(Translation)
Sermon by Venerable Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno
A part of the sermon to laymen at Suansaengtham
On 22nd April 2003 (a.m.)

….I asked Dr. Somsak about the tigers. It seems that they are not starving. There is a lot of help from Foreigners at Wat Pa Luangta Bua. Dr. Somsak said that Foreigners took good care of the food. It’s good if Foreigners has already taken care of that. These Foreigners has quite great affection towards animals. This time I don’t go there. Even if I go, I may not bring anything. If I go to see these animals, I won’t bring anything this time. I will just go for a visit. If they go short of anything, I will then reconsider. They help with the tigers’ food, which is a great relief, if Foreigners help together with Thai people. That’s why I can retire myself. Last time I didn’t bring food for tigers as well because I heard the news. I asked Dr. Somsak a few days ago. And heard that Foreigners was taking care. If I visit them, I won’t bring anything, just to pay them a visit to see how they are. If they go short of anything, I can send help later. I have never gone anywhere empty-handed. This is true, never. It’s always a truck - load of things. It’s always the same wherever, a truck – load.

It feels strange to visit the tigers empty-handed. Anyway, there’s one excuse, just to visit. If everything is right, then, just visit and come back. If there is any shortcoming, then, I will reconsider. I have affection for animals, for tigers. About 9 to 10 tigers, kept as pets, now, they are growing up. Tigers become bigger. Last time I didn’t go because I heard from Dr. Somsak that Foreigners took care of tigers’ food. This time I asked again and got the same answer.
So, if there is any chance, I will just go for a visit. If they go short of anything, I will reconsider when coming back….