I was able to attend the Holy Conference (Tao Seminar) in South Africa later that year in October. I saw Chi-Kung Buddha there. When Chi-Kung Buddha came, he wrote a song for all of us:

• Always have a young and sunny heart, have sweet mood just like when you think of Danny.
• Make your dream come true, you will live in a peaceful life.
• Never forget your heavenly obligation, and persist this responsibility consistently.
• Must not slack in respecting your family, the dragon and the phoenix shall bring prosperity (in extremely good fortune).
• Crisis is not crisis, administer your character you will gain peace.
• Love your people. Happiness is found in your daily life.
• May everyone live in delight as it brings joyous.
• Adults should have a heart like a child, and always keep a sincere mind.

During the Holy Conference (Tao Seminar), Chi-Kung Buddha had asked me to step on to the stage, bravely face the reality about Danny and to share his story with everyone. Later he said to the entire class, "This lady is really amazing, she has given her son to God. All parents love their children, isn’t it? When you loose your child one day, it is understandable that you will suffer from grief, because human is an emotional being. After all, you are all still cultivating yourself. Therefore, there will be times hard for you to give up and to let go of something that you love dearly. Luckily there is still Tao to cultivate, and there are people who can give you advice, people who loves you. Why then insist in loving only one person (meaning Danny)? Elevate your sorrow into strength, so to see through life and death, in order to understand the true meaning of life. Don’t we all have to die? I (Chi-Kung Buddha) had died once too, and so will all humans. They will all have to go through this, sometime in their life. Each one of you has a different heavenly obligation. Although your son is not on earth anymore now, you will gain something in return as you have given your son to God. Stop asking around, the answers will be the same (Ever since Danny has passed away, I have been going back and forth Taiwan and South Africa for about 10 times. Mostly I have been seeking answers to cause and effect relationship for Danny and I).

I" (Chi-Kung Buddha) want to tell you, Danny and I had made an agreement to end it here long before. By this time you would have repaid him and he would have returned your kindness. Your son is now teaching little angles English in heaven above. Why does Danny need to teach them? This is because Tao is now spread worldwide. It may sound strange to you, but it is true. Each single person has its own different affinity. For some may die of car accident, others may die of illness, drown or burned. But Danny was young, and he cared about his appearance and wanted to be cool too. He was smart to choose first and said he would want to do one last thing to manifest the greatness of Tao. He had asked me to arrange it accordingly. I ask Chi-Kung Buddha "why it took us three days to find Danny? and when we did finally found him, it was the same place that we have been searching over and over before. Why?" Chi-Kung Buddha replied this is called "Filial Piety". Would it be right for his parents to find him first instead? You are his parents, his elders! There are set standard of order between heaven and earth. You can say it is abstruse (incredible), deny or agree its existence, those that believe will believe. Those three days took place, so that you would have longer time to accept the reality, it was to extend life for you and your husband. It had meant for his sister to find him and to bring him home (Danny’ sister was in Taiwan that time when accident happened).

I then ask Chi-Kung Buddha again, "Why did Danny take off his life jacket?" Chi-Kung Buddha answered, "How would I be able to take him, if he didn’t take off his life-jacket, isn’t it?" "We were all praying to you to help Danny on the lakeside, did you hear us Chi-Kung Buddha?" I kept on asking. "How I wish I had a body so that I could tell you in person it was Danny’ time, and he needs to return to heaven." Chi-Kung Buddha replied. (There were sandalwood smells during those three days, now we believe that was the evidence of Chi-Kung Buddha was there with us during the whole event). I didn’t give up and asked some more, "South Africa’ Tao Society has just started to develop. But now Danny is not here, so who is going to be the translator" Chi-Kung Buddha answered, "Translation Affairs in the mortal world is easy to arrange, can you understand? Is it only for that pile of ashes (cremains) that you now want to live in Taiwan? I give you one more chance, so to remit the virtues and merits for Danny. Tao is precious, friends are precious, and so are Tao members. You and these ladies (my middle aged Tao friends) need each other for support, and to look after each other emotionally. Tao’ greatness needs to be shown through mankind, can you understand? Seeing Tao, achieve perfect enlightenment. You know your son is no longer here, and there is no one to do the translation. If you leave too, how will Tao continue in South Africa? I will give you the braveness and strength that you need. However, even though you are provided with these, you need to use it in order for others to see. So they would agree in amazement that Chi-Kung Buddha really exists! The palm and the back of the hand are both flesh; Being able to understand worldly wisdom (human interest); What was once unreal may become real through long-term purposeful pretending? Chi-Kung Buddha continued to say giving the fruits, "Apple is strength, Pineapple is braveness, Banana is recognition, and Orange is success. So my disciples, may you all have strength, positive notion and trust in your life journey and Tao cultivation. When you face problems and obstacles, remember braveness will out grow wisdom. You need to trust yourself undoubtedly. Recognize Tao is true, the Principle is true, and the Heavenly Decree is true. Recognize that your life is meaningful and is unlimited. I wish all the best for you my disciples, may you be successful in your business, in your cultivation of Tao and in propagating of Tao."

