She often went with her mother up to the temple to offer incense and prostrate before the Buddha. When she first saw novice Kinh Tam, Mau was amazed. How could anyone be so elegant and genteel, with such a glowing, fresh countenance? Although Kinh Tam had a clean-shaven head and only humble monastic garments, the novice was quite refined. Even as a layperson, Kinh already had exquisite beauty and cultured bearing. Yet incredibly, after shaving the head and taking the vows, the novice became even more beautiful. From Mau’s perspective, the novice’s eyes sparkled more, his complexion was brighter, and purity and goodness emanated from his radiant face. An unhappy person could never demonstrate such a fresh smile, such a glowing countenance, such twinkling eyes. Everyone who looked upon Kinh Tam felt immediately refreshed and inspired. And so the young maiden Mau fell in love with the novice. Unfortunately, Mau’s love quickly became an obsessive craving. Returning home from Dharma Cloud, Mau had many sleepless nights.
