Workers at a South Korean temple recently discovered an unusual envelope in the donation box. The envelope included 2 million won (approximately Rs 1.25 lakh) alongside an apology for a theft committed 27 years ago. As per the letter, during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, a boy stole 30,000 won (approximately Rs 1,900) from the Jajangam Hermitage at Tongdo Temple in Gyeongsang province.
The writer claimed that he attempted another theft a few days later but was caught by a monk. Instead of punishing him, the monk simply placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head in silence, which he claimed changed his life forever.
The man said that since that day, he worked hard and lived an honourable life.
“I was thoughtless as a child. I remember taking a donation box from Jajangam 27 years ago, climbing up the mountain and stealing about 30,000 won (approximately Rs 1800) from it. A few days later, I went back to steal money again, but a monk caught me by the shoulder, closed his eyes and silently shook his head. Nothing happened that day, and I went home. Since that day, I have never desired anything that wasn’t mine,” the letter read, as per The Korea Times.
The man, made the recent donation to repay his debt and apologise for his past actions. He explained that he decided to apologise as he was expecting a baby and wanted to be a father his child could be proud of.
“I have worked hard and lived a good life. Looking back now, I think the monk cast a spell that guided me to be good. I’m sorry I didn’t come back earlier. I hope you can think of it as a temporary loan. I’m expecting a baby soon and I want to be a proud and honourable father to my child. Thank you so much, Monk. I’m sorry again,” the unnamed man added.
The monk, Venerable Hyeonmun, who caught the young thief years ago, still lives at the temple. While he doesn’t remember the boy’s face, he recalls that he was in elementary or middle school.
During that time, many people gathered around the donation box due to the Asian financial crisis. To help those in need, the monk sometimes left the box open and allowed people to take money without breaking it.
The monk extended his good wishes for the father-to-be, believing he would be an inspiration for his son in the future.
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