Chi-Kung Buddha turned to Danny’ Granny and spoke kindly, "It is wonderful to Cultivate Tao! Congratulation to you, that your grandson is now a teacher in heaven. I will have Danny teach me English too. I will be needing their (Danny’ mom & dad) help as well." In another English Holy Conference, Chi-Kung Buddha was making joke by saying his English was not good enough, later he turned to me and said, "Don’t worry, the English that I just spoke wasn’t taught by Danny," as if to say Danny would have taught him better. Chi-Kung Buddha turned to me once more, "I will give you another chance to do good deeds for your son (Chi-Kung Buddha had tried to use another way to encourage me to continue my cultivation). Chi-Kung Buddha had kind words for Danny’ sister as well, "What is your qualification?" Another Transmit Teacher standing beside me had thought Chi-Kung Buddha was asking him the question, so he had answered for me by mistake. That Transmit Teacher replied, "I have only graduated from primary school." Chi-Kung Buddha continued his kind words, "Although this man has only graduated from primary school but now he is a Transmit Teacher. And you (meaning Danny’ Sister) have a Master Degree, is the value of your degree only to make more money? When will you return to Tao Classes? It is time for your returning, not the kind of returning like your brother, otherwise your mother would be worried again. "Those three days when Danny was in the lake, everyone was worry that he might be bitten by fish or covered by mud. Fortunately when Danny was found, his body was still soft like cotton and was not hurt in any way; he had left without any pain. The forensic medical report shows he was not drawn; Danny had died of acute myocardial infarction. It was one breath that he had missed, which then took him away from us. The search team had said, "It was as if he was just sleeping there at the bottom of the lake." Now looking back at this incident, it was truly a miracle, a miracle that had proven the preciousness of Tao! We are grateful to God and the holy masters, for revealing the greatness of Tao to us. We were certain Danny was called by God and has return to heaven. At the end of the Holy Conference, I had made a promise to Chi-Kung Buddha that I will not disappoint him. Chi-Kung Buddha answered kindly, "I am relief to hear that!" Lately, the South Africa’ Tao Society is setback due to the difficulties in encouraging local Tao members to further their cultivation. Each time when I am feeling hesitated and helpless about Tao affairs, Chi-Kung Buddha’ kind words and the promised that I had mad to him will wrap my heart. I know I would have to complete my own vow and to be even stronger now to take up this responsibility.

I am truly grateful for Chi-Kung Buddha’ kindness, and the earnest doctrine from Grand Senior elder, Senior elder, Senior Transmit Teachers, Transmit Teachers and Tao members. It is their support that I am on the path of walking out of my pain and sorrow. To walk out of sorrow would mean to recognize myself, and to recognize my Tao duty. The deceased’ spirit would then be in peace, and the mind of living would be in peace too.

My dearest son, mommy would do anything to have you back, but now I would have to let you go for the sake of loving you. Because the value of life is not the length of its time, but is the meaning of its existence for others. So my dear, you have truly completed your filial piety as a son. You have used your life to awake many lives on earth, especially mine. Mommy is really proud of you and I will take your spirit with me to build good karma and spread Tao to more people that have good affinity with us!

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Postscript

In Ambassador Du’ funeral oration (Ambassador of Taiwan in South Africa) he said, "Never thought he would left us so suddenly. I find it extremely difficult to accept the truth, and I cannot express my deepest lament and sorrow completely. He left so peaceful and without any pain; He must have headed for a greater place. I sincerely wish he would accomplish even more in Heaven."

