THE ISSUE OF CATCHING A COLD OR FEVER BEFORE THE ULLAMBANA FESTIVAL
Caller: Master, some Buddhist friends have reported catching a cold or fever before the Ullambana Festival. Is this considered an elimination of karmic obstacles or overcoming a karmic pass?
Master Jun Hong Lu: In times of an imminent predestined calamity, one is likely to catch a cold. Generally, one should pay tribute to the deceased to obtain peace and good fortune. Having said that, regardless of the means, as long as the Buddha dwells in your heart, you are treading the path of the Buddha; conversely, if your heart is devoid of the Buddha, you would have deviated from the right path.
Caller: I understand. Master, does catching a cold or fever before the Ullambana Festival considered overcoming a predestined calamity? Am I right to understand it this way?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It shouldn’t be considered as such. However, at least it has the effect of eliminating a karmic pass.
Source: Wenda20180902A 36:24, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program