{"id":460,"date":"2017-04-01T05:43:54","date_gmt":"2017-04-01T05:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/?p=460"},"modified":"2017-04-01T05:43:54","modified_gmt":"2017-04-01T05:43:54","slug":"khun-yais-teachings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/?p=460","title":{"rendered":"Khun yai’s Teachings"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Read<\/a> | Download<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”SELF `{`1-15`}`” el_id=”1491025504825-3947bba2-8845″]<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Examine yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Contemplate with dhamma<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Save yourself first<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Rely on yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. How to relieve suffering<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Teach yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Look within yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Do it for yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Dhamma is your refuge<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Love yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. Create blessings for yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  12. Improve yourself<\/span><\/li>\n
  13. Rely on merit<\/span><\/li>\n
  14. For your own benefit and for the benefit of others<\/span><\/li>\n
  15. It\u2019s the present that counts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    ****************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Examine yourself<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Before bedtime each night, take a few minutes to meditate upon your day.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Reflect on everything you have done throughout the day, from the time you<\/span>
    \nwake up, to the time you go to bed (i.e., waking, eating, working, meditating,<\/span>
    \nkeeping the precepts1<\/sup>, giving alms).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Reflect on how much merit you have accumulated and how many bad deeds<\/span>
    \nyou have committed today. Resolve to relinquish all the negative actions that<\/span>
    \nlead to bad Kamma2<\/sup>. Don’t even let one particle of your demerit linger with<\/span>
    \nyou overnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Contemplate on giving up. Give up wrongdoings. Give up bad actions.<\/span>
    \nGive up everything evil. Give up the slackness in your meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Contemplate on improving. Improve on doing more good deeds. Make the<\/span>
    \neffort to improve yourself and build up good kamma every day. Think of this<\/span>
    \nlife as your final existence and your last opportunity to capture all the merits.<\/span><\/p>\n

    September 31, 1976<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2. Contemplate with dhamma<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    When facing a difficult situation, look at it from the viewpoint of Dhamma3<\/sup>.<\/span>
    \nDon\u2019t be victimized by the influence of defilements.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Reflect on Dhamma at all times. Wisdom gained from meditation will lead<\/span>
    \nyou to the right knowledge and awareness.<\/span>
    \nTime flies by quickly. Days, weeks and months go by, and all of a sudden<\/span>
    \na year is gone. Ask what you have done for yourself. Are you conducting<\/span>
    \nyour life in a way that fulfills your goals? What should you strive for? What<\/span>
    \nshould you refrain from? Are you doing the things appropriate for who you<\/span>
    \nare? Always be mindful. Don\u2019t become deluded in yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3. Save yourself first<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We are like a small, helpless baby bird vulnerable to dangers. Save yourself<\/span>
    \nfrom danger before thinking and worrying about saving others.<\/span>
    \nAfter I left home, I never looked back. I only returned once to attend my<\/span>
    \nmother’s funeral. When I got home, I gave all my property and possessions<\/span>
    \naway. I gave my 15-rai (approx. 6 acres) rice field to my younger sister<\/span>
    \nbecause she took care of our mother, and my 20-rai (approx. 8 acres) rice<\/span>
    \nfield to my younger brother, a monk, for his future welfare.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 6, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4. Rely on yourself<\/strong><\/span>
    \nI said to myself: \u201cIn all of the world, material or spiritual, you cannot depend on<\/span>
    \nothers. You need to depend on yourself. Never rely on others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 23, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5. How to relieve suffering<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    When you feel despair, chant a lot, and meditate a lot. No one can help you as well as you can help yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

    February, 27 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6. teach yourself<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We must learn how to teach ourselves. I never had to be taught by anyone,yet I knew how to do everything on my own.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I didn\u2019t know how to read or write, but I observed and I learned how to teach\u00a0myself.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Take cleaning, for example. No one had to teach me. My father didn\u2019t teach\u00a0My mother didn\u2019t teach me. I taught myself.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Since I was a little girl living in Nakorn Chaisri, after each meal I would collectall the pots and pans and dishes and clean them. I would clean them until they\u00a0were completely spotless, inside and out.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When cleaning the stairs of the house, I would scrub the top surface as well\u00a0as underneath the stairs. My older siblings would ask me why I had to clean\u00a0underneath as well. I would say, \u201cI don\u2019t know, I like doing it this way. I just\u00a0feel like making everything clean.\u201d I taught myself to make everything clean,\u00a0inside and out.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Even as a grown up, if I saw a dirty spot I would clean it as soon as I could.\u00a0It is a habit I keep till this day.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It stung when the bedbugs bit me, but I would not kill them. I would catch\u00a0them and put them in a spittoon covered with a piece of paper so they\u00a0could not get away. When morning came, I would release these bedbugs\u00a0elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I cleaned until everything around me became spotless. My bed was clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Even my old mosquito net was utterly clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I have been like this since I was a little girl. I love cleanliness and orderliness.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I know where everything should or should not be. I taught myself everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I know when to do what. I know how to manage my time and how to handle\u00a0my tasks. When I was at Wat Paknam I taught myself orderliness and discipline.<\/span><\/p>\n

    After I attained meditation skills to recall past lives, I traversed into my past\u00a0to find out why I became the person I am. Through meditation, I found that\u00a0the reason I was capable of self teaching was because I had meditated a\u00a0great deal in my previous existences. The merits gained from my meditation\u00a0in the past lives have given rise to the knowledge and wisdom that enabled\u00a0me to teach myself.\u00a0You, too, should meditate as much as you can to develop the ability\u00a0to teach yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

    November 6, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    7. Look within yourself<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I look at myself. I look through myself. I understand \u201cme\u201d clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I look into my physical self to find my human nature until I thoroughly\u00a0understand it. Then I look deeper into my spiritual self, to find my transcendental\u00a0nature, until I understand this too.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Once I understood myself, I understood others and everything else.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This is the way of Dhamma. It sounds strange but it is true and it is profound.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Try to understand ourselves truly, and we will understand everything and\u00a0<\/span>everyone else clearly, because this world is about us. Look inside us and we\u00a0will see the world clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

    But the ways of the world are not like this–we tend to look at others and try\u00a0<\/span>to understand them instead of ourselves. When we fail to understand them\u00a0<\/span>we get frustrated. By looking so hard at others, we forget to look at ourselves.\u00a0<\/span>Acting this way will never help us truly understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As for me, I look to myself to understand \u201cme\u201d first. Then I will understand others.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 5,1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    8. Do it for yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

    When Luang Por Wat Paknam was guiding the super-advanced meditation\u00a0<\/span>group, he asked every meditator, one by one, what his\/her purpose was\u00a0<\/span>for performing this super-advanced meditation. Some said they did it for\u00a0<\/span>Buddhism; others said they did it for Luang Por. Everyone gave the same\u00a0<\/span>types of answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When it was my turn to answer, I said, \u201cI am doing it for myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    This was the answer that pleased Luang Por the most. He said, \u201cThis is the\u00a0<\/span>way to go! You guys are here to do it for yourselves, not for anyone else. No\u00a0<\/span>one can do it for others. You do it because you want to free yourself from\u00a0<\/span>suffering…to free yourself from the enslavement of the \u2018Mara5<\/sup>\u2018.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    September 20, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9. Dhamma is your refuge<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I see all the way through. I see clearly that, out of everything in this world\u00a0<\/span>and beyond–physical, natural, and spiritual–no one can help me but me.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Who else can relieve my suffering? No one can, except me.<\/span><\/p>\n

    That\u2019s why I try to help myself all of the time. I find ways to help myself. I rely\u00a0<\/span>on myself. I rely on my Dhamma. I managed to survive everything because\u00a0<\/span>I have Dhamma as my refuge.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 5, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    10. Love yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Build virtue. When your merit is as big as a mountain, your obstacles will\u00a0<\/span>have no effect on you. Your goodness will be seen by others.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Remember these words: \u201cbuild virtue; accumulate merit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you do this, you will be known as someone who values yourself,\u00a0<\/span>someone who strives to be a better person. Accumulate as much merit\u00a0<\/span>as you can. One day your merit will be whole, and all the success and\u00a0<\/span>happiness will be yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

    November 17, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11. Create blessings for yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If life is to be prosperous, one must create \u201cblessings6<\/sup>\u201d for oneself.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Think of ways to bring auspicious things into your life. Try to think of only\u00a0<\/span>good and positive thoughts that are auspicious. This will help cultivate your\u00a0<\/span>mind in a positive direction. If your mind is wholesome, your speech will\u00a0<\/span>become auspicious. Everything you do will also become auspicious.<\/span><\/p>\n

    November 7, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12. Improve yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We must take the viewpoint that this is our last life on earth and our last\u00a0<\/span>opportunity to make a spiritual improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Now is our final life. Let us improve ourselves in the best way. Let us\u00a0<\/span>accumulate as much merit as we can. Let our merit be as big as a mountain.\u00a0<\/span>If we want to build great merit we must meditate a great deal, and also make\u00a0<\/span>wishes or resolutions that are all-encompassing.<\/span><\/p>\n

    13. \u00a0Rely on merit<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In the end, only we can help ourselves. We can\u2019t count on others. We must rely\u00a0<\/span>on our own merit and our own determination.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If we constantly focus our minds to the centers of our bodies, all truths\u00a0<\/span>will reveal themselves and our knowledge will be far-reaching and unlimited.\u00a0<\/span>But if we let our minds wander from the center of our bodies, our knowledge <\/span>will be constrained and limited.<\/span><\/p>\n

    September 3, 1988<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    14. For your own benefit and\u00a0<\/strong>for the benefit of others<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I do things for my own benefit and for the benefit of others. We should do\u00a0<\/span>something worthwhile for ourselves. After having done something worthwhile\u00a0<\/span>for ourselves, we should also do something worthwhile for the mass.\u00a0<\/span>Then we can say that this life is worthwhile.<\/span><\/p>\n

    March 4, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    15. It<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>s the present that counts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    A boy came to me once and asked: \u201cWhat was I, who was I in my past life?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    I told him: \u201cPut aside curiosities about your past lives. What matters is\u00a0<\/span>your life here and now. What have you done for yourself in this life that will\u00a0<\/span>save you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    March 10, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

    *****************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

    1\u00a0<\/strong>Precepts <\/strong>(sila) <\/em>are the guiding principles that form the framework of Buddhist ethical conduct and the\u00a0<\/span>baseline of one\u2019s virtue.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2\u00a0<\/strong>Kamma <\/strong>(Skt, Karma) <\/em>is action or deed of body, speech and mind. Every willed action brings future\u00a0<\/span>consequences, including future rebirths; the consequences of past deeds largely determine one\u2019s general\u00a0<\/span>life situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3\u00a0<\/strong>Dhamma <\/strong>(Skt. Dharma)<\/em>: the truth; the natural condition of things or beings; the law of their existence;\u00a0<\/span>the ethical code of righteousness; the whole body of religious doctrines as a system; the Teachings of\u00a0<\/span>Buddha; the eternal truth that Buddha realized, his verbal expression of that truth, and the phenomena or\u00a0<\/span>elements that comprise reality.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Note: Khun Yai frequently used the term \u201cDhamma\u201d to refer to the practice of meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n

    4 Wat<\/strong> is the Thai word for a Buddhist temple.<\/p>\n

    5 Mara<\/strong> refers to evil, both as a concept and as a personification. In Buddhist cosmology, Mara is a supranatural
    \nbeing responsible for hindering people from performing meritorious deeds. Mara can also mean
    \nobstacles for doing good deeds.<\/p>\n

    6 Blessings (mangala):<\/strong> prosperity; auspiciousness; good omen; anything that is conducive to success.<\/p>\n

    [\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”NON-RECKLESSNESS `{`16-40`}`” el_id=”1491032274025-717c7103-25f0″]16. Born alone, die alone<\/span>
    \n 17. Strive to build maximum merit<\/span>
    \n 18. Don’t be reckless about your age<\/span>
    \n 19. Already old<\/span>
    \n 20. Preparing for it<\/span>
    \n 21. Hurry on<\/span>
    \n 22. We are puppets<\/span>
    \n 23. Don’t let time pass by uselessly<\/span>
    \n 24. Time waits for no one<\/span>
    \n 25. Priceless treasure<\/span>
    \n 26. Don’t wait<\/span>
    \n 27. Come to the temple now<\/span>
    \n 28. Be prepared<\/span>
    \n 29. Be content<\/span>
    \n 30. Be modest<\/span>
    \n 31. Build more virtues<\/span>
    \n 32. All things must be based upon virtue<\/span>
    \n 33. No desire for others’ possessions<\/span>
    \n 34. Associating with people<\/span>
    \n 35. Seeing through people<\/span>
    \n 36. Be a team player<\/span>
    \n 37. Human relations<\/span>
    \n 38. Hate no one<\/span>
    \n 39. Silence is golden<\/span>
    \n 40. Receiving guests<\/span><\/p>\n

    *********************************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

    16. Born alone, die alone<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We were born alone and we will die alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

    There is no need to worry about others if we can\u2019t even save ourselves.If we can\u2019t save ourselves, and don\u2019t have a firm grip on our own refuge,then maybe we are not good enough to save others. We, ourselves, may be vulnerable to Mara.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Now that we have found Buddhism, now that we have found the most important and beneficial knowledge, what are we still waiting for? Why are we not reaping the benefits? Are we going to wait until we are too old?<\/span><\/p>\n

    We don\u2019t know when our final moment may arrive. If we die unexpectedly, do we want to find ourselves in a hell realm? Doesn\u2019t it bother you to think that your time in this life may be for naught? Don\u2019t you feel sorry for the wasted time, and the wasted life?<\/span><\/p>\n

    The purpose of our life is to pursue \u2018Perfections\u20197 (parami). Preserve and protect our merit. Only merit will carry us through in the end. Transcendental merit (merit gained from meditation) is very important. How much do you expect of life when you have accumulated so little transcendental merit?<\/span><\/p>\n

    If we are born into this world and allow our life to be wasted, why bother to be born at all? Chattering, fooling around, frivolous pursuits, what do we gain from such activities? Are we winning or losing in our quest for Perfections?<\/span><\/p>\n

    You must protect your merit. If you don\u2019t protect it, pay no attention to it, or don\u2019t reflect on it regularly, your merit will become weak and stop flowing. But if you constantly reflect on it, your merit will keep flowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ask yourself what you want for your future. Do you wish to become lost amidst the deceptions of pleasurable sight, sound, smell, taste and touch?<\/span><\/p>\n

    Reflect upon this carefully. A wrong path, once chosen, is hard to deviate from.<\/span><\/p>\n

    February 9, 1975<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    17. Strive to build maximum merit<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Dhamma is something deep and profound. It is not easy for ordinary people to attain or even comprehend in a short amount of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You know that it is difficult to be born as a human. One has to overcome innumerable odds before one gets to become a human. Now that you are a human and have found Buddhism, you should make your life worthwhile. Build as much parami (Perfections) as possible until your virtue is whole enough to help you find your way out of suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Being born human is a great blessing indeed. It doesn\u2019t matter whether you are born into a rich or poor family, a fortunate or unfortunate condition, you should accept it and carry on. There is nothing anyone can do to change this.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You have become the way you are because of what you have done in the past. It is your kamma8. If you want to improve your conditions, you have to commit to doing more good deeds.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Everyone who is born will eventually die. We all have to die, but no one knows when his\/her time will come. Because of this, we must do all we can to accumulate as much merit as possible. Merit is the only possession we can take with us after we die.<\/span><\/p>\n