The Teng family’ thankful speech had said, "Danny and our family doesn’t blame any one who was on the outing with him during the accident happened. Alternatively, this incident had taught us to learn how to face the sudden severe life trial. It is a learning lesson of how to accept and convert what may be seen as bad to good. Our family hopes Danny’ story can turn to something that is meaningful. We believe what Danny wants to leave with us is not black shadow but inspire our thinking about life..."

Ms. Chen, the Senator of Johannesburg had also expressed her thoughts, "Let us pray for Danny’ parents for being so brave and rational at this difficult time. We trust they will walk out the sorrow for the lost of their son soon, by extending their love for Danny to many more children."

All these words correspond to the lyrics of Danny favorite song -- "Blessing". The song goes like this "No need to ask, No need to say, it is all in between words. This exact moment, let us lean close to the candlelight and silently let time go pass us. Don’t wave good-bye; Don’t turn back. Each time when I sing this song, may you always have a smile in your heart to go through each spring, summer, winter, and fall..." Danny has now completed his vow and returned to heaven. The image of his charming face and that unforgettable smile will always remain in our heart...

編者按：本篇為南非道親真人真事的感人事蹟，中文版曾刊登於基礎雜誌 196期，原文「又是聖誕鈴聲響起時–憶寶貝兒子」，今作者以英文版與前賢分 享，歡迎參照。

又是聖誕鈴聲響起時 — 憶寶貝兒子

張俐樺 撰稿/張尚瑩 採訪

【前 言】

十五年前移民遙遠國度南非的鄧壇主，帶著太太及一對兒女，在首都普託利亞市（Pretoria）定居，在當地有緣道親成全下，逐漸進入參班研究、素食、幫辦道務的階段，也在引保師陳瑞能、陳寶玉老點傳師、林添裕點傳師等人慈悲下前往開設佛堂，加入修辦道行列，成為標準的一貫道道親。在天恩師德護持下，與南非各組線道場都相互支援、鼓勵、共辦大道，在當地的僑界、社團、各宗教間，也扮演了一貫道的最佳宣傳員，秉持著一股華人的向心力、團結、友好，保持良好的互動！

在南非市區開店的鄧家，每日接觸的不論是觀光客、華僑、當地居民，總是以禮相待，珍惜有緣，隨緣度眾。欲開設佛堂時，濟公老師特別賜名「同心堂」，希望大家能夠同心同德搭幫助道，盼望鄧氏一家人能夠珍惜上天賜予的大法船，展開渡人成全聖業。一雙兒女在父母親栽培下，年輕有為，品學兼優，聰明伶俐，廣結善緣，熱情洋溢：姊姊安琪兒雙十年華、學業有成，弟弟丹尼也已經上大學，姊弟二人更自小小年紀就開始在講堂協助英文翻譯，讓許多從台灣去辦道的點傳師、講師輕鬆不少，將真理福音更快速確實的傳播，姊弟倆也主動聯繫青年，常常是凝聚「道青」向心力來源，可謂功德無量，一家人都是上天的好幫手！

天命無常，一樁意外事故，帶走了年僅二十三歲、生命正迎向朝陽的丹尼，白髮人送黑髮人，總是不捨，何況上有高堂在！若不是因為修道、深刻體認、超越性靈層次，一般人是無法接受這樣的結局！聰慧的丹尼學長，以他的生命示現「大道」寶貴。二○○四年二月九日，家人遠從南非回台灣，將丹尼的骨灰帶到一貫道忠恕道院先天寶塔進塔安座，引出一段感人的真實事蹟。

因家屬要求，真實姓名全部隱藏，鄧家希望藉這感人故事的披露，能感動、成全更多道親，認識大道的寶貴，天時如此緊急，二○○四年聖誕節發生的世紀大浩劫—南亞大海嘯，瞬間捲走數十萬寶貴性命，啟發大家要存善念、作善事，有緣者能求得寶貴大道，及時修辦道，不再蹉跎，將來回歸理天圓滿的家。相信這也是丹尼一家人的初衷！

以下是鄧媽媽的心情筆記，由本刊採訪補充，以第一人稱刊出，感謝安琪兒學長協助整理。

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媽咪：「聖誕快樂！好高興再六個月就要大學畢業了。謝謝媽咪與老爸辛苦栽培我，終於要畢業了！」這是丹尼最後一次的聖誕禮物，好溫馨、好思念。

