The daughter’s name was Shim Chung.  In time she reached an age when she could help her father and even began to beg in his place.  Everyone in the village knew the family’s plight and cared for Shim Chung, so the people gave generously. 

The blindman truly loved his loyal daughter, but he worried whenever she was gone.  And he was deeply grieved that the misfortune of his blindness had condemned his daughter to the life of a lowly beggar.

Her father’s promise

One evening, Shim Chung did not return at the usual time.  Her father grew increasingly concerned and distraught.  He worried so much that he left their old thatched cottage and went out to look for her.  Now on the way to the village was a bridge that crossed a river which ran to the sea.  The blindman was so distracted with concern for his daughter that, in his haste, he missed his footing at the bridge, stumbled, and fell into the waters swirling below.

In the cold and dangerous torrent, poor Shim Hak Kyu felt certain that he had met his doom.  He would surely drown or be swept into the ocean.  But suddenly he felt strong hands seize him, and he was pulled to safety.

His rescuer was a Buddhist monk.  In grateful excitement Shim Hak Kyu poured forth his thanks and explained his predicament, concern for his lost daughter, and frustration at his blindness. Then the monk told Shim Hak Kyu that his sight could be regained, if he made a donation of three hundred sacks of rice to the monk’s temple.

The grateful blindman eagerly promised to deliver the rice, even though he was poor and had no idea how to acquire such a treasure.  Soaked and shivering, he had to return home.  But after the monk left him, Shim Hak Kyu became more and more worried by the pledge he had made.  How could he fulfill his promise? Where could he obtain such a bounty of rice?

Shim Chung had been delayed while she helped an elderly lady with some chores.  When she finally returned home, she found her father wracked with worry.  All evening long she reassured him that there would be a way to fulfill the promise, but in her heart she was deeply concerned.  It seemed an impossible pledge.