    We are the way we are because of what we have done. Learn to endure it. Do the best you can for yourself. Do the best you can in everything. Good things will eventually come to you. You will die regardless of whether you do it or not. It is better to do it and to do it well.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t be lazy with your meditation. Meditate as much as you can to cultivate good mindfulness. If your mindfulness is weak, you will be vulnerable to evil thoughts that give rise to bad kamma. But if you maintain good mindfulness, virtue will be with you instead, leaving no room for negative kamma to enter.<\/span><\/p>\n

    January 31, 1975<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    18. Don<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>t be reckless\u00a0<\/strong>about your age<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We are already old. Don\u2019t think that you are still young. Reflect on aging.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you get carried away with thinking that you are still young and do things that you are not supposed to do, you may misstep into an unhappy realm. Try to accumulate more transcendental merit than worldly merit. It is the transcendental merit that releases you from defilements9<\/sup>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    February 16, 1975<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    19. Already old<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Bear in mind that you are getting older every day. Don\u2019t take your youth for granted. I have been telling myself that I am old ever since I was a young woman, and it has motivated me to hurry up and pursue Perfections.<\/span><\/p>\n

    March 24, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    20. Preparing for it<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I made a resolution that no matter how serious my illness may be, I want the doctor to conceal nothing from me, but tell me everything as it is, so I can be prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n

    March 24, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    21. Hurry on<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    You are young. You are strong. Row your boat as hard as you can. Hurry and continue to row on. Don\u2019t be bothered if others slow down. For us, we must make the best of our own life.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This is our last life, our last existence. When we depart, we must take only the good things with us. Grab the victory flag. Never go backwards. Keep rowing forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I say this is our last life because before this life we may have been deficient and inconsistent in our practice of good deeds. But in this life we must try harder and be more determined. We can no longer give in.<\/span><\/p>\n

    We must also make resolutions that encompass everything that is good. We will wish that we encounter only good things, maintain celibacy in every lifetime until we reach Nibbana10<\/sup>, and never cross paths with bad people- -people who lack morality and truthfulness.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In the end, what is left of this world is only merit and demerit. Humans are<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cpuppets\u201d played by merit and demerit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    September 5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    22. We are puppets<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I reflect on death, realizing that time waits for no one. That\u2019s why I made \u2018Kathina11<\/sup>\u2019 offerings, robe offerings to monks, while I still could. Any day could be my last. I don\u2019t know when I will pass away, so I rushed to make more merit, realizing that merit is the only thing I can take with me when I die. We can\u2019t take anything with us when we die, except merit and demerit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    We are like puppets; merit and demerit are our puppet masters. When we do good deeds, merit pulls us up. When we do bad deeds, demerit pushes us down.<\/span><\/p>\n

    October 28, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    23. Don<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>t let time pass by uselessly<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Our life is getting shorter and shorter. Hurry and do more good deeds. Don\u2019t let time pass by you for naught. It\u2019s a pity to be wasting time. Time wasted is life wasted.<\/span><\/p>\n

    September 8, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    24. Time waits for no one<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Lazy people are feeble-minded. They don\u2019t know how to think.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The moment you wake up, you should realize that days are going by, months are going by, years are going by, and time waits for no one.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you want to do something good, do it now and do it well.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do only good things. When you make merit, you take merits with you as your blessing. When you commit wrongdoings, you carry demerits with you as your curse.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 10, 1992<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    25. Priceless treasure<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    At this moment I\u2019m still healthy; let me tell you what is on my mind. Remember my words.<\/span><\/p>\n

    I\u2019m giving you an invaluable treasure. Please take good care of the treasure that I\u2019m giving to you. You will be able to look after your spiritual well-being in the future. I have only virtuous intentions for everyone. I want to give \u201cultimate benefits\u201d to others.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May you always be on the moral path, determined to make merit while you are young and strong, and to pursue it to the best of your ability.<\/span><\/p>\n

    After we finish building our Temple, I will offer the Temple (Buddhajak Center12<\/sup>) to the Buddhas13<\/sup> in Nibbana. All of us will benefit from this transcendental merit. Maintain this great merit by keeping our Temple pure and clean. Let Luang Por (Dhammajayo) know everything, positive or negative, according to the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Honor your pure intentions, your good morality, and your genuine truthfulness; in the same manner I have honored mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    26. Don<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>t wait<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We don\u2019t know when our final day will come. Start going to the temple now while you still can. Don\u2019t wait until someone has to carry you into the temple (for your own funeral).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Days and nights pass by quickly. With each sunset our life becomes one day shorter. Capitalize on each day that you are still alive by accumulating as much merit as you can. In times of trouble, reflect on your merit. Know how to build up merit and know how to maintain merit. Use your merit wisely as you would use your money.<\/span><\/p>\n

    January 11, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    27. Come to the temple now<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Khun Yai encouraged those who came to the temple for the first time to visit the temple often. Whether it\u2019s early or late in life, we all end up in the temple one way or another. Whether you are the beloved child or the beloved parent, death brings us all to the temple in the end (for our own funeral). So don\u2019t wait until you are too old and too weak to go on your own.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Life does not end with death. Those who are accustomed with doing good deeds, who can recall their good deeds at the time of death, will find their way to a heavenly realm. Those who are accustomed to doing bad deeds, whose minds are attached to their bad deeds at the time of death, will end up in a hell realm. For those who performed neither good nor bad deeds, after death their spirit will neither be in a heavenly realm nor a hell realm, but will roam about in this world.<\/span><\/p>\n

    June 10, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    28. Be prepared<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    A kind-hearted 80 year old woman with five children once came to Khun Yai and asked for her advice. Her youngest son was a source of disappointment to her because he never listened to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Khun Yai replied, \u201cWhy be disappointed? He is an adult now and old enough to walk his own path. When I lived in Nakorn Chaisri, I used to have a cat. The cat gave birth to five kittens and I raised them too. But once these kittens got older, they all left me. I realized then that cats and dogs, just like people, are born under the Law of Kamma. They must live their own life as their own kamma dictates. All little birds must leave the nest eventually.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Sister, you yourself are old. It is time you thought of yourself more and prepared for your own spiritual future. Make merit. Merits and demerits are the only things you can take with you to the next life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    February 24, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    29. Be content<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Let us be neither blindly ambitious nor greedy. Instead, let us learn modesty and contentment. Greed can turn an honest man into a fraudulent one. I dislike a dishonest person.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When you are greedy for unwholesome things, in the end you will possess only misery. Strive to keep your minds pure and clean. If you have accumulated enough merit, then your desires will be met without the need for ruthlessness. And if you desire only to possess more virtue, that would be excellent indeed!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Learn to live a simple life and make use of your possessions prudently.<\/span><\/p>\n

    November 24, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    30. Be modest<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I\u2019m not the ambitious type. I don\u2019t want to be popular nor famous like others. This has been a characteristic of mine for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When I lived at Wat Paknam and practiced high-level Dhammakaya14<\/sup> meditation with Luang Por Wat Paknam, I was very quiet. In the meditation hall, I rarely spoke, but when I did, others listened. I did not meddle in other people\u2019s affairs, but when it came to Luang Por\u2019s teachings, I was not afraid to point out people\u2019s mistakes. Otherwise, I spoke only when I was asked questions by Luang Por, and my answers were short and to the point.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The important thing was to fulfill my duties. I sought neither fame nor recognition as others around me did. Fame without merit is a structure built on a crumbling foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n

    October 22, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    31. Build more virtues<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We are born to pursue virtue. I have been doing good deeds and building up my virtue little by little, regularly and consistently, quietly and humbly, without the need for recognition. After a while, the efforts of these good deeds pay off, and their results are evident to everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When you have built up enough virtue, nothing can stop it from manifesting itself. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to see these accomplishments.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some people expect their good deeds to pay off right away. They complain when they fail to see the results of their good deeds, even when they have only just begun to practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When I reflect upon the good deeds I have performed, and all of the time and effort I spent pursuing Perfections, I feel proud of my accomplishments. I don\u2019t have any inferior feelings in my mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 5, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    32. All things must\u00a0<\/strong>be based upon virtue<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Those ignorant ones, who have no virtue yet desire fame, power and prestige, are doomed to fail in the end. The louder they boast, the faster they will fail. All things must be based upon virtue.<\/span><\/p>\n

    October 12, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    33. No desire for\u00a0<\/strong>others<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong> possessions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I built the Temple. My life is based on merit. From it, I have a place to live and food to eat. There is no desire in me to steal other\u2019s wealth. If someone causes me harm, let that be his\/her own burden; I have no desire to hurt anyone\u2019s feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    34. Associating with people<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We should know what type of people to associate with. There are some people we can welcome into our homes, while others should be kept at a distance. It is important to recognize which is which.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If we know certain people display bad behavior, then it\u2019s best to avoid them entirely, lest we begin to emulate them. Even if we recognize and disagree with their bad behavior at first, if we continue to associate with them, in time, we begin to think they are not so bad after all and end up losing our own morals.<\/span><\/p>\n

    A heroin addict started out as drug free, but through peer pressure, gradually became addicted to the drug. Think of bad behavior as contagious germs. We don\u2019t know when we catch them. Slowly they invade us without our awareness. Before we know it, it is already too late.<\/span><\/p>\n

    February 8, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    35. Seeing through people<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    There is a parable about a fox that was raised as a lion. It is the fox\u2019s nature to eat excrement. But one fox was taken and raised like a lion. He was fed the finest meat and he behaved as regally as a lion would. But when he came across excrement, his true nature came to fore, and he ate it. A fox is still a fox.<\/span><\/p>\n

    We need to look into the true nature of a person to know who he really is.<\/span><\/p>\n

    June 1, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    36. Be a team player<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I care for my community. We should learn how to be a good team player and get along with everyone. Arrogance only leads to isolation. If we have the attitude that we are better than others, at our time of distress, no one will be around to offer help.<\/span><\/p>\n

    October 28, 1992<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    37. Human relations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    We should learn how to get along with others. If someone does not talk to us, then we need to be the one to begin talking first. Soon we will have a pleasant conversation. We should reject the attitude of snobbery and arrogance. Instead, strive to relate well with every type of person. You never know, a day might come when you will need their help.<\/span><\/p>\n

    May 5, 1995<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    38. Hate no one<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I have hatred for no one. I am afraid if I do, I too, will be hated in my next life. My mind always considers the consequences in the far future rather than merely the immediate present. Besides, I would rather have love than hatred for people.<\/span><\/p>\n

    January 1, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    39. Silence is golden<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    I seem to possess a special intuition. Although I never went to school, I have a good sense about people. I see through them, but I prefer to keep it to myself. If I\u2019m not adept with people, I would not have been able to build this Temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Talk is cheap; silence is golden.<\/span><\/p>\n

    February 15, 1992<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    40. Receiving guests<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Receiving guests who inquire for your help is not easy. We must learn the proper way to do it. Although we must cater to them, we must also maintain our moral nature, especially our Dhamma.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some guests visit us to recount their tales of woe or their family troubles, but these stories only distract our own minds from Dhamma, or from the center of our bodies. As practitioners of Dhamma, we should try to guide our guests to the wisdom of Dhamma as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Like a tug of war, we may allow ourselves to be drawn into our guests\u2019 misery and away from Dhamma, or we can draw them to Dhamma and away from their problems. It takes skills in good speech and great awareness to move a person towards Dhamma.<\/span><\/p>\n

    There are many types of guests. Before we can host any of them properly, we must first understand ourselves thoroughly. Understanding ourselves first will help us understand others, and this in turn will help us understand their problems. The most essential thing, however, is to maintain our minds in Dhamma and to be filled with compassion.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    *********************************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

    9 Defilements<\/strong> (kilesa), mental impurities consisting of greed, anger and delusion; hindrances or poisons<\/span>
    \n that cause beings to perform intentional deeds (kamma) and suffer rebirth.<\/span><\/p>\n

    10 Nibbana<\/strong> (Skt, Nirvana), is the state of ultimate happiness, the happy condition of enlightenment, the<\/span>
    \n highest spiritual attainment. This is not the sense-based happiness of everyday life; nor is it the concept<\/span>
    \n of happiness as interpreted by Western culture. It is an enduring, transcendental happiness integral to<\/span>
    \n the calmness attained through enlightenment. Once a person has attained Nibbana, he has reached the<\/span>
    \n end of the cycle of rebirths–the final and total release from cyclic existence–never again to be subject to<\/span>
    \n rebirth. Nibbana is a supramundane state that cannot be expressed by words and is beyond space and time.<\/span>
    \n This is the state of perfect enlightenment realized by Buddhas and Arhants. Those who have gained this<\/span>
    \n realization no longer accumulate karmic consequences and will no longer be reborn into samsara, the cycle<\/span>
    \n of existence, when they die.<\/span><\/p>\n

    11 Kathina:<\/strong> Annual robe offering made to the temples whose member monks observe the Buddhist Lent.<\/span><\/p>\n

    12 Buddhajak Center<\/strong> is the former name of the Dhammakaya Temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

    13 Buddha:<\/strong> an ‘awaken one’ who is fully enlightened and who has realized Nibbana without the benefit of a Buddha’s teaching in the lifetime in which he attains it. Those who attained enlightenment by following the Buddha’s teachings are called Arahants or Arahats. The name Buddha is a generic term, not a proper name, meaning ‘awakened’, thus ‘enlightened’. Buddhas appear at vast intervals of time. There are countless numbers of past, present and future Buddhas.<\/span><\/p>\n

    14 Dhammakaya:<\/strong> Body of Enlightenment; Body of Truth. Dhammakaya meditation is a profound<\/span>
    \nmeditation technique taught by Luang Por Wat Paknam. Khun Yai carried on the Dhammakaya<\/span>
    \nmeditation tradition and passed it on to her student Luang Por Dhammajayo, current Abbot of the Dhammakaya<\/span>
    \nTemple.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”DHAMMA (MEDITATION) `{`41-65`}`” el_id=”1491032415391-24e9fb86-de71″]41. There is no such thing as a secret<\/span>
    \n42. Super-advanced meditation<\/span>
    \n43. I truly love meditation<\/span>
    \n44. Success through love of meditation<\/span>
    \n45. There is no secret in this world<\/span>
    \n46. Dhamma so subtle and profound<\/span>
    \n47. Those who don’t really know<\/span>
    \n48. Knowledge beyond description<\/span>
    \n49. Ability to withstand<\/span>
    \n50. Hold on tightly<\/span>
    \n51. No need to be coddled<\/span>
    \n52. Meditative power<\/span>
    \n53. Relinquish all else<\/span>
    \n54. “Stop” so you will succeed<\/span>
    \n55. Only spiritual attainment can help us<\/span>
    \n56. To successfully pursue perfections,<\/span>
    \none needs to embrace meditation<\/span>
    \n57. Like hitting the ground with your fist<\/span>
    \n58. The most important duty<\/span>
    \n59. Meditation is essential<\/span>
    \n60. I cherish meditation<\/span>
    \n61. Those who know don’t brag<\/span>
    \n62. Seeing through<\/span>
    \n63. Silence may seem like defeat,<\/span>
    \nbut in fact it is victory<\/span>
    \n64. Meditation helps<\/span>
    \n65. Be cautious before speaking<\/span><\/p>\n