憶，使人沉入迷惘中：二○○四年一月八日午時，難忘的電話鈴聲又漂浮在我的內心深處。一年了，要忘還真難！那天，電話傳來：「鄧先生不好了……丹尼玩水上摩托車，車翻了……現在找不到他。」接到這個突來的訊息，後學和鄧壇主先趕回家中獻大把香叩求 老母慈悲。在趕往湖邊的途中，我們還一再互相安慰，老師不可能開這個玩笑，頂多讓丹尼受傷而已。

抵達湖邊，第一批搜救人員搶救無成，向其搜救單位請求更高層的幫助。因為丹尼的人緣非常好，全心投入道場和各種社團，現場來了大批長輩、道親關注搜救情況，隨著時間一分一秒地過去，湖邊聚集越來越多關心的人。不久，來了更多的搜救小組和儀器。在湖底地毯式的搜救進行了一整個下午，直到雷雨交加。搜救人員才詢問是否可以讓他們先休息，隔天一大早即開始搜查。此時，許多道親眼看丹尼尚未找到，卻又下起大雷雨，均很心疼丹尼會不會被雷雨打到。

搜尋工作並沒有在次日結束，我們忐忑的心情延續到第三天丹尼的姊姊安琪兒從台灣趕回南非，直奔湖邊吶喊：「弟弟，你在哪裡？趕快出來啊！姊姊回來了……我和爸爸、媽媽都好擔心你……好多叔叔、阿姨都來了……你趕快出來啊！」姊姊哀戚的吶喊聲，叫醒有如睡夢中的弟弟。搜救小組使用各種儀器測試與目擊者的協助下，於過去三天同地點之處，找到去水晶宮忘了回來的丹尼。親情的呼喚、等待，竟是天人永隔！心碎了、魂飛了，丹尼真的辭別塵寰，駕返理天。實在難以相信，那兩百公分深的湖竟會奪走一百七十六公分高、且擅長游泳的丹尼！更不可思議的是，同學和湖邊釣魚者的目擊描述：「船翻了，他爬起來，可是卻把救生衣脫了，之後再往水裡潛下去好像要找什麼東西……」為什麼丹尼要把救生衣脫掉？他往湖底去究竟要找什麼？後學有太多的疑問？心中升起強烈的無助感，只能對天空吶喊：「老師！你在哪裡啊？」丹尼找到了，但我也癱瘓了！

想起第一天搜尋時，南非某點傳師卜了一個卦：「卦理：平地起雲煙，時下未能安，高處覓姻緣。變卦為：命短不長，中年夭傷，鬼泣哭堂，哀其子亡。」怎麼是這種卦？不可能，不可能！丹尼從小就是一位人見人愛的小孩：懂事、體貼、善解人意、待人寬厚，總是笑臉迎人。另外，他從小到大總喜歡「盤坐」（盤腿而坐），前賢們總認為丹尼來歷一定不菲，這麼一個有福氣的孩子，怎麼會說走就走，丟下後學、爸爸和姊姊呢？

搜尋的第二天，又有另一點傳師卜卦：「天卦已開，仙佛帶走了！」點傳師希望後學用感恩的心去面對事實，試著了解丹尼已經功圓果滿歸位去了。可是，怎麼會這麼快呢？雖然丹尼從十二歲就開始在南非道場幫忙擔任講道翻譯，但短短的十幾年也不夠呀！老師！拜託您慈悲、慈悲，把我的心肝寶貝送回來吧！把丹尼還給我們好嗎？！

獲尋丹尼前，在台灣的表舅媽（她會靈應）曾傳來訊息（詩篇）：

• 親恩未哺未承嗣，英年別世慟雙親。
• 哀哀白髮盼汝歸，倚仗庭楹杖責心。
• 呼嚎歸悉迢迢里，落葉歸根圓夢裡。
• 千山峻嶺故園情，滔滔江水覆汝齡。
• 別矣哀哀訴汝心，回歸故里入庭祠。
• 勿疑遊離誤歸期，隨喚遙呼歸故里。
• 侍親飄洋為生計，立年屆近未歸期。
• 僅為榮衣歸故里，豈悉天人永隔離。
• 歲至叩親揮別矣，致親相依無生岐。
• 哀哀老父唸兒詞，汝悉夢敘道分離。

