I almost didn’t survive
By Ven.Kusla
I almost didn’t survive.
https://youtu.be/nnh9SzTcfKI?is=VIRaqKRlZdvA31nj
This is the story of what happened during the devastating flash flood at Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center.
I recorded this video after being discharged from the emergency room, walking back through the destruction to show what happened and how I survived.
Within about 20 minutes, the creek became a raging torrent. Cabins that had stood for years were lifted from their foundations and floated away like boats. Mine was carried hundreds of feet downstream before crashing into trees. In complete darkness, I escaped through the cabin door, climbed into a tree, and spent nearly four hours clinging to its branches while freezing floodwaters, lightning, and debris rushed beneath me.
A massive log struck my ribs and abdomen, leaving a puncture wound and causing blood in my urine. At the hospital, they performed imaging to check for internal injuries. By great good fortune, no major internal damage was found, and I was discharged the same day.
When the floodwaters finally began to recede, I made my way back through the water to reach the other retreat teacher, Delson Armstrong. Together we were able to get to higher ground, where rescuers met us.
Everything I had in my cabin was lost or destroyed. Many of the monastic cabins, including Bhante Vimalaramsi’s cabin, were swept away. Looking at the devastation, one cannot help but reflect on the Buddha’s teaching on impermanence. What seemed so solid one evening was gone before dawn.
Throughout those long hours in the tree, I kept returning to loving-kindness, chanting, and gratitude. Every time fear arose, I came back to mettā. It brought an unexpected sense of peace even in the middle of what felt like certain death.
I feel deeply grateful—to the emergency responders, hospital staff, David and Kirsten, everyone at Dhamma Sukha, Delson, my family, and the countless friends around the world who prayed, sent messages, and held us in their thoughts. Your kindness has meant more than I can express.
Most of all, I am grateful for this precious second chance at life.
May this experience remind us all that life is fragile, possessions are temporary, and each moment is a gift. Let us live with compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and wisdom while we have the opportunity.
Note: For now, I am focusing on recovery. My entire body is sore, the abrasions are painful, and the wound requires careful attention to prevent infection. I am taking medication and resting.
I will be unable to attend the mettā convention in New Jersey in the coming weekend. My plans are changing, and I should know more within the next few days. I may need to return to Canada for further medical treatment, as I am no longer insured here in the United States.
Dhamma Sukha has shared a link for anyone wishing to support the center’s recovery and help with our hospital expenses.
To donate: https://bhantekusala.org/donations
Flood relief for Dhammasukha: https://www.dhammasukha.org/product-page/flood-relief-for-dhamma-sukha
With mettā,
Bhante Kusala