    **********************************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. there is no\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>such thing as a secret<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Luang Por Wat Paknam\u2019s meditative attainment was utterly complete and profound. I have witnessed it. A secret as tiny as a strand of hair could not be hidden from him. He could see everything clearly. So, whatever you do, do it virtuously. Nothing can be concealed, because there are no secrets in this world. I experienced this phenomenon after meditating for two straight weeks following Luang Por Wat Paknam\u2019s directions. After the meditation, my expanded consciousness allowed me to answer all questions about all subjects. This is due to the profound knowledge taught by Luang Por.<\/span><\/p>\n

      December 21, 1976<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

        \n
      1. super-advanced meditation<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Because I have the purity of body, mind and speech, I have adhered to morality and truthfulness, and I have an utmost love for meditation, I was allowed straight into the super-advanced meditation program with Luang Por Wat Paknam. Normally, one has to go through several intensive assessments before being allowed into this elite program. But as for me, I was admitted to the elite program immediately upon my arrival.<\/span><\/p>\n

        November 5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. i truly love meditation<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          I meditate all the time. During World War II, I meditated six hours during the day, and six more hours during the night. The method must be extremely refined and exact.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Although the first advanced meditation group already began before I arrived, I arrived in time for the super-advanced meditation program that Luang Por later initiated. Because of this, and because of my extreme love and devotion for meditation, my meditation skill became very profound.<\/span><\/p>\n

          November 5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. success through\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>love of meditation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            I noticed that Dr. Piya, Dr. Kwan, and Dr. Charoen all possessed different\u00a0<\/span>skills, and each of them is specialized in his own particular field. Dr. Piya\u00a0<\/span>is proficient in dentistry; Dr. Kwan is skillful in traditional Chinese medicine,\u00a0<\/span>while Dr. Charoen is an expert in ophthalmology.\u00a0<\/span>For one to be good at something, one must first have love for that particular\u00a0<\/span>thing. If you love what you do, you will do it well. For me, I love meditation\u00a0<\/span>more than anything. That\u2019s why my meditation skills are so precise and\u00a0<\/span>so profound.<\/span><\/p>\n

            November 12, 1977<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            1. there is no\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>secret in this world<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              My meditation skills are so precise and so profound that they have allowed\u00a0<\/span>my consciousness to expand beyond the ordinary. I am aware of\u00a0<\/span>everything; no secret is kept from me. It befits the saying, \u201cthere is no secret in\u00a0<\/span>this world.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>For those who possess the super-advanced meditation skills, nothing is\u00a0<\/span>hidden from their view. It is hidden only from those whose minds are defiled.\u00a0<\/span>I know everything that takes place with people. It only depends on whether\u00a0<\/span>I want to talk about it or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

              November 5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              1. dhamma so subtle & profound<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                My meditation skills are so subtle and profound that, even while I am eating\u00a0<\/span>my meals, I can see animals eating animals. When I look inside me, inside\u00a0<\/span>my intestines, I see human eating human, because the meats of the animals\u00a0<\/span>that I am eating belong to humans just like us, but the forms they took were\u00a0<\/span>those of a pig, a duck or a chicken. Whatever forms of animals they took\u00a0<\/span>were conditioned by the karmic retributions applicable to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

                November 5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. those who don\u2019t really know<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  I \u00a0am \u00a0familiar with the \u00a0meditation \u00a0know-how \u00a0of Luang \u00a0Por \u00a0Wat Paknam \u00a0in every \u00a0detail, \u00a0because I \u00a0have \u00a0practiced with Luang \u00a0Por \u00a0continuously \u00a0and I have\u00a0 never left or done \u00a0anything else. \u00a0I \u00a0have\u00a0 practiced his Dhammakaya meditation before, during and after the World War, until now…\u00a0<\/span>Those\u00a0 \u00a0who\u00a0 \u00a0go\u00a0 \u00a0around\u00a0 \u00a0bragging\u00a0 \u00a0about\u00a0 \u00a0the\u00a0 \u00a0meditation\u00a0 \u00a0techniques \u00a0of Luang \u00a0Por \u00a0don\u2019t \u00a0really know \u00a0what \u00a0they are \u00a0talking about. \u00a0All \u00a0they want \u00a0is to be famous.\u00a0<\/span>I \u00a0have \u00a0this genuine \u00a0knowledge, but \u00a0because of my position, \u00a0it is not wise for me \u00a0to talk about \u00a0it. Most \u00a0people \u00a0are \u00a0not \u00a0refined enough \u00a0(mentally) to comprehend it.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  October \u00a012, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. knowledge beyond description<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    I have continuously performed \u00a0virtuous deeds for many decades. I practiced super-advanced meditation \u00a0directly with Luang Por Wat Paknam \u00a0endlessly. I absorbed the knowledge \u00a0from him first-hand. \u00a0The knowledge \u00a0imparted \u00a0by Luang Por to me was vast and extensive.<\/span>When \u00a0the \u00a0200 \u00a0rai plot [80 acres] \u00a0of land\u00a0 was \u00a0first donated to Buddhajak Center,\u00a0\u00a0 I\u00a0 \u00a0thought\u00a0 \u00a0to \u00a0myself, \u00a0even \u00a0a \u00a0land \u00a0this \u00a0vast \u00a0was \u00a0not \u00a0big \u00a0enough to contain \u00a0everything that \u00a0I \u00a0knew–only \u00a0a mere \u00a0pinch of it. But I \u00a0could \u00a0not mention it, because people \u00a0will not understand. Only those \u00a0who have meditative experience would be in the position to understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    October \u00a012, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. ability to withstand<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      The strength of my meditative \u00a0attainment \u00a0can \u00a0withstand \u00a0a hundred wars. This is something \u00a0no one understands. For me, I know what is what. I have meditated immensely, and have relied on my inner Dhamma, \u00a0that it gives me the strength to endure \u00a0and the ability to survive.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. hold on tightly<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        How does \u00a0one get left behind?\u00a0<\/span>When \u00a0Luangpi \u00a0Chitchai \u00a0Mahachito \u00a0was \u00a0not \u00a0busy \u00a0with his responsibilities during \u00a0the\u00a0 \u00a0temple\u2019s\u00a0 \u00a0construction, \u00a0he\u00a0 \u00a0spent\u00a0 \u00a0a \u00a0lot \u00a0of \u00a0time \u00a0meditating. He had \u00a0a \u201cdream\u201d. In his dream, \u00a0he saw \u00a0a vehicle traveling at high speed over the \u00a0ocean, and \u00a0on this vehicle were \u00a0many \u00a0people \u00a0holding on tightly. But it ran so rapidly that anyone who was not holding on tight enough \u00a0fell off. This fast vehicle was me. I pursued Perfections. Everything I did, I did earnestly. That was why I moved ahead with high speed.<\/p>\n

                         <\/p>\n

                         <\/p>\n

                        Buddhajak \u00a0Center \u00a0is like a mountain. \u00a0Some \u00a0people \u00a0saw \u00a0the mountain \u00a0and were afraid to climb. Those who do climb may get distracted along the way and fall from the path. \u00a0Those who are afraid to climb are those \u00a0who see \u00a0the stringent rules of the temple and do not wish to comply.\u00a0<\/span>Hold on tightly to the vehicle! Do not fall off! Meditate as much \u00a0as you can. Maintain your mind \u00a0and \u00a0your body \u00a0with merit. \u00a0Meditate \u00a0with the \u00a0mantra \u201csamma \u00a0arahang15\u201d. One day you will have your attainment. I endured a great deal and was supremely patient. It was patience that made the Buddhajak \u00a0Center. \u00a0Through it, ten virtuous monks were ordained.<\/p>\n

                        March 21, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                         <\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. no need to be coddled<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Don\u2019t feel injured. We need \u00a0to understand that \u00a0Luang \u00a0Por \u00a0[Dhammajayo] is very busy \u00a0with his duties \u00a0and \u00a0does \u00a0not always have \u00a0time to coddle \u00a0us. I myself don\u2019t like to be coddled. Some \u00a0folks like to compete for recognition and\u00a0 \u00a0personal\u00a0 \u00a0attention\u00a0 \u00a0from \u00a0Luang\u00a0 \u00a0Por.\u00a0 \u00a0This \u00a0nonsensical \u00a0competition impedes them from advancement in their meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n

                          November <\/em>17, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                           <\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. meditative power<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            When \u00a0it comes to \u00a0meditation, \u00a0I\u00a0\u00a0 have \u00a0practiced thoroughly \u00a0and \u00a0became so proficient that I can comprehend everything, knowing what and where everything is.\u00a0<\/span>When it comes time to meditate, \u00a0I drop everything and during that time there is only meditation \u00a0on my mind and absolutely nothing else. However, when duty calls me back to deal with the mundane part of life, \u00a0I must retreat \u00a0from the transcendental, step \u00a0by step, \u00a0body by body16, \u00a0from the Arahat body to the physical human body.<\/span><\/p>\n

                            Once \u00a0that \u00a0is accomplished, I \u00a0can \u00a0then \u00a0deal \u00a0with mundane issues. When my worldly affairs are dealt with, I \u00a0then return once \u00a0again to my meditation and \u00a0leave \u00a0all earthly problems \u00a0behind. \u00a0Unfortunately, \u00a0we \u00a0all have \u00a0to \u00a0tend to our worldly needs. We have to \u201cbattle\u201d with the mundane as well as the supramundane.<\/span><\/p>\n

                            Between \u00a0these \u00a0two worlds, I know how to divide my time. When I meditate, I focus my mind to the center \u00a0of my body, from the physical human \u00a0body to the transcendental human \u00a0body all the way through \u00a0to the Arahat body–18 bodies \u00a0in total. Once I attained \u00a0the Arahat body, the mind encompassed all knowledge. It is a state \u00a0called \u201cknowing and seeing \u00a0in all directions\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

                            Meditation is like setting sail in the ocean. When you are deep \u00a0into sea \u00a0with no shoreline \u00a0in sight, \u00a0you can \u00a0look at your compass and \u00a0steer \u00a0yourself in the right direction. Likewise, when you meditate, \u00a0set your direction by telling yourself what you want to accomplish during the meditation session.<\/span><\/p>\n

                            Organize \u00a0your time by clearly separating meditation \u00a0time from your other tasks. \u00a0That \u00a0way \u00a0you\u00a0 will \u00a0not \u00a0be \u00a0distracted during \u00a0meditation \u00a0by thinking of home \u00a0or work, or this or that. The purpose of meditation \u00a0is to bring your racing mind to a standstill state.<\/span><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            1. relinquish all else<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                               <\/p>\n

                              Merely meditating \u00a0and \u00a0reciting \u00a0the \u00a0mantra \u00a0\u201csamma\u00a0 \u00a0arahang\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0will \u00a0create merit. It\u2019s not easy to attain Dhammakaya when the mind wants \u00a0to dart here and \u00a0there \u00a0around \u00a0the \u00a0entire world. We have \u00a0to rein the \u00a0mind back \u00a0to the center \u00a0of our body, \u00a0two fingers\u2019 breadth above \u00a0the \u00a0navel. Then relinquish everything else. \u00a0When the mind comes to a standstill, it will glow radiantly. Keep the mind steady \u00a0and think of the bright Buddha \u00a0image at the center \u00a0of the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

                               <\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. \u201cstop\u201d so you will succeed<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                To \u201cstop17\u201d: all success springs from this one action. I mean \u00a0success both in the spiritual and in the earthly sense.\u00a0<\/span>In the material world, if we want to go somewhere quickly we have to travel in a fast vehicle such as a car or a plane. But in the world of Dhamma it is the opposite; we have to \u201cstop\u201d. If we don\u2019t stop, \u00a0we won\u2019t get there. The more we stop, \u00a0the faster we go.\u00a0<\/span>Recall the story of Angulimala which Luang Por recounted. Angulimala believed that if he collected \u00a0the fingers of 1,000 \u00a0people, \u00a0he would become the ruler of the world. He saw \u00a0the Lord Buddha \u00a0and \u00a0ran after him with the intent to cut off his finger\u2014the last finger to complete his 1,000. \u00a0He called out, \u201cStop, Monk, stop!\u201d The Lord Buddha \u00a0answered him, \u201cI have stopped already. It is you who has not stopped.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

                                \u201cStop\u201d is the key to success. \u201cStop\u201d here \u00a0means stopping your mind from wandering, \u00a0bringing it to \u00a0a \u00a0peaceful \u00a0stillness. \u00a0If \u00a0you \u00a0cannot, you \u00a0will \u00a0not be \u00a0able to reach \u00a0the Dhammakaya within you. All Dhamma \u00a0(Truth) resides within us. You have to stop \u00a0your mind to reach \u00a0it. This is why meditation \u00a0is so important.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                The Tipitaka18 \u00a0has 84,000 sections. They can be summed up into three practices: purifying the body, purifying the mind, and purifying speech. These three can be further summed up in just one word: \u201cStop\u201d. Once the mind is still, it, along with the body and speech, will become purified. And this in turn will bring us much merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Follow my advice \u00a0and \u00a0learn to divide your time. When you meditate, \u00a0think of nothing else but meditation. \u00a0Focus \u00a0only on advancing \u00a0on your journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                March 1, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                 <\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                1. only spiritual attainment can help us<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  In the entire universe, there is only one refuge from suffering for us, and that is meditative attainment. Hold on to it. Even if you see \u00a0only a brief flash of it, that is sufficient to bring about \u00a0enough \u00a0merit to cover the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  When I \u00a0meditate, \u00a0my mind penetrates deep \u00a0to the \u00a0center \u00a0of the \u00a0body, \u00a0all the \u00a0way through \u00a0to Nibanna \u00a0[the perfect \u00a0state \u00a0of bliss], and \u00a0there \u00a0it rests. Released from all impurities, my mind is able to see \u00a0whatever I wish to see.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  However, \u00a0I \u00a0am \u00a0drawn \u00a0back \u00a0to \u00a0the \u00a0physical \u00a0world \u00a0by \u00a0people \u00a0and \u00a0things which occupy me here. Then the mind regains its impurities and clings to sensations.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  Those who are married must feel this pull; even wanting to be married means that you have worldly attachments, which are a kind of defilement, and you lose a desire for spiritual attainment.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  If you truly seek \u00a0spiritual attainment \u00a0you need \u00a0not think of others. \u00a0Think of yourself, because no one else can save you but you.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  Buddhism \u00a0encompasses these \u00a0three \u00a0things: \u00a0the \u00a0Teachings, the \u00a0Practice, and the Attainment, nothing more, nothing less.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  March 11, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                   <\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  1. to successfully pursue perfections,\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>o<\/strong>ne need to embrace meditation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                    We \u00a0were \u00a0born \u00a0to \u00a0pursue\u00a0 \u00a0virtues. \u00a0Strive \u00a0to \u00a0perform \u00a0good\u00a0 \u00a0deeds. If \u00a0you wish to successfully \u00a0pursue \u00a0Perfections, you need \u00a0to \u201cattach\u201d \u00a0yourself to mental development, not to people. \u00a0This will benefit not only yourself but the people around you. Count on your mindfulness to remind you that if you allow yourself to be attached to people, \u00a0you will not prevail in your pursuit of Perfections and will run into trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                    Be endeared to the \u00a0practice \u00a0of meditation. \u00a0Let meditation \u00a0be \u00a0a refuge \u00a0for you. You will be able to overcome false views and earn new merit that stays with you every day. \u00a0Remember this and \u00a0take \u00a0it to \u00a0practice. I \u00a0am \u00a0an \u00a0old woman \u00a0and only getting older, but as long as I am able, I will \u00a0keep teaching this to you. Heed my advice and you will do well.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                    December <\/em>15, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                     <\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    1. like hitting the ground with your fist<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                      Skill in \u00a0meditation\u00a0 \u00a0is \u00a0something\u00a0 \u00a0you \u00a0must\u00a0 \u00a0build \u00a0from \u00a0the \u00a0ground\u00a0 \u00a0up. Everything starts from the ground up: houses are built from their foundations, and birds which fly high overhead must take off from the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                      As you first begin \u00a0your meditation, \u00a0do \u00a0not \u00a0compare your progress to the progress of others,\u00a0 \u00a0nor \u00a0should \u00a0you \u00a0assume that \u00a0you \u00a0will \u00a0not \u00a0make \u00a0any progress at all. Keep \u00a0those \u00a0ideas \u00a0out\u00a0 of your head! \u00a0Think that \u00a0every time you repeat \u00a0the mantra \u201cSamma \u00a0Arahang\u201d in your mind, your merit becomes greater \u00a0with each \u00a0repetition. \u00a0And every time \u00a0you\u00a0 meditate \u00a0you\u00a0 gain \u00a0new merit. It\u2019s as assured as hitting the ground \u00a0with your fist\u2013you never miss.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                      As\u00a0 \u00a0you\u00a0 \u00a0progress \u00a0along\u00a0 \u00a0the\u00a0 \u00a0path\u00a0 \u00a0of \u00a0Dhamma,\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0guard\u00a0 \u00a0yourself\u00a0 \u00a0from carelessness and \u00a0doubt. \u00a0Pay no attention \u00a0to those \u00a0who direct \u00a0their anger or impatience \u00a0at you. Remember that you are following the path of the Lord Buddha \u00a0and that, in itself, is gratifying. Have no doubt \u00a0that you will succeed, and indeed \u00a0success will come \u00a0to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                       <\/p>\n