這首告別詩斬碎了我的期待，更道盡了生離死別的無奈。兒子啊！

正月十五日是丹尼的告別日。早上天氣晴朗，但儀式開始後卻滂沱大雨，大概上天也同悲吧！丹尼生於一九八一年，熱愛運動，擅長於柔道、游泳和壘球，並曾參加救國團活動，幾年來熱烈投入一貫道聯誼會（道青）、佛青、慈青三大宗教團體，亦於二○○三年擔任Pretoria京斐大學華人同學會副會長一職，大家對他的評價是：對生命充滿熱情、謙恭有禮、落落大方、賦智慧、具能力、做事態度有條不紊、個性開朗又平實，真是難能可貴，受到各界長輩們的欣賞、厚愛及肯定。在此要感謝數位點傳師、壇主、道親、一貫道南非聯誼會、佛光山開荒慧禮法師及諸位法師、慈濟的師兄師姐、中華民國駐南非杜大使、莊處長、僑務委員吳秘書及駐外單位各級長官、約翰尼斯堡市陳阡惠議員、丹尼的學校校長、老師、同學、南非長輩、親朋好友，總共約有三百多人參加告別式，大家都以沈重莊嚴的心靈送他最後一程，和道不盡的懷念。

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走了！真的走，應驗了他和同學去湖邊玩的當天早上，打電話回來給我：「媽咪我走了！晚上可能不回來過夜了！（平常他不會如此說話。）當時的我只覺得一陣心絞痛，體貼的丹尼馬上改口說：﹁媽咪我要出去了。﹂我一再叮寧他要小心，但不知道是惡耗的前兆。告別式結束後，人都走完了，我還枯坐在那兒，楊點傳師說：﹁我們也該走了吧！﹂可我哭喊不走！不走！白髮人送黑髮人，叫我如何割捨？痛啊！痛啊！因緣聚合，大限來時各自飛！

告別日當晚，一位未參與現場搜救的同學，卻夢見他與丹尼在事發的湖邊談佛法。而夢中湖邊的情形，正是大家搜尋丹尼的狀況，他倆不受到搜查小組的影響，只專心於佛法的研討。這個夢印證了一位靈媒阿姨替丹尼傳話：「你們不要以為我浸在水裡，我在船上（法船），之前因為沒有水，現在有水了，所以我要啟航了！」

丹尼在湖裡三天，大家都擔心他是否會被魚啃傷或被泥土掩蓋。結果，丹尼毫髮無傷，身軟如棉，印證道的寶貴。感謝天恩師德，顯現道的殊勝，肯定老師接回理天的事實！

一月十六日，他又透過陳阿姨來感謝各位長官、長輩及諸位前賢朋友們的幫忙。更感謝為他護棺的道親。因為這次的儀式轟動了整個普託利亞市，使許多僑界人士看到一貫道的禮儀，更認識一貫道的莊嚴。

一月二十日，後學因思念丹尼又哭了。電話聲隨後響起，是上次替丹尼傳話的靈媒阿姨，這次丹尼說：「我已經要踏上天梯了，但是因為媽媽您傷心，我的腳彷彿被纏繞著走不開。媽咪，對不起！請原諒我的不孝，不要再悲傷了，要不然我真的走不開！」

一月三十日，後學全家送丹尼的骨灰回台灣。中正機場約有八十位親朋好友等候。一位有靈眼的道親說：「丹尼看到這麼多人來迎接他，感動得淚流滿面，一直叩謝！」自從丹尼離開後，後學一直很希望夢見他。終於在他安座日（二月九日）黎明前，後學在夢中看到丹尼笑咪咪地揮手向後學道別。

二月二十三日，後學帶著兩位丹尼的朋友（尚未求道）前去寶塔看他。當林講師為我們打開置骨灰罈的門時，當下異香滿堂，像是打翻了整瓶香水百合花的香味，使大家嘖嘖稱頌：丹尼成道了！也成全了他的同學！看到丹尼即使離開後，也要處處證明道之珍貴，後學真的是很感動！感謝