                                      January 17, 1975<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                       <\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      1. meditation is essential<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                        The practice \u00a0of meditation \u00a0is the most \u00a0important \u00a0thing in life, and \u00a0attaining Dhamma \u00a0is the ultimate life goal. Even as you walk, drive, or perform other everyday \u00a0tasks, \u00a0you need \u00a0to contemplate on Dhamma \u00a0at all times. \u00a0Before I \u00a0attained \u00a0Dhamma, \u00a0I \u00a0meditated diligently until my mind \u00a0could \u00a0leave \u00a0the physical body, \u00a0sinking deeper and \u00a0deeper into meditation \u00a0until it finally disengaged from my physical surroundings completely and became purified and powerful with knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                         <\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        1. the most important duty<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                          Our perseverance in meditation \u00a0should \u00a0grow \u00a0stronger \u00a0every single day \u00a0of our lives. Before I \u00a0attained \u00a0Dhamma19, I \u00a0kept myself mentally focused at all times, whether \u00a0I was sitting, walking or doing anything else. Soon \u00a0my mind would become still and I achieved \u00a0my attainment. Attaining Dhamma \u00a0is our most important task.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                          December <\/em>2, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                           <\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          1. meditation is essential<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                            The practice \u00a0of meditation \u00a0is the most \u00a0important \u00a0thing in life, and \u00a0attaining Dhamma \u00a0is the ultimate life goal. Even as you walk, drive, or perform other everyday \u00a0tasks, \u00a0you need \u00a0to contemplate on Dhamma \u00a0at all times. \u00a0Before I \u00a0attained \u00a0Dhamma, \u00a0I \u00a0meditated diligently until my mind \u00a0could \u00a0leave \u00a0the physical body, \u00a0sinking deeper and \u00a0deeper into meditation \u00a0until it finally disengaged from my physical surroundings completely and became purified and powerful with knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                            I was able to progress because I was determined to do so. Meditation is the most \u00a0important thing in life. \u00a0If we do not seek \u00a0true happiness in this lifetime, then we will not find it even in the next life. Resolve to find true happiness in this life!<\/span><\/p>\n

                                             <\/p>\n

                                            When I was younger I meditated six hours during the day and six more hours in the evening. \u00a0Now that I \u00a0am 84 years \u00a0old, I \u00a0cannot \u00a0sit for long periods \u00a0of time anymore, \u00a0so I meditate \u00a0while laying down. As young people, \u00a0you don\u2019t know what it is like to be sore and to have backaches. When you are my age you will understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                             <\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            1. seeing through<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                              I came up with the idea to build this temple and it has been a constant challenge from the\u00a0 beginning. \u00a0Nonetheless, I \u00a0finished whatever \u00a0I \u00a0started and \u00a0I \u00a0never gave up. I resolved \u00a0every challenge \u00a0that came \u00a0my way through \u00a0meditation, even if at times it seemed almost insurmountable.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                               <\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              1. i cherish meditation<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                During \u00a0the\u00a0 \u00a0time\u00a0 \u00a0I\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0attended \u00a0Luang\u00a0 \u00a0Por\u2019s\u00a0 \u00a0super\u00a0 \u00a0advanced\u00a0 \u00a0meditation workshop at \u00a0Wat Paknam, I \u00a0never \u00a0left the \u00a0temple \u00a0and \u00a0was \u00a0there \u00a0for the entire \u00a0duration. \u00a0Some \u00a0people \u00a0went \u00a0home \u00a0to \u00a0see \u00a0their family. Some \u00a0went elsewhere. \u00a0But \u00a0I\u00a0 \u00a0cared\u00a0 \u00a0too \u00a0much\u00a0 \u00a0for \u00a0meditation\u00a0 \u00a0to \u00a0leave. \u00a0This \u00a0is \u00a0why I advanced so much quicker.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                November <\/em>5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. those who know don\u2019t brag<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                  Braggarts are too busy \u00a0competing with each \u00a0other. \u00a0Those \u00a0who truly know don\u2019t show off; that is why they will ultimately win.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                  August \u00a017, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  1. seeing through<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                    I came up with the idea to build this temple and it has been a constant challenge from the\u00a0 beginning. \u00a0Nonetheless, I \u00a0finished whatever \u00a0I \u00a0started and \u00a0I \u00a0never gave up. I resolved \u00a0every challenge \u00a0that came \u00a0my way through \u00a0meditation, even if at times it seemed almost insurmountable.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    1. i cherish meditation<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                      During \u00a0the\u00a0 \u00a0time\u00a0 \u00a0I\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0attended \u00a0Luang\u00a0 \u00a0Por\u2019s\u00a0 \u00a0super\u00a0 \u00a0advanced\u00a0 \u00a0meditation workshop at \u00a0Wat Paknam, I \u00a0never \u00a0left the \u00a0temple \u00a0and \u00a0was \u00a0there \u00a0for the entire \u00a0duration. \u00a0Some \u00a0people \u00a0went \u00a0home \u00a0to \u00a0see \u00a0their family. Some \u00a0went elsewhere. \u00a0But \u00a0I\u00a0 \u00a0cared\u00a0 \u00a0too \u00a0much\u00a0 \u00a0for \u00a0meditation\u00a0 \u00a0to \u00a0leave. \u00a0This \u00a0is \u00a0why I advanced so much quicker.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      November <\/em>5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      1. those who know don\u2019t brag<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                        Braggarts are too busy \u00a0competing with each \u00a0other. \u00a0Those \u00a0who truly know don\u2019t show off; that is why they will ultimately win.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                        August \u00a017, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        1. seeing through<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                          I came up with the idea to build this temple and it has been a constant challenge from the\u00a0 beginning. \u00a0Nonetheless, I \u00a0finished whatever \u00a0I \u00a0started and \u00a0I \u00a0never gave up. I resolved \u00a0every challenge \u00a0that came \u00a0my way through \u00a0meditation, even if at times it seemed almost insurmountable.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                          I see \u00a0through everything; it\u2019s up to me whether \u00a0or not I want to talk about \u00a0it. That is the reason \u00a0I say there is no secret \u00a0on earth. The fact is that we have not paid any attention to it, but once \u00a0we do, we will find out the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                          February 10, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                           <\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          1. silence may seem like defeat, but in fact it is victory<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                            Addressing \u00a0a disciple:\u00a0<\/span>When someone has \u00a0a conflict with me, whether \u00a0he is a disciple or a senior person, and he loses \u00a0his temper, I will \u00a0keep \u00a0my composure and stay silent. I let the person \u00a0speak \u00a0until he eventually wears \u00a0himself out and has nothing more \u00a0to say. \u00a0The entire time he is expressing his anger; \u00a0I will \u00a0contemplate my inner Dhamma \u00a0and remain silent. My silence ultimately turns into victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                            January 11, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            1. meditation helps<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                              Addressing \u00a0an engineer:\u00a0<\/span>If you run into a mental block in regards to your work, find a tranquil place to sit down \u00a0and \u00a0meditate. \u00a0Put \u00a0your mind along \u00a0with thoughts about \u00a0your work at the center \u00a0of the body. \u00a0Clarity will eventually come \u00a0to you and \u00a0you will know how to arrange \u00a0and \u00a0organize \u00a0your work. Meditation will give rise to wisdom.\u00a0<\/span>I use this approach to solve problems. Whenever I encounter a problem with the temple\u2019s refectory, I would go back to my quarters, meditate \u00a0a while, and a solution would come \u00a0to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                              August \u00a09, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              1. be cautious before speaking<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                Addressing \u00a0a businessman: Whenever you have problems\u00a0 in dealing with other people, go find a peaceful place to close your eyes and calm your mind. Then the solutions will become clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                It\u2019s \u00a0important \u00a0that \u00a0you compose yourself before \u00a0speaking \u00a0out. \u00a0If \u00a0you think you may say something \u00a0that will jeopardize yourself, then it is best \u00a0not to say anything at that moment; \u00a0meditate \u00a0first to appease yourself, and then return to the issue later.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                Don\u2019t say \u00a0anything \u00a0that \u00a0may \u00a0come \u00a0back \u00a0to bite you. Speak \u00a0only what \u00a0is beneficial. \u00a0Life is \u00a0too \u00a0short. \u00a0While you \u00a0are \u00a0still alive, capitalize \u00a0on \u00a0your opportunity to do good \u00a0deeds and accumulate merits.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                October \u00a09, 1991<\/em><\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”MERIT & DEMERIT `{`66-110`}`” el_id=”1491031786171-f25584c0-5a19″]66. Power through merit<\/span>
                                                                \n67. One drop at a time fills up a jar<\/span>
                                                                \n68. With merit, you will succeed in everything<\/span>
                                                                \n69. Born to pursue perfections<\/span>
                                                                \n70. Fruit of merit<\/span>
                                                                \n71. Only those with a pure heart will be with me<\/span>
                                                                \n72. Recalling merit<\/span>
                                                                \n73. Building merit all the way to victory<\/span>
                                                                \n74. More determination, more merit<\/span>
                                                                \n75. Don\u2019t give up<\/span>
                                                                \n76. What you do, you get<\/span>
                                                                \n77. Give your utmost in doing good deeds<\/span>
                                                                \n78. Call upon merit for help<\/span>
                                                                \n79. Come reap your merit<\/span>
                                                                \n80. Succeed through merit<\/span>
                                                                \n81. \u201cMerit sphere\u201d<\/span>
                                                                \n82. In the front row<\/span>
                                                                \n83. Make merit and use merit in the right way<\/span>
                                                                \n84. Accumulate merit<\/span>
                                                                \n85. Purified mind<\/span>
                                                                \n86. Even in illness<\/span>
                                                                \n87. Stay in merit<\/span>
                                                                \n88. Merit power<\/span>
                                                                \n89. Using merit correctly<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                90.Let merit be your refuge<\/span>
                                                                \n91. Don\u2019t neglect merit-making<\/span>
                                                                \n92. Acquire both mundane<\/span>
                                                                \nand transcendental merits<\/span>
                                                                \n93. Reap what you sow<\/span>
                                                                \n94. Carrying merit and demerit<\/span>
                                                                \n95. Take the long term view<\/span>
                                                                \n96. One who attracts<\/span>
                                                                \n97. Do only good deeds<\/span>
                                                                \n98. Taking care of the temple<\/span>
                                                                \n99. One with greater merit rules<\/span>
                                                                \n100. Old merit, new merit<\/span>
                                                                \n101. To help others, one must<\/span>
                                                                \nhave enough merit<\/span>
                                                                \n102. Merit comes to you everyday<\/span>
                                                                \n103. Wishes come through<\/span>
                                                                \n104. Merit is never wasted<\/span>
                                                                \n105. Due to merit<\/span>
                                                                \n106. Help from merit<\/span>
                                                                \n107. Youth is not a factor<\/span>
                                                                \nif you have merit<\/span>
                                                                \n108. Short life, long life<\/span>
                                                                \n109. Build up merit<\/span>
                                                                \n110. Merit and demerit are the only<\/span>
                                                                \nthings we can take with us<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                ***************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                1. power through merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                  Whatever we set out to accomplish in life, we must examine our personal<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  condition as well as the condition of our merit–the \u201cspiritual capital\u201d that we<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  have built. We should attempt things that are within our current ability and<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  we will accomplish.Don\u2019t exceed your limit. If you desire greatness, achieve your greatness<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  through merit, not through unwholesome actions or defilements20. Achievements<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  of greatness through the power of merit are genuine achievements,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  but greatness achieved through defilements will eventually collapse.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  1. one drop at a time fills up a jar<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                    Together, each tiny drop of water can fill up a big jar. Likewise, each act of<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                    good deed will fill up your \u201cjar\u201d of virtue. But with no good deed done at all,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                    your \u201cjar\u201d of virtue is empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                    Never be lazy or preoccupied with what others are doing. In the end, your<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                    fate will be determined by no one else but yourself. So fight as hard as you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                    can. The more merit you make, the more you gain; and the less you make,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                    the less you receive. Take every new day as a new opportunity to make merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                    January 12, 1975<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    1. with merit,\u00a0<\/strong>you will succeed in everything<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                      My biggest fear in life is that I will not make enough merit. With great merit<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                      behind you, anything you wish can be attained and all you touch will become<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                      successful. No one can obstruct you if you have enough merit to support<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                      yourself. Having a good base of merit is a great blessing indeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                      August 31, 1976<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                        \n
                                                                      1. born to pursue perfections<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                        I don\u2019t wish to be in heaven22 for too long. I prefer to be reborn into the<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                        human realm quickly so I can continue to pursue Perfections.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                        January 3, 1977<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        1. fruit of merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                          Merit from our past lives, whether large or small, will bear fruit in the present<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          life and will express itself in full. If you made 10 units of merit in the past, you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          will receive all the 10 units in the present. If you made 100 units, you will also<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          receive all of the 100 units. The merit made in this present lifetime will yield<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          results only 10 \u2013 20% now. But it will fully bear fruits in the future. Our future<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          lifetime will be wonderful with the merit we made in the present.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          Thus, we should learn to be content. If we have 100 units of merit, but we<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          use 1,000, we will collapse in due time. On the contrary, if we have 1,000<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          units of merit, and we use only 100, the merit will bear more fruits sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          Once you earn more, keep your heart humble and calm. Don\u2019t expect more<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          than what you have earned.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                          August 16, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                           <\/p>\n