老母、天恩師德！

二月二十八日，後學要回南非的前夕，丹尼又透過會靈應的表舅媽來道別：

• 魂歸夢繫滔滔里；親恩未哺別雙親；
• 娘心知悉難離去；兒身遙遙隨因去。

六月份原是丹尼的大學畢業典禮，姊姊特地買了他最喜歡的小熊加學士帽，和他喜愛的鮮花、巧克力，一齊放在骨灰罈旁並拍照。當晚姊姊夢見弟弟告訴她，他捨不得我們，勸我們勿傷悲。在骨灰罈前拍的照片沖洗出來後，骨灰罈正後方發現有道金黃色的光。後學和親朋好友深信，這是丹尼再一次想要證明他已回理天歸位，進入另一階段的修行，要我們安心並且祝福他。

沒有丹尼的日子是無法用言語來形容的。丹尼彷佛出了一趟很遠、很遠的門，而我們與他再相會的日子是那麼的不確定！許多的人、事、物，總是會輕易的提醒丹尼不在身邊的事實，失落感與對道的力量在後學心底不斷交戰。

後學懇求有更大的力量來平息我無助的心。很慶幸地恰巧南非道場開法會，看到時常思念的濟公老師。老師臨壇後寫了一首歌給所有的學員（調寄：葡萄成熟時）：

要永保青春，天空心開朗，心情甜蜜蜜，如想念丹尼，美夢成真做，一生永安平，莫忘追天命，當持之以恆，至親敬無怠，龍鳳呈祥迎，難關非難關，治性常安寧，愛心感化眾，歡喜日常中，人人喜來樂，大人如孩童，永保心念誠。

濟公老師請後學到台前勇敢面對丹尼的事，並對班員說：「她不簡單！把一個兒子捨給上天用，為人母哪個不疼子女呢？失去子女當然難過，可是人終究是情感的動物，畢竟大家都還在修嘛！於是有不捨，總是有牽掛捨不下。還好有道修，有人勸，有人愛，那為什麼要執著只有一個人（丹尼）的愛呢？要將難過化為力量，看破生死，了悟當下。因為哪一個人不死呢？老師也死過，所以人終究會走上這一遭。每個人使命不一樣，雖然兒子不在人世，但是有捨同有得，不要再到處問了，答案都一樣！（自從丹尼承蒙 皇母恩召不到一年的時間，後學於南非和台灣之間往返共十趟，並且曾多次探討因果）

「老師告訴你，我早就跟丹尼說好，到此為止。你也還他了，他也報完恩了。你兒子現在上面（理天）教一群小仙童英文，為什麼要教呢？因為大道普遍全世界，你們聽起來覺得奇怪，但是確有其事。每個人的生死因緣不一樣，好比說車禍死的、病死的、淹死的、燒死的。而丹尼他年輕、愛漂亮、耍酷，他聰明先選擇，並且說他還要做最後一件事來表現道的尊貴，請為師我看著辦吧！」

丹尼發生事故時雖然三天在湖底，但他的身體卻完全未受魚蝦的侵襲，毛髮分毫未損。法醫的報告說他不是溺水，而是急性心肌梗塞。丹尼離世後身軟如棉，走得沒有痛苦；他只是一口氣沒有接上來而已，搜救人員看他安祥的面貌說：「他在水晶宮睡著了。」

後學叩問老師，為什麼三天才找到丹尼，而且還是在大家已搜尋過的同一地點呢？老師說：「這叫孝道。難道是父母去請他回來嗎？因為你是他的長輩啊！天地間還是有一定的理數存在，你說玄也好，說他有或沒有，信則信之，這三天等著，你才可以接受，等著為你們兩老延壽，等著姊姊帶他回家。」