                                                                            \n
                                                                          1. only those with a pure heart will be with me<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                            A person with a pure heart and a clear mind, one whose focus is on<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                            gaining merit, is the only kind of person I want to have in my company. Those<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                            with defiled minds are like oil to my water–we repel each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                            November 20, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                                              \n
                                                                            1. recalling merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                              If you think that being in my company will somehow bring you merit, you are<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                              mistaken. Only those who actively build merit, who can recall their own merit,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                              will gain it. Merit is your only refuge.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                \n
                                                                              1. building merit\u00a0<\/strong>all the way to victory<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                As you walk more and more along a virtuous path, you will develop the ability<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                to recognize other people who share the same path with you. Moreover, you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                will be able to distinguish those who walk a less virtuous path because they<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                are in a realm that is less pure.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                If you have not achieved that enlightened state of mind in this lifetime even<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                though you have given your best, do not give up. Look for your victory in<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                the next life. Keep building more and more merit than before. Continue to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                improve yourself. Strengthen the purity of your mind, your body, and your<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                speech. Eventually, victory will become yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                November 25, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. more determination,\u00a0<\/strong>more merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                  Support one another in achieving merit! While you are still young, use that<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  youthful energy to support the work of Buddhism. Make a wish for your good<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  work to bring you good merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  The more determination in your heart, the more merit you will gain; the less<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  determination, the less merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  In my next lifetime, I will have the ability to look at a person and be able to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  recall his past existence23, know his name in that existence, and where he<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  came from. I am too occupied to do it in this lifetime, as I still have to deal<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  with defilements. In my next lifetime, however, it will be second nature to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  me; I will have an enhanced ability to see through everything. When my time<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  comes to be reborn as a human, I will invite all of you to come with me again<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  to continue pursuing virtues. Wherever I go, whether to Heaven or Nibbana,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  or to be reborn again in this earthly realm in order to build more virtues, I will<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  invite you to come with me.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                  October 28, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  1. don<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>t give up<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                    You can give up on anything, but never give up on building merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                    February 11, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                                      \n
                                                                                    1. what you do, you get<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                      Those of you who take residence at the temple have given up your worldly<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      attachments for the opportunity to be here. Since you have already given<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      up so much, you should make your sacrifice worthwhile by dedicating<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      yourselves fully to doing good deeds.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      Chores and tasks are everyone\u2019s responsibilities. We should help one<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      another. Never ignore your duty, or put it off for others to do. The task you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      perform is the merit you gain, not anyone else\u2019s. The task others perform is<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      the merit they gain, not anyone else\u2019s either. You will take this merit with you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      to your future existence.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      Everything you do in this temple, you do for Buddhism. The work done in this<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      temple belongs to the Lord Buddha. Every chore here, light or heavy, brings<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      you merit. So if there is work to do, help each other finish it so you can find<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      more free time to practice meditation, to read, or to broaden your knowledge<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      so you can become an educated person and be able to relate with others<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      intellectually.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                      March 1, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                                        \n
                                                                                      1. give your utmost<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                        in doing good deeds<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                        You come to the temple because you have one thing in mind: to build virtues<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                        and to gain merit, creating benefits for yourself. You have already committed<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                        the time and effort to be at the temple, so while you are here you should reap<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                        the maximum benefit. Give your utmost in doing good deeds.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                        August 20, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                                                          \n
                                                                                        1. call upon merit for help<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                          All good work takes good planning. When I built the Buddhachakka<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          Center, I had to plan everything very carefully. I knew building an alms house<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          (refectory) at the Buddhajak Center was possible by example of the Most<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          Venerable Luang Por Wat Paknam, who had built a large alms house capable<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          of feeding many monks at his temple. His accomplishment brought<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          him a lot of joy and a lot of merit. Even after his death, it still continues to give<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          him plenty of merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          I resolved that when I build a temple, I too would create a similar alms house,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          and to my joy, I was able to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          I was not the only one who had attempted to build such an alms house.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          Others, like Khun Yai Thongsuk, who was an excellent teacher and was<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          more proficient in giving sermons than even many educated monks, tried to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          establish one but she found it too difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          When I set about my task, I thought of my merits. When I meditated, I called<\/span>
                                                                                          \nupon my merits to come help me. And I finally succeeded through the<\/span>
                                                                                          \nsupport of my merits.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          Every success in life is the result of the merits we possess. One who<\/span>
                                                                                          \npossesses greater merits will rule over one who possesses less. Everything<\/span>
                                                                                          \nrelies on merit. So we should set about making more and more of it as we<\/span>
                                                                                          \npossibly can. I think about my merits and how it governs my life, and without<\/span>
                                                                                          \nit I cannot be happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          Everything around me is complete because I reflect on my merits, and when<\/span>
                                                                                          \nI meditate I reach out for good resources and good people to come help<\/span>
                                                                                          \nme complete the mission. When you meditate, you too, should reflect on<\/span>
                                                                                          \nyour merits.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                          March 1, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                           <\/p>\n

                                                                                            \n
                                                                                          1. come reap your merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                            Invite your friends to come and reap merit at the temple. I feel pity for them,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                            fearing that they may find themselves erroneously treading into an unhappy<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                            realm. Persuade them to perform merit so that they will have the opportunity<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                            to rise to Heaven or Nibbana.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                            March 26, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                                                              \n
                                                                                            1. succeed through merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                              Whatever you set out to accomplish, keep your merits in mind. If you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                              possess merit, merit will help you succeed in the things that you do. Merit is<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                              your refuge. Center your mind in it and everything will fall in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                              April 4, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                \n
                                                                                              1. merit sphere<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                Reap as much merit as you can. If you fail to do so, in the next life when<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                we meet again, I will recall who did not want to make merit when given the<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                opportunity and now he ends up having very little of it to help him keep up<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                with others.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                At the moment, you may fail to realize that your current benefits are resulting<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                from your previously accumulated merits. Transcendental matters cannot be<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                seen by earthly eyes. But once you leave this world, you will be able to see<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                the size of your \u201cmerit sphere24 \u201d\u2014the more merit accumulated, the larger<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                the size of your merit sphere.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                April 5, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                1. in the front row<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                  Make merit now, even if you are \u201cin the back row\u201d when doing so. In the next<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                  life, your merit will bring you to the front row. It\u2019s up to you where you want to be. Do you want to be in the front or in the back?<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                  April 8, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                  1. make merit and use\u00a0<\/strong>merit in the right way<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                    In order to establish the Buddhajak Center, I had to fight all of the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                    Initially it was with the boat thieves. Even now, there is always something to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                    resolve. But through it all, I kept my heart pure by thinking of the merits I have<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                    made in the past, the merit I am making in the present, and the merits I plan<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                    to make in the future. It gives me the strength to fight for my goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                    This is \u201cusing\u201d my merit wisely. In the entire world, no one can help me but me. How do I help myself? By creating virtue and eliminating evil within me.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                    May 24, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                    1. accumulate merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                      Each time you come to the temple, you gain a little more merit. It\u2019s like<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                      putting money in your piggy bank. If you do not come you will not gain.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                      August 29, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                      1. purified mind<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                        As I converse with various people, I keep my mind always in its purified state,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                        always centered in merit and in Dhamma. No greed, anger, nor delusions are<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                        allowed to defile me.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                        In the purified state, I can see through to the heart of a person\u2019s suffering and<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                        its causes. With compassion, I offer them insight into their suffering and in<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                        doing so, I gain merit. What they do with that knowledge is now up to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                        Their kamma is no one else\u2019s but their own.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                        December 11, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                        1. even in illness<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                          Even when ill, I stay committed to making merit. I never stop. Once, while<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                          I was ill, I meditated and saw the Dhammakaya within me to be incredibly<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                          clear and bright. I beheld Him for a long time, and when I opened my eyes,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                          even the midday sunlight looked dark to me. The practice of meditation is<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                          the most important thing. Remember this, and meditate as much as you can.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                          November 20, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                           <\/p>\n

                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                          1. stay in merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                            When I find myself confronted with a serious situation, I keep my mind<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            concentrated on Dhamma, concentrated in the virtue and in the merit that<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            I have accumulated in my past lives to help me overcome my troubles.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            With merit, all obstacles can be conquered. No matter what happens, I am<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            never frightened or nervous because I trust that my merit will help me. For<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            instance, when the temple kitchen lacked supplies, I would center my mind<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            in merit and reach out for my \u201cspiritual treasure\u201d to fulfill my need.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            The word \u201clack\u201d should not be in your vocabulary as long as you have merit<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            to help. If I ever complain, it is to remind people when things need to get<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            done, but my mind always remains firmly in merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                            April 4, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                            1. merit power<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                              Everything is determined by merit power. If we had nothing else but merit to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                              our name, we would still achieve success.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                              In this life, my mind is fixed on the quest for virtue and merit. The one thing<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                              which concerns me is that my merit will be less than other people\u2019s. This<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                              is the reason why I am so focused. I do not want to be the one to get left<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                              behind. I want to be in the forefront of virtue building.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                              November 5, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                              1. using merit correctly<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                The act of charity returns to us in good fortune. The act of mental cultivation<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                brings us deliverance. Meditate frequently.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                Before merit can be generated, there is a great deal of effort involved. Merit<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                making can be complete only when the following elements are present: faith,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                a good \u201cfield of merit25\u201d, an act of good deed, and the right combination<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                of everything else. Since merit26 is not so easy to come by, do not waste an<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                opportunity to acquire it. Preserve your merit and know how to use your<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                merit the right way. Merit is your vehicle to success and happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                December 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                1. let merit be your refuge<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                  Merit is my refuge. I love merit above all else because it is the one thing that<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                  can save me. Human beings still carry defilements. Sometimes a person can<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                  be good, and sometimes he can be bad. But merit is the one thing I can<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                  always rely on for goodness.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                  January 26, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                  1. don<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>t neglect merit-making<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                    It is difficult to be born as a human being. Now that you are born a human<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                    being, do not waste your opportunity to make merit. If you have a little,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                    then donate a little. If you have a lot, then donate more. Make a donation<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                    according to your ability, but don\u2019t allow yourself to get into trouble for overdoing<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                    1. Whatever your financial situation is, don\u2019t neglect the act of charity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                      For me, I perform merits regardless of what happens. I may be illiterate, yet<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      I managed to build this temple, and I was able to preside at a major Kathina<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      Ceremony. The merit I have accumulated has allowed me to do extraordinary<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      things that are beyond an ordinary person\u2019s ability. But with as much merit<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      as I have already made, I still want to do more. I want to participate in the<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      Kathina Ceremonies and all other meritorious activities. I want to acquire all<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      forms of merit, mundane and transcendental.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                      November 7, 1980<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                      1. acquire both mundane & transcendental merits<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                        Addressing someone who wanted only to meditate and not participate in any<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                        mundane chores:<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                        I acquire all forms of merit, mundane and transcendental. Mundane merit27<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                        helps me in self-development, while transcendental merit gives me the<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                        ability to teach myself. But once we attain the Dhammakaya28 (reaching a<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                        clear-seeing state), we will have the wisdom to accomplish our mundane<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                        tasks more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                        1. reap what you sow<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                          We cannot escape the consequences of our actions. We can escape neither<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                          the effect of our merit (good kamma) nor our demerit (bad kamma). Both our<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                          merit and demerit are imbedded to the center of our body. It is the kamma<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                          that stays with us. There is no way to rid ourselves of it. We reap what we<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                          sow; when we do good deeds, these good deeds turn into merits which<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                          bring success and happiness to our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                          August 23, 1979<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                          1. carrying merit & demerit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                            Whatever action (kamma) we commit, we carry the result of that action with<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                            us, good or bad. If our action is good, we carry merit. If our action is bad,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                            we carry demerit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                            You alone carry the burden you create for yourself. If others speak or act<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                            unkindly towards you, don\u2019t get angry and retaliate back. Forgive them and<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                            put an end to the cycle of hostility between you now.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                            May 10, 1992<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                            1. take the long term view<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                              I am someone who takes the long term view (seeing beyond this life).<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                              Nothing can be taken with us after death except our merit and demerit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                              Accumulate as much merit as you can.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                              Our life does not end here. Never mind what others might say. Ignore<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                              them; there is no use for argument. Let them realize the truth when their own<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                              death comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                              October 1, 1992<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                              1. one who attracts<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                Build up your merit as much as you can. Build a mountain of merit! It doesn\u2019t<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                matter what other people do; for us, we just keep on doing good deeds even<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                if no one finds out about it. One who is virtuous will eventually be noticed and<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                will attract the company of others.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                November 17, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                1. do only good deeds<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                  Build only good kamma. End all evils in this lifetime, so only good kamma will<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                  be ours in future lifetimes.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                  We are still subject to rebirth because of the defilements we carry, but from<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                  now on, avoid all bad actions and embrace only good ones so our rebirth<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                  will be a positive one.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                  February 14, 1982<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                  1. taking care of the temple<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                    For those who help clean temple grounds, no matter which level of Heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    they ascend to after death, whether it is Catummaharajika, Tavatimsa,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    Yama, or Tusita29 , their celestial abode will be brightly illuminated, and their<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    complexion will be more radiant than other heavenly beings.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    Not many people volunteer to clean the temple, and not many celestial<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    beings have this glowing complexion. If you have the energy, you should<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    do it so the merit will be yours. Accumulate merit at every opportunity that<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    comes your way.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                    January 29, 1983<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                    1. one with greater merit rules<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                      Those who possess greater merit have influence over those who possess<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      less. People with little merit can hardly take care of themselves. They need to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      rely on the virtue of those who possess greater merit for support spiritually.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      With little merit, they are incapable of rising to a heavenly realm on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      People with greater merit can help them by showing them how to do good<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      deeds and acquire more merits.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      There are only a few people whose merit power is so great that they are able<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      to help those who have already fallen into an unfortunate realm. Through<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      the power of my merit, I was able to save my deceased father from the hell<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      realm. But before I was in the position to do so, I had to meditate and purify<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      my mind until all of my inner transcendental bodies became crystal clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      Achieving this state of purity, I was able to enter the lower world. I even<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      searched for my deceased farm animals to spread merit to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                      November 22, 1981<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                      1. old merit, new merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                        I have pity for both the rich and the poor. Rich people are well off because<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        they have \u201cold\u201d merit from their past lives to support them. However, if they<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        don\u2019t produce \u201cnew\u201d merit in their present life, the old merit can be used up.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        With no new merit to sustain them in subsequent lives, they will be reborn<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        poor and will face much adversity in their future existences.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        The reason poor people are the way they are is because they have not built<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        up enough old merit. If we don\u2019t encourage them to accumulate new merit,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        then they will be even more unfortunate in the next life.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        I feel compassion for both types of people. We must invite people we know,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        both rich and poor, to make merit so that they will have spiritual wealth to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                        take with them to future existences.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                        1. to help others,\u00a0<\/strong>one must have enough merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                          I feel sorry for people and I want to rescue them. But to be able to save<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                          others, you must have enough merit as a foundation. That is why I work so<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                          hard to accrue merit for myself at every opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                           <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                          1. merit comes to you everyday<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                            A person who takes part in building a temple receives great merit because<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                            he has provided a facility for others to do good deeds. As long as the temple<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                            remains standing, and the buildings are in good repair, that person will reap<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                            merit from it every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                            May 16, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                            1. wishes come through<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                              I made the following resolution while leading a robe-offering ceremony<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              to monks on the occasion of the Magha Puja Day30 in which I was the<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              ceremonial leader:<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              Bring your mind to the center of the body and ask that tree-sprites,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              air-sprites, earth-sprites, celestial beings from the six heavens, Brahmas<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              from the sixteen Brahma Spheres and the four Higher Brahma Spheres, and<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              beings from throughout the vast universes, to acknowledge and rejoice in<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              the merit that I am making in offering this saffron robe.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              Let everyone share in my merit. Let Luang Por Dhammajayo, Luang Por<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              Dattajeevo, and every monk at the temple, share in my merit. May everyone<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              receive merit with an open heart, and the more open your heart, the more<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              merit you will receive. Those who fully open their heart to receive this merit<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              will receive it in full; those whose heart is only partially open will receive it<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              partially–like water spilling away from a container.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                              February 11, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                              1. merit is never wasted<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                While inviting people to attend the Robe Offering Ceremony on Magha Puja<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                Day of 1990, I delivered the following address:<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                You can take merit with you. Even if you have only a little to make an<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                offering, do it anyways. Little by little, your merit builds up, like putting coins<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                into a piggy bank.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                If you were a billionaire, but you never made any merit, then after death<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                you will become empty-handed. Merit is the only thing you carry with you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                through the lifetimes. Merit is never a waste.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                As for your worldly possessions, they no longer belong to you once you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                leave this world. Someone else will be using them, or they will fall back into<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                November 13, 1989<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                1. due to merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                  I invite others to perform charitable acts because I love merit. Merit is the<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  virtue that will free me from suffering. I need merit because I know I have to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  be reborn again, and merit will benefit me in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  People are born poor because they fail to practice charity in their past lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  By inviting them to practice charitable acts, they will earn merit and we, too,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  will also benefit from their merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  We make merit as a team. Nobody will be left out. And when we are reborn,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  all of us will come together again as a virtuous community. We will be free<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  from bad people. Surrounding ourselves with virtuous people ensures that<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  we will not get into trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                  November 17, 1989<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                  1. help from merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                    A layperson asked if she ran into obstacles and was far away from me, what<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    she should do to get help from me (through my power of virtue).<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    I advised her to recall the virtues from the good deeds she has done and the<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    charitable acts she has made, and ask the merits from these acts of good<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    deeds to help her overcome these obstacles.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    Your merits can help you. If you keep company with immoral people, these<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    people can\u2019t help you. Merit will guide us towards kind people who will come<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    to our assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                    May 13, 1989<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                    1. youth is not a<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                      factor if you have merit<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      A layperson asked me for advice on how to handle a situation where he had<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      to supervise an office where many people working under him were older and<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      have worked there longer than he had.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      I replied that there is no need to worry. It doesn\u2019t matter if you have fewer<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      years of seniority than they do; it only matters that you have more merit. It is<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      merit, not age that is a factor. We are the results of our merit. If we have more<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      merit, we become the leader. Merit is the determining factor.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                      September 23, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                      1. short life, long life<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                        A guest asked me to tell her why her husband had died young.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        I replied that he died early because of his kamma. In his past life, he<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        committed numerous acts of killing and cruelty to animals. He had to face<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        his karmic retribution which caused him to die young. Someone who lives<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        long, such as in my case, is due to abstention from killing or causing suffering<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        to other beings in the past life. But remember, everyone must die sooner or<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        later. There are no exceptions to this rule.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                        January 20, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                        1. build up merit<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                          A layperson expressed the desire to go on a meditation retreat, but was<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          concerned about her grown son being left alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          When a man and a woman are in love, the world becomes a colorful place<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          filled with sweet beauty. But once a first child is born, everyday is a quarrel!<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you don\u2019t want a heavy burden, then don\u2019t have any children. But if you<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          have them, then you must accept full responsibility. You can\u2019t desert them.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          As for me, I have no one with which to concern myself with, except my merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          In each of us, we carry merit and demerit, and we must do all we can to<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          increase the merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          I\u2019m a fighter. I never back down from problems until I find the solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          But when you are asked to help someone, first take a good look at yourself<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          and determine if you are really capable of helping this person. If his problems<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          are beyond your abilities to solve, then accept that and practice equanimity.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          You cannot help someone who will not listen; it is up to his own kamma.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          As for ourselves, we have to make the best with what is given to us.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                          February 9, 1991<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                           <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                          1. merit & demerit are the\u00a0<\/strong>only things we can take with us<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                            Addressing the former governor of Sri Saket Province, Thailand, when he<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            visited the temple:<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            When you enter the temple, even a dignitary should leave his rank and title<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            outside because these are earthly mantles. They are not things you can take<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            with you when you die. They are merely masks, and once removed, you are<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            no different from anyone else. Nothing in life is significant except merit and<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            demerit. They are the only things which matter.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            November 13, 1989<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                            [\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”CELIBACY `{`111-117`}`” el_id=”1491031691008-118c8370-5c58″]<\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                            1. Pursuing Perfectionsuntil you prevail<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            2. An easy life<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            3. The purer you are themore merit you gain<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            4. Elevate your mind<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            5. Beauty that is not<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            6. Obviously no good<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                            7. No nonsense spoken<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                              *****************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              111. pursuing perfections until you prevail<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              Addressing a group of Upasaka (male temple attendants) getting ready to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nbe ordained:<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              When you have decided to enter the temple in order to pursue Perfections to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nthe fullest, you must never waver from this goal. I wish all of you will prevail.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nWhether you will or not, depends on you.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              What you need to take precautions from is the opposite sex. This is very<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nimportant. Do not give way to sympathy. Let wisdom and equanimity be your<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nguide. Giving way to sympathy can lead to your defeat.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              I have seen many examples of this, so I caution you to watch out for your<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \ninclinations. Don\u2019t allow a situation that may lead to intimacy. Once intimacy<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nhappens it is difficult to undo. The best thing to do is to not allow any chance<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nfor intimacy. If you close the bridge, then the person cannot encroach.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              This is the biggest weakness that plagues virtue seekers. It is an obstacle<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nthat inhibits the path to Perfections. For such little gain, one can lose so<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nmuch. This is one of the major reasons that cause virtue seekers to get<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nsidetracked from their path to Perfections. It is better to prevent it now rather<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nthan having to cure it later.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              Not getting involved with love affairs is the best policy. This will allow you<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nto succeed in your pursuit of Perfections smoothly. You will possess great<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nvirtue and purity, having clear-seeing ability for knowledge, and be able to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \novercome everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              January 5, 1975<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              112. an easy life<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              Why do people want to be married? Living on your own is an easy life,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nfull of freedom. Flying like a little bird, you can go anywhere you want.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              November 6, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              113. the purer you are the more merit you gain<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              In order for one to attain the crystal clear vision of the enlightened mind, one<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nmust practice chastity and be pure in body, speech, and mind.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nThe mind must not be clouded with worries, sadness, or any other turbulent<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nemotions. Don\u2019t be concerned about anyone or anything. Think only of merit<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nand how to salvage yourself. You have no need for pampering.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nRely only on merit. Keep on purifying the mind and performing good deeds,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nand no merit will pass you by. In this way, the merit you gain will be utterly<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \npure and free of defilements.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              114. elevate your mind<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              Elevate your mind and you will see that sensual desires will cause suffering<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nand may even vulgarize you. When you are fully occupied with the worldly<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nlife, it\u2019s difficult to recognize this. Make the resolution to release all sensual<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \ndesires so that you become ever more purified.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nI have looked into my past lives, into the mundane and into the sublime, and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nI see that I have been this way for a long time. Throughout my childhood<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nin this lifetime, I never had those kinds of thoughts in my mind, and I never<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \ndesired to fall in love with anyone. I had some suitors, but I brushed them<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \noff. Then I entered the temple. I saw that I had been pure in this way, and I<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nmade the resolution that I wanted to remain this way for all my future lifetimes<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nas well.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nMake a resolution every day to elevate your mind above sensual desires.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nResolve also for other worthy things. The more centered your mind is the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nmore effective your resolutions will become. The more resolutions you make<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nthe more merit you gain, and the more of your wishes will come true.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              December 3, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              115. beauty that is not<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              In all my years, I have yet to see a truly beautiful woman. For all their efforts<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nto beautify themselves from head to toe, to my eyes I see no beauty in them<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nat all. What I see is harm and suffering. It is quite unfortunate for them to be<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nattached to vanity.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nObsession with beauty can make you fall from your Path. So I make resolutions<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nconstantly to be free from sensuality.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nNovember 5, 1979<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              116. obviously no good<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              It is obvious to me that if we allow ourselves to become attached to sensual<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \ndesires we have allowed ourselves to be enslaved by Mara. Then we have<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nsubjected ourselves to undue punishments. I won\u2019t allow that to happen to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nme. If we give up along the way, we might as well have given up from the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nvery beginning.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nThose consumed with sensual desires will not succeed in their pursuit of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nPerfections.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nJune 24, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              117. no nonsense spoken<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              Nonsensical subjects such as matters dealing with sensual desires will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nnever pass my lips. I would be embarrassed to talk about them. When I was<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nyoung, I was even more embarrassed, but now as an old woman, I feel more<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nliberty to talk about it.