後學再叩問老師：「為什麼他要把救生衣脫掉呢？」濟公老師說：「不脫掉，我怎麼能帶他回去呢？」後學繼續追問老師：「我們都在湖邊叩求您救救丹尼，您有聽到嗎？」老師回答說：「為師苦無肉體能告訴徒兒們，丹尼的時辰到了，他需要回理天歸位。」（三天的等待中，大家總是聞到檀香味，確信仙佛駕臨湖邊）後學叩問：「南非道場是開荒的地方，丹尼走了就沒有人可以擔任翻譯。」老師說：「人間翻譯的事好辦，知道嗎？妳（後學）想住台灣就是為了那一堆（丹尼的骨灰）嗎？我再給妳一次機會，做功德迴向給丹尼。道很尊貴，朋友也很尊貴，道親也很尊貴。因為你們這些歐巴桑互相扶持，心理上互相照顧。道好，還是由人表現，知道嗎？見道成道，妳知道兒子走了，沒人翻譯，那妳再走，你們的道場怎麼辦呢？勇敢、力量老師給妳。但是為師給妳，妳要把它用出來，別人才可以看到。哇！這濟公真是靈驗啊！手心手臂都是肉，人情世故都能體會，刻意久了就變成真的。」老師又說：「蘋果就是力量，鳳梨就是勇敢，香蕉就是肯定，柳橙就是成功。在人生的路上，在修道的路途上，徒兒們都能有力量、有正念、有正信的力量。遇到困難、遇到阻礙，勇敢才會長智慧，妳要肯定妳自己。肯定道真、理真、天命真。肯定今生的生命是有用的，是無限的。祝福徒兒事事成功，做事業成功，修道成功，辦道成功。」

濟公老師對丹尼的外婆慈悲：「修道真好啊！恭喜妳有位孫子做老師，在天上教英文。﹂我還要丹尼教我英文，我需要他們兩位（後學及丹尼的父親）的幫忙。有一班英文法會，老師自己嘲笑英文不好，然後對後學說：「妳放心！我的英文不是妳兒子教的。」言下之意如果是丹尼教他會更好。又對後學說：「再給妳一次機會做功德迴向給妳兒子。(老師慈悲用另一種方式成全後學)」

老師慈悲對姊姊安琪兒說：「妳是什麼畢業的啊？」在一旁的點傳師誤以為老師是在問他，因此急忙回答說：「小學畢業。」老師慈悲：「人家小學畢業就領點傳師，妳研究所畢業，就只為了多賺那一、二萬塊嗎？什麼時候回來歸班？該回來歸班了（研究班），不是歸弟弟那種班，要不然妳媽媽又要擔心了。」

後學曾允諾不會讓老師失望。老師慈悲：「這樣我就安心了。」最近南非道場在成全時有一點挫折，正當我徘徊頹喪時，老師的慈語及後學對老師的承諾，環繞著我，自己的愿自己了，後學一定要勇於承擔！感恩老師慈悲，老前人、前人，老點傳師、點傳師、前賢們的諄諄教誨，讓後學能儘快走出陰影與傷痛。因為走出傷痛是肯定自己，肯定自己的責任，使亡者靈安，生者心安。

寶貝兒子！媽媽縱然不捨也得捨，因為「人存在的價值不在於生命的長短，而是擁有他人在乎他存在的意義」。寶貝兒子啊！你真的是行大孝，以生命來喚醒更多的眾生，尤其是成全了媽媽，媽媽以你為榮，我將帶著你的精神去廣結善緣，渡化有緣人。

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【後 記】

中華民國駐南非台北聯絡代表處杜大使在告別祭文中表示：「沒想到他這麼快、這麼突然的就離開我們。我很難接受這個事實，更無法表達我內心的惋惜與哀痛。他走的這麼平靜、快速、沒有痛苦、沒有猶豫，他一定是往更美好的地方去，而且是去做更大的事。祝福他在天上成就更多偉大的事業！」姊姊安琪兒的家屬致謝詞說：「丹尼和我們全家都不會因為這次的事故而責怪任何一位同遊的朋友。相反地，這次的經歷都讓我們學習到面對人生突來的嚴厲考驗，應該如何去承擔與轉化。僅希望丹尼的事故能夠有所代價，相信丹尼想要留給大家的是永久啟發性的思考而不是陰影……」約保市陳議員也表示：「祝福這對勇敢、理性的雙親，把對丹尼的小愛化成對天下人的大愛，相信他們很快能夠堅強地走出這份悲傷。」

這麼多人的祝福，就像丹尼生前最喜愛的一首歌「祝福」唱道：「不要問，不要說，一切盡在不言中，這一刻，偎著燭光讓我們靜靜的渡過，莫揮手，莫回頭，當我唱起這首歌，願心中留著笑容，有你渡過每個春夏秋冬……」丹尼已經了愿回故鄉，他的俊俏模樣、燦爛笑容將永遠留在每一個人的心中……

Source

Excerpt from Foundation Monthly, 213, pp. 22-34 & 196, pp. 22-34, September, 2006 & April, 2005.