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                              \nJune 24, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                              [\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”RESOLUTIONS `{`118-135`}`” el_id=”1491031383023-8d6821ec-6ac1″]<\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                              1. Effective way to make resolutions<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              2. Reject slovenliness<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              3. Make all-encompassing resolutions<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              4. Khun Yai\u2019s resolutions<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              5. Teaching with truthfulness<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              6. Virtue of resolutions<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              7. Grab the flag of victory<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              8. Perfect and complete<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              9. The harm of killing<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              10. Conquer mara with goodness<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              11. Make resolutions even when making small merits<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              12. To see crystal clear Dhamma<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              13. Pure in body, speech, and mind<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              14. Having capable personnel<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              15. Accumulate merit until you triumph<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              16. Those who follow me<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              17. A place with fresh air<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                                                                                                                              18. Keeping nibbana in mind<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                                                                                                                ********************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                118. effective way to make resolutions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Luang Por Wat Paknam taught me that the most effective way to make<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfruitful resolutions was to make them while monks were bestowing their<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nblessings. When they begin a blessing chant, from the first word, \u201cYadha\u2026,\u201d<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfocus your mind to the center of the body and visualize a clear Buddha<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nimage. Then begin making your resolutions.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nLuang Por explained that this will make our resolutions become a part of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntheir blessings, which will be heard all the way to Nibbana. So make your<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nresolutions with care. Each time you do it, it will get easier and easier until it<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbecomes second nature to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                January 26, 1975<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                119. reject slovenliness<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                We know that the most important aspect of life is the practice of meditation.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBut that doesn\u2019t mean we can neglect our other duties.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nCleanliness is important, and whoever makes a mess should take care of it.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI will scold anyone who neglects their responsibility for tidiness.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI make the resolution that actions which bring discomfort to others or to me<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwill never be a part of me, mentally, verbally or physically.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                October 1, 1976<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                120. make all-encompassing resolutions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I always teach that this is our last life; make wise resolutions that will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nencompass everything that is good.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nResolve to have a healthy body free of illness, complete with the thirty-two<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfaculties; to be born a human being of a male gender who is pure; not to be<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nattracted to the opposite sex, and not to find pleasure in the sight, sound,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntaste, touch, scent, and sentiment of the opposite sex.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBefore we die, may we achieve self-awareness; build up great merit and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nPerfections in every lifetime; meet only virtuous people, and be receptive and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \namenable to good advice.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen planting a tree, make a resolution for this tree to flourish and produce<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \na pleasant shade; anyone who sits beneath it to see enlightened wisdoms;<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto be protected by the divine; and to be a resting place for birds.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nAt bed time, make a resolution to take sanctuary within our inner Buddha;<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmay the Buddha give us protection and free us from danger.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                July 17, 1977<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                121. khun yai\u2019s resolutions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                When I was sweeping and trimming the grass at Luang Por (Dhammajayo\u2019s)<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nresidence, I made the following resolution:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWherever I walk, may I have a safe path before me. May my home be clean<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand well-tended by capable hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                March 25, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                122. teaching with truthfulness<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Nowadays, I see so many people setting themselves up to be meditation<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmasters. This saddens me because I am not sure what they can actually<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nteach. When we teach about stopping the mind, they contend why we need<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto do that. I would say to them, \u201cIf we don\u2019t stop the mind from wandering,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhow else could we attain the enlightening state?\u201d<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI made the resolution that in my future rebirths, if ever I become a teacher, let<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nme teach truthfully in speech, in body, and in mind. From the very moment of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbirth, let me be well versed in the Five Precepts, the Eight Precepts, the Ten<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nPrecepts, the Two Hundred Twenty-Seven Precepts, and the knowledge of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe entire 84,000 Articles of the Buddhist Doctrine.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNow that I am old, I want to see more peace and harmony around me.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nPlease practice meditation as often as you can so you can help build the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBuddhajak Center to become a truly sacred place of merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                March 1, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                123. virtue of resolutions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                As we make merit, we must also make resolutions.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMake a resolution for us to be in the company of Buddhist monks in every<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nlifetime and to not commit any bad actions.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMaking resolutions is part of the Ten Perfections. The Ten Perfections<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nconsist of Generosity, Morality, Renunciation, Wisdom, Patience, Perseverance,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nTruthfulness, Resolution, Loving-kindness, and Equanimity.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nEach time we make a resolution we gain merit. I already made a \u201cprofit\u201d<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nspiritually for being born in this life.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                124. grab the flag of victory<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                We are extremely fortunate to be born a human being. We are born to pursue<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nvirtue, to build spiritual benefits. So take this opportunity to accumulate only<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngood things for yourselves, and cast away all evil things. In this way, we can<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbuild up spiritual assets to take care of our future existences, to enable us to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmove forward towards higher states, and to never fall into hardships.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI have observed the Five Precepts since I was 26 years old and continue<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto do so until now, at age 71. Prior to that time, I practiced every precept<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nexcept one (killing), because I had a weakness of swatting mosquitoes.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nAt age 26, I was able to teach myself that mosquitoes were much smaller<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthan me and yet I took advantage of them by killing them. I had been<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nkilling mosquitoes for 26 years but I have not reduced its population at all.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nHaving this realization, I decided to adopt the Five Precepts in full from then on.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBy age 28, I was able to adhere to the Eight Precepts in full to this day.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI have already profited in this lifetime, and I have only good things to take<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwith me. My life will continue to be better. I will not fall behind. I have already<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngrabbed the flag of victory. I will only carry with me all that is good.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSo make the following resolutions:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n\u201cLet the word \u201cdissolute\u201d and \u201cfailure\u201d never fall upon me. Let me find only<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nvirtuosity and success in every lifetime until I reach Nibbana.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                November 12, 1979<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                125. perfect and complete<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                This is the last flawed life for me. In my future existence, don\u2019t let even a tiny<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nflaw or deficiency come upon me. May I find everything perfect and complete.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nLet me be ready to build the utmost virtues, perfectly and completely.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                June 24, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                126. the harm of killing<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                In the news these days, I see so many killings. Killing begets more killing.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nThe killers and the killed are bound by endless cycles of vengeance from one<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nexistence to the next. You kill him then he kills you, taking turn in the never<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nending wheel of kamma.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI see the harm of killing in this way: if we kill them, we commit a negative<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nkamma which cuts down our own virtue; if they kill us, they take away our<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nchance to perform virtues and build merit.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI make the resolution to never kill anyone so that I will never be killed in<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nany lifetime until I ultimately reach Nibbana. If someone wishes to harm me,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nlet the thought of harming me quickly disappear from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                December 3, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                127. conquer mara with goodness<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Throughout my life I have done nothing but good deeds. I will keep doing so<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto further the purity of my body, speech and mind. This goodness will help<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nme overcome the influence of Mara.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI always make the following resolutions:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nDo not let Mara conceal the truth from me and prevent me from having<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe super-knowledge and insight. Let me know everything according to the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntruths. Let me be free from Mara\u2019s influence which causes me to do wrongful<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndeeds. Let me never know the word \u201cdefeat\u201d, and to not ever be defeated<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nby Mara in all of my lifetimes. Let me be victorious over Mara in every lifetime<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nuntil I attain Nibbana.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                After making resolutions, I looked at the purity of my body, speech and mind,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand I looked at my inner merit sphere and my inner Dhamma sphere, and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI saw all of them to be utterly bright and luminous. This made me happy.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI looked at all the \u201cprograms\u201d (past actions) that I have created for myself<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nin the past and I saw no badness, only goodness and purity throughout.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen I saw how I built virtues in the past, I knew I will no doubt grab the flag<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nof victory. All I have to do is to stay on course and maintain this path of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngoodness for this lifetime. In my subsequent lifetimes, everything will be<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncomplete and perfect. I will not run into anything that is bad because I have<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmade resolutions to encompass everything that is good, fully and firmly.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI will surely prevail. I will certainly defeat Mara because I have accumulated<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nso much virtue.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                March 24, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                128. make resolutions even<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                when making small merits<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nEven when you make small merits, make resolutions to never run into fools31<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n(immoral people), but to surround yourself with only the virtuous.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n129. to see crystal clear dhamma<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nEvery time you make merit, I encourage you to make the following resolutions:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nInto every era that I am born, may I be spared the company of \u201cfools\u201d and be<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfree from karmic retributions; may I see crystal clear Dhamma and have an<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nenlightened mind in every lifetime; may I possess unlimited wealth, enabling<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nme to make abundant merit; may I have my own land; may I be in a position<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto build a temple; may I have opportunities to take part in Kathina and robe<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \noffering ceremonies; may I be born with good health and a strong body that<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nis free of illness to live a long life, and to leave this world happy at the time<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nof death.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                130. pure in body, speech, and mind<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                May I be one with the purity of body, speech, and mind. May I have plenty of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmerit. May I have the merit that enables me to teach myself, teaching myself<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto perform only good deeds.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay I attain the abilities to recall my past lives and the past lives of others<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nso I can learn from past mistakes and be able to teach myself and others<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncorrectly.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay I practice celibacy in every life, never returning to a life of marriage.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay I not be attracted to the sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and temperament<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nof the opposite sex.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay I be content with a life of celibacy throughout all lifetimes until I defeat<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMara.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay I be born complete with the thirty-two faculties, free from disease and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nillnesses, having a body that is healthy and strong throughout the duration of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmy quest for Perfections.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                April 4, 1979<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                131. having capable personnel<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                May I be surrounded with good and capable personnel. Even if they are few,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmay they all be ones who are wise, virtuous and capable, able to complete<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntasks with excellence. And may I have the ability to fully provide for them so<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthat they can live with comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                June 24, 1980<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n132. accumulate merit\u00a0until you triumph<\/strong><\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIn merit-making, we have to do it continuously until we reach our final<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndestination. If not, we may stumble into difficulties from time to time.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWe should make resolutions that we shall never fall into hard times. When I<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nsaw people who suffered from hardships, I knew they failed to perform their<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmerits continuously in the past. When merit fails to bear fruit continuously, a<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nperson\u2019s conditions decline.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSo resolve to never encounter hardships.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                November 20, 1982<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                133. those who follow me<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I always make this resolution:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay those who follow me be ones endowed with purity in body, speech<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand mind, not ones who seek recognition and fame; may they be ones who<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nseek solitude; be content, honest and truthful; and be ones who practice<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmeditation a great deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                134. a place with fresh air<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Nowadays I see that people live in high rises and other congested places.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIt seems like a prison with so little freedom.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIt leads me to make this resolution: May I live in a place with fresh air; clean,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nopen, and with good ambience, without the need for air conditioners or fans.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                December 3, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                135. keeping nibbana in mind<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Making resolutions is important. As we sit in the meditation hall, we should<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfollow Luang Por\u2019s resolutions and make some of our own.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhatever you resolve for yourself, be sure to think of Nibbana. When the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmind turns toward Nibbana, it will remind us to perform only good deeds and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \navoid deeds which bring about ruin. If we think about Nibbana every day,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthen the mind becomes more uplifted day by day, and we will be on the right<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npath. Therefore, make your resolutions to keep Nibbana always in your heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                March 4, 1980<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”PERSEVERA NCE, FOR TITUDE, AND DEVOTION `{`136-152`}`” el_id=”1491032629579-cc427032-fe25″]136. Endure<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n137. Improve<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n138. Having a strong will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n139. The speed of the captain<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nis the speed of the crew<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n140. Born to fight<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n141. Fight till the end<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n142. Never be discouraged<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n143. Never give in<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n144. Whatever you do, do it seriously<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n145. Not responding in kind<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n146. Triumph through merit<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n147. Final lifetime<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n148. One last lifetime<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n149. Keep up with me<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n150. Battle in silence<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n151. Fighting spirit<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n152. Non-defiance<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                *******************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                136. endure<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Have fortitude and tolerance. Do not create any more bad kamma for<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nyourself, or you will keep running into hardships.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                137. improve<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                We have sacrificed many things in order to pursue Perfections and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto perform good deeds. So keep your tolerance, and be patient with<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe naysayers.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nAlways strive to improve yourself. Examine yourself and make improvements<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwhere you see flaws. The self improvements you make in this lifetime will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbenefit you in your future lifetimes. If you cannot correct your shortcomings<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nin this lifetime, you will have to keep correcting them again in future lifetimes.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nPutting improvements off to the next life is not the right attitude. Change for<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe better now.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSeptember 20, 1982<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                138. having a strong will<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Whatever you do, do it with a strong will. Look at me for example. I have no<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neducation and hold no degree, but I am strong-willed, and I managed to establish<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthis temple. I pursued my goal with determination and perseverance.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nThen I see others, some with a bachelor\u2019s degree, master\u2019s degree, or even<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndoctorates, who could not accomplish what they set out to do. I can tell that<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthey lack determination and perseverance. They are the type who give up<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntoo easily when they run into the smallest of obstacles.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nAs uneducated as I am, what I have is a strong will, and this strong will leads<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nme to success. As I look into the future, I see that if we lack the will in this life,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwe will never achieve success in future lives. So whatever you do in this life,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmake sure you do it earnestly.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJune 6, 1983<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                139. the speed of the captain\u00a0<\/span>is the speed of the crew<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Whatever you do, do it seriously without any laxity. A leader who does things<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nnonchalantly will have subordinates who are also nonchalant. If a leader<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhas a non-caring attitude towards his possessions, his subordinates will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbe no different. The attitude of the leader is the attitude of the followers.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nLike attracts like.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWork attentively and competently, and you will have followers who are the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nsame way.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                140. born to fight<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                We are born to fight. Fight with kindness. Whether we fight or not, we will all<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndie one way or another, so we might as well fight. Fight until you are too ill to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndo so. In my efforts to build this temple, I worked night and day to finish my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngoal. I worked so hard until my body became malnourished.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nAs long as there is strength in us, we must press forward. Take action.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nCast away laziness. Rest only when you have no more strength.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOctober 1, 1979<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                141. fight till the end<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Whether I achieve victory or not, I will fight until the very end. I will never give<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nup. I don\u2019t care if others give in or run away. I will continue the course. I will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nkeep practicing and improving upon my Dhammakaya meditation.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNovember 5, 1979<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                142. never be discouraged<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Never be disheartened. Do what you have to do now to complete your tasks.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nDon\u2019t wait until you are too old to do it.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI am a diligent person. I do every little thing at the temple and I rest very little.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSome of you do only a little and rest too much.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nApril 19, 1992<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                143. never give in<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I never give in to obstacles. I always strive ahead with determination. I will try<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nevery which way to accomplish my goals.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOne day I fell ill and could not even move my legs, but my will was strong.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI was not willing to give in. I tried to move my legs but they seemed to have<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbeen paralyzed and were not responding at all. I wiggled my toes little by<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nlittle, until I was finally able to move my legs and walk again.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSeptember 15, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                144. whatever you do,\u00a0<\/span>do it seriously<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Since I arrived at the temple, many people looked down at me and mistreated<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nme, but I did not allow myself to be affected by them. Instead, I focused my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nattention on meditation and on finding the right answers for Luang Por (Wat<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nPaknam).<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI reached a high level of success because whatever I did, I did it with<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nseriousness and intensity. I considered it a waste of time to engage in<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \njealousy and competition. Those who deem themselves superior are often<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nengaged in petty competition and struggles. As for me, I don\u2019t waste my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntime with petty politics. I\u2019d rather spend it on meditation.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSeptember 17, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                145. not responding in kind<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                When I find myself in a stressful situation, I keep my mind in Dhamma. The<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmore I stay with Dhamma, the more radiant my mind becomes and the more<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nsubtle knowledge I gain.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI feel no anger towards those who are angry with me. Instead I look beyond<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe surface to find the causes that bring about these negative behaviors.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nPeople scorned me even before I entered the temple. After I was ordained<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand admitted in the super advanced meditation group, I received all sorts<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nof mistreatments from others. I was labeled a low class person, a servant,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nan uneducated person, one who was infected with tuberculosis, etc. I was<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngiven the worst quarters to stay in. When food was served, it was \u201cdumped\u201d<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nonto my plate with disdain.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nTo this day, I have been tormented by Mara every step of the way. But this is<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe final lifetime that Mara can harass me. I know its bag of tricks and I know<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhow to defeat it now.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                146. triumph through merit<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                On the outside it may appear that I have surrendered to my foes. But on the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ninside my conviction remains as strong and unwavering as ever. Instead of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nusing words, I fight with Dhamma.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI may appear to be defeated on the outside, but on the inside I have<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nadvanced deeply into my meditative attainment. I will eventually be victorious<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndue to my own merit power.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay 5, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                147. final lifetime<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I reflected on my situation and I perceived that, in one of my past lifetimes,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI must have committed certain unwholesome acts that resulted in negative<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nretributions for me. That was why I had to endure so many obstacles in this life.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNow that I know this is my final lifetime, I devote my life to the practice of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngood deeds with all my heart. I realize that time goes by quickly; to free<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmyself from the grip of Mara, I can no longer wait nor waste any more time.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWith whatever time I still have left, I need to perform as many good deeds<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nas I can.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen we realize that we have made a mistake and have committed<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nsomething wrongful, we should give ourselves a chance to start over. Learn<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfrom mistakes and stop being reckless. Proceed to do more good deeds.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Everyone makes mistakes. This is natural. \u201cEven with four legs an animal<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nstumbles; even with a bright mind a wise man falls,\u201d so goes the saying.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMistakes can be made, but we should not be disheartened and throw in the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntowel. Get up, get going, and get on the right course. Never give in to Mara.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOur time is short. We must seize every opportunity to perform good deeds.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIf we can prevail in this life, we will prevail in future lives. This present lifetime<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nis vital. Realizing this, we must exercise extra patience, extra care, extra<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwisdom, and extra purity.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nDon\u2019t carry any unwholesome baggage with you. Carry only goodness.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nStrive to overcome the badness from this moment on until your final breath.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nYou have already come this far. Don\u2019t give in. Don\u2019t let this lifetime go to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwaste. You are born to defeat Mara, not the other way around.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nAugust 20, 1982<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                148. one last lifetime<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Endure for one more lifetime. After this, things will be different.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nThe truth will reveal itself after its job is done. When the dust settles, we will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nknow who is who and what is what.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI come with no inferiority complex, only purity. I am brave and confident<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbecause I know that everything that I do, I do with pureness in my heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                149. keep up with me<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you are concerned that you cannot keep up with me, then hurry up and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npractice purity. Be sure to have patience and perseverance.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay 5, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                150. battle in silence<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Pursuing virtue is not such an easy task. You have to fight, you have to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nendure, and you have to battle in silence.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI build virtue. I fight silently. I rely on my merit for help. And I win because of merit.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSeptember 10, 1991<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                151. fighting spirit<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                To pursue Perfections, one must possess a fighting spirit and the ability<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto endure.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNovember 17, 1991<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                152. non-defiance<\/span><\/strong>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI was a student of Luang Por Wat Paknam for almost my entire life,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand I never disobeyed him. Even if he scolded me, I did not once lose my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npatience. I only wanted to perform good deeds. I doubt very few people<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncould have been as patient as I was.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNovember 10, 1990<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                [\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”HUMILITY `{`153-158`}`” el_id=”1491032729208-80f978f5-135d”]153. Don’t lose self-control<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n154. Stay humble<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n155. Compromise for the sake of merit<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n156. Willing to accept hardship<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n157. Banish pride<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n158. Trust<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                ********************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                153. don\u2019t lose self-control<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Keep arrogance out of your heart, even if you think you know better than<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nothers. Be humble and patient.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nYour teachers and elders have only good intentions for you. Remember what<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI say here. Make resolutions to not lose yourself on this point, or you will miss<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe opportunities to gain the knowledge and know-how that allow you to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncomplete your Path.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNovember 10, 1990<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                154. stay humble<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Some people have the tendency to show superiority over others when given<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nan assignment by the Master. This is a bad attitude. For me, I always keep<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmy humility.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNovember 10, 1990<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                155. compromise for the sake of merit<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I am the compromising type. I keep my ego in line and I maintain my humility<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nat all times.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWe should learn to compromise and get along with everyone, and allow<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neveryone to benefit from the virtues that we are pursuing together. If we<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nare working together to make merit, then there should be a give-and-take<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nattitude between everyone just for the sake of harmony and for the sake<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nof merit. When patience and conciliation are observed, the task becomes<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neasier and the merit benefits everyone.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOctober 22, 1976<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                156. willing to accept hardship<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I pursue Perfections with the goal to attain Nibbana after I have vanquished<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nall Mara. As long as Mara still remains I will not allow myself to enter Nibbana.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMy mind is focused on merit. This is my final life that Mara can affect me. In<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthis life, I am willing to lower my ego and accept hardship. It is not easy to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfind someone who can do this.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nAs for people who come to the Buddhajak Center, some come with<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nrespect but some come with an intention to find faults. Even so, I always expressed<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmy gesture of respect to them first by giving them a \u201cwai\u201d32 (joining<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npalms together in a prayer gesture). I am a clumsy old lady; by giving a \u201cwai\u201d<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto someone much younger always brings that person\u2019s guard down. So,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ninstead of looking for faults, the person would \u201cwai\u201d me back showing his\/<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nher respect in return. By lowering my ego, I have transformed an act of ill-will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto an act of goodwill for that person.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nFebruary 20, 1977<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                157. banish pride<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                From my heart I have banished pride and ill-will, and I urge all of the monks<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand attendees at this temple to do the same. But if someone is hostile<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nagainst our community or has the desire to cause disharmony among our<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npeople, I will not fail to stand up against them.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay 31, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                158. trust<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                To my elders I pay the deepest respect by showing my humility, honesty,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand truthfulness. I have no fear of the repercussion for doing virtuous acts.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIn doing so, I have earned their highest trust.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay 5, 1980<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”CLEANLINESS `{`159-160`}`” el_id=”1491032873386-df16902c-5560″]159. Love of cleanliness<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n160. To be admired by humans and angels<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                ********************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                159. love of cleanliness<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                My love of cleanliness has been a part of me for as long as I can remember.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI have fought for a long time to keep cleanliness wherever I go. Cleanliness<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhas become a symbol of this temple. It has contributed to the faith,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nconfidence, and respect of the people who come here. They see this place<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nas a sanctuary and as a serene place to practice meditation. Please do not<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nabandon the way of cleanliness that I have worked so hard to maintain.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOctober 25, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                160. to be admired by humans and angels<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Upon seeing some brooms lying around haphazardly, I would order them to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbe put back neatly.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWe must learn how to keep everything neat and tidy. After we finish using<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nsomething we should put that thing back in its own proper place. Maintain<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncleanliness and tidiness. Keeping this habit will help you find orderliness in<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neverything that you do in every lifetime.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nApril 19, 1992<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”DISCIPLINES `{`161-163`}`” el_id=”1491032954704-55c3d0ab-cb33″]161. Observe regulations<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n162. Abide by the rules<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n163. No violation<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                ************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                161. observe regulations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Where there is civilization, there is decline. Where there are the wise, there<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nare also fools. With so many people attending the temple, let\u2019s work together<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto observe the regulations for the common good.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMay 24, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                162. abide by the rules<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Abide by the rules and regulations of the places where we find ourselves.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen I first arrived at Wat Paknam, I made the effort to learn all the rules and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nregulations of the temple and abide by them with full respect. That was why<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI enjoyed very good welfare. I respected Luang Por Wat Paknam\u2019s every rule<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwhile I was at the meditation workshop and did so even after he died. Now<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nat the Buddhajak Center, I maintain the same self-discipline and I encourage<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nyou to do the same.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSet yourself as a good example; others will follow. We should all share the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nresponsibility. This way, everyone will share the benefits and the happiness.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJune 7, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                163. no violation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                When I first joined the meditation class, I was faced with many obstacles.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSome people were hostile against me out of spite or jealousy. But they could<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nnot find fault with me because I never violated any rules or regulations.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJune 7, 1980<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”USING ASSETS `{`164-169`}`” el_id=”1491033051505-b2faff8b-d20c”]164. Possessions well protected<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n165. Use your resources wisely<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n166. Respect the value of money<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n167. Avoid wastage<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n168. Look after what you create<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n169. Destitute of gambling<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                ***************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                164. possessions well protected<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Wherever I go, I respect my own property as well as the property of others.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nTreat other\u2019s property as if they are your own. In this way, your properties in<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfuture lifetimes will always be well looked after by yourself and others.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJune 7, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                165. use your resources wisely<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Whatever resources we have, use them wisely and do not be wasteful.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhether it is water, electricity, or money, use it wisely, lest we end up being<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndeprived of them. Even a small amount of water should not be wasted.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                166. respect the value of money<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                We must appreciate the value of money. Don\u2019t live or act beyond your<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmeans. Don\u2019t spend money frivolously. Know how to save. Be cognizant of<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe fact that money is not so easy to come by. Think how hard it is to make<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neach dollar that you spend.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI reach out to our supporters, through both physical and spiritual means<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n(through meditation), to come up with enough income to support our staff<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nand attendants so that everyone here can live comfortably and be able to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npursue perfected virtues without difficulties. It gives me great joy and a peace<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nof mind to be able to do this.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBut if the staff and attendants fail to utilize our resources in a worthwhile<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmanner, then no matter how much income we generate, it will never be<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nenough. And we will end up working our life away looking for money.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nFollow my example. See how I use money in the most worthwhile way. Learn<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhow to spend minimum money for maximum benefit.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJune 24, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                167. avoid wastage<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                When managing a construction project, pay attention to expenses and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nleakage. Don\u2019t let things slip through the cracks. Every bit of money we<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhave comes from donations. People have worked hard to earn this money.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhether it is a few dollars or a few pennies that people donate, it is our<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nduty to spend it in the most prudent way. Before donators part with their<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhard-earned money, they make one hopeful resolution after another for that<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmoney to bring them meritorious outcomes. If you spend their donations<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncarelessly, beware that you may end up causing more demerit than merit.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                168. look after what you create<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you build something, can you also take care of what you have built? Having<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe ability to create something is not enough unless you can look after it too.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIf not, you might as well not build it.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI built this temple and I also have the ability to look after it.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nFebruary 15, 1992<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”MISCELLANEOUS `{`170-188`}`” el_id=”1491033129155-e58c5f3a-2a07″]170. A place of merit<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n171. At the cost of my life<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n172. Don\u2019t delve on the negative<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n173. Make the best of the present<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n174. Help them by inviting them to the temple<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n175. Putting down roots<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n176. Plan your life<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n177. Leaving home<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n178. Only merit in mind<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n179. A mind free of negative thoughts<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n180. Be a good role model<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n181. Give up bad habits<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n182. Use kind speech<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n183. Desire gives rise to suffering<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n184. Protect your mind<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n185. Awakening<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n186. Don\u2019t look down on anyone<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n187. Right balance<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n188. Humans are the most blessed<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                ****************************************************************************************************************************************<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                170. a place of merit<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                When I came to live at the Buddhajak Center, I set my mind to this one goal:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto make this place clean and pure, a meritorious place of virtue where people<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncome to practice meditation and achieve purity.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                171. at the cost of my life<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I devoted my flesh and blood to establish the Buddhajak Center without<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe consideration for my own health, so much so that right before it was<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncompleted, I became severely ill. This time, I nearly died. I had to take refuge<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nin merit at all times in order to survive. I lived; but if this happened to another<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nold person, I am sure that person would have already ended up in a coffin.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI\u2019m well now, but only as much as an old person can be well.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nFebruary 26, 1983<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                172. Don\u2019t delve on the negative<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you make a bad mistake, don\u2019t let your thoughts run away with you in a<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nnegative direction or it will open doors for Mara to step in and make things<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nworse. The more negative your imagination, the more harm you will bring to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nyourself. It is better for your mind to take refuge at the center of your body.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen people commit a bad mistake or face adversity, they tend to become<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nnegative and think of the worst. They become discouraged, disheartened,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndepressed, and demoralized. These negative emotions give the opportunity<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfor Mara to come in with its malicious \u201cprogram\u201d that causes everything bad<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto come to fruition. In other words, your negative thoughts cause negative<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neffects.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSo when bad situations happen, keep your mind at the center of your body.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nEventually, the negative energy will go away and you will be able to remedy<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthe situations.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSeptember 20, 1976<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                173. make the best of the present<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I am someone who is not easily upset or affected. I teach myself at all times<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthat it does not matter whether we are born rich or poor, smart or dumb, or<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neven illiterate. What is important is now that we have been born into this life,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nit is wise for us to do maximum good deeds so that all good things will come<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto us in our future lives. Do good now to reap more good in the future. The<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npast is gone. I never think of the past. I only think of the present and I do my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbest in the present.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBefore, when I was a farmer, I had many friends. But since I entered the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntemple, my mind was only on Dhamma and I never missed my friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                At the meditation workshop, whenever Luang Por Wat Paknam gave me<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nan assignment, the only thought I had was to fulfill that assignment to the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbest of my ability. As a result, I was able to answer every one of Luang Por\u2019s<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nqueries. My meditation skills became very profound and I advanced more<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nquickly than others in the class.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen I lived at the Dhammaprasit House, my only focus was on making the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nplace clean and pure, to be a good place for performing virtues.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen living at the Buddhajak Center, I never got nostalgic for the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nDhammaprasit house. I set out with the only focus on my mind, that is,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto make the Buddhajak Center a clean and pure place, the best place to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbuild virtues.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI devote myself to the tasks in the present, focus my attention to the job at<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhand, and contemplate on doing the best for that job now. I allow nothing to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndistract me so that I can fulfill my tasks in the best possible way. Doing so will<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nenable me to find only good things in my future lives.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSeptember 1, 1977<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                173. make the best of the present<\/strong><\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI am someone who is not easily upset or affected. I teach myself at all times<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthat it does not matter whether we are born rich or poor, smart or dumb, or<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \neven illiterate. What is important is now that we have been born into this life,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nit is wise for us to do maximum good deeds so that all good things will come<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto us in our future lives. Do good now to reap more good in the future. The<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npast is gone. I never think of the past. I only think of the present and I do my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbest in the present.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBefore, when I was a farmer, I had many friends. But since I entered the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntemple, my mind was only on Dhamma and I never missed my friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                174. help them by inviting them to the temple<\/strong><\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nTo help someone reach Heaven, first invite that person to come to the temple.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen I lived at Wat Paknam, I received invitations frequently to dine at<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nvarious homes. Luang Por Wat Paknam gave me this thought: \u201cEating my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfood, you are only indebted to one person, me. Isn\u2019t that enough? Why do<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nyou need to eat at other people\u2019s houses too?\u201d I knew what he meant. From<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthen on, I stopped eating at other people\u2019s houses.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI reminded monks who were invited to dine out: \u201cNow that you have<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nordained, instead of going to other people\u2019s houses for a meal, why not invite<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npeople to come to the temple instead? If you dine out at their homes, then<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthey will find no need to come to the temple to offer food.\u201d<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJanuary 10, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                175. putting down roots<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                I wish nothing but prosperity for you. Although you may be impressed by<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntales of other places, remember that we have put down our roots here at the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nBuddhajak Center.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nFebruary 8, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                176. plan your life<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Plan well for your life. I planned everything through. Even as a simple farmer,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nforesight served me well. In the rice field and in the home, my skill at planning<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nahead helped my family to pay off our debt and we were able to save some<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmoney. After I saw that my family was doing well, I made plans to enter the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ntemple and to seek out my late father\u2019s afterlife whereabouts. This story was<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nrecounted in the book, The Path to Happiness.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI lived for a time with Madam Liab and used my skills to help run her<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhousehold. While living there I met Thongsuk Samdangpan and learned<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmeditation from her.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOnce I attained Dhammakaya, I wanted to join the temple immediately but<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI knew Madam Liab would not let me. So instead, I asked her for a leave<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto visit my family. With the help of Thongsuk, I was admitted to the temple,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nshaved my head, and became a nun.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOnce I joined the temple, I detached myself from the outside world<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncompletely, concentrating only on mastering the Dhammakaya Knowledge.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nThat is why my meditation skills are so profound.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMarch 1, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                177. Leaving home<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                When I was a young girl about 11 or 12 years old, my father came home<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndrunk one day. He was so drunk that he fell asleep on the ground outside the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhouse while the rest of the family slept inside. In disgust, my mother called<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhim a \u201csparrow\u201d (a Thai expression for a worthless person) that leached off<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nher wealth.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nMy father angrily asked all the children if we heard her abuse him. Innocently,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nI said that I did not think she had insulted him. He became so enraged that<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhe cursed me to deafness for 500 lifetimes. I was very frightened of his curse!<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOn the day he died, I was out in the rice field. By the time I returned home,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhe had already passed away, so I missed my opportunity to ask him for<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nforgiveness. I thought surely his curse would come true. I became<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndetermined to somehow find him in the afterlife to ask for his forgiveness.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nWhen I learned about Luang Por Wat Paknam, I knew there was a way.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSo as soon as I was sure my family could support themselves, I left home.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJune 7, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                178. Only merit in mind<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you come to the temple for the sole purpose of gaining merit, then you are<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \non the right path and you will never fall into misfortune. On the other hand,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nif you come here to seek fame or popularity or to flirt, you will end up not<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmaking it.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIn understanding myself, I am able to understand all others. My eyes are<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwide open to my own nature and can look into what I have done in my<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \npast, what I am doing in my present, and what I will become in my future,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nall the way to Nibbana. I know everything now, including my path to end<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nsuffering. However, I still have to be reborn so that I can eradicate the rest of the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndefilements that are still with me. I observe quietude and have become a<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngood role model in this regard. The monks here also enjoy the tranquility.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJune 21, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                179. A mind free of negative thoughts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Someone asked me if I have any suffering nowadays. I told him I did not,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbecause I only allow good things to come into my mind and never let any<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nnegative thoughts enter. From the moment I wake up, my mind is filled with<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nonly good thoughts. I have accumulated so much virtue and maintain only<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngoodness in my mind.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nIf a bad situation occurs, I confront it for the greater good but I will not let it<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nlinger in my mind. If I do complain about someone or something, it is only<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfor the betterment. But once it is over, I move on and never let it linger. Then<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwhen I meditate, my mind is completely free from these thoughts, concentrating<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nonly on meditative attainment. That is why I am able to find happiness.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOctober 28, 1982<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                180. be a good role model<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Learn to do things right. Learn to be clean and tidy. People will see your<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbehavior and set you as a good example. There will always be new people<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncoming to the temple. I cannot always be present to teach or to show them<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhow to do things. After I am gone you can be their example. Practice good<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbehavior and teach others to do the same.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJuly 18, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                181. give up bad habits<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Break your bad habits in this life and you will not have them in the next<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nlife. If in the next life you still retain the same undesirable behavior, it will be<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbecause you did not heed this advice.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nJuly 18, 1981<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                182. use kind speech<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Addressing volunteers at the temple:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nKind words are better than harsh speech. Kind words engender respect and<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ncooperation from the person you are speaking to, rather than fear. If people<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nfear you, they will not want to help you in the future. Then your work will be<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nslow, and since they did not help you they will miss the opportunity to gain<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nmerit. Disagreements should be addressed civilly and sensitively and people<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwill be willing to learn from you. Then we will accomplish our work and they<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nwill also gain merit.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNovember 11, 1980<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                183. desire gives rise to suffering<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Desire is the source of suffering. Whether it is the desire for wealth, beauty,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nor fame, they all lead to unhappiness. Because I have no desire for these<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nthings, I have no suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                184. protect your mind<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                It is the natural condition of the world to have both the good and the bad.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSometimes we are joyous and happy; sometimes we are sad and worried.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nThis is a part of life.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nHowever the world may be, just let it be. Don\u2019t worry, be happy. It is better<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nto preserve the quality of our mind. Thinking about negative things and the<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nproblems of others can only affect your mind. You can lose anything but<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ndon\u2019t lose the quality of your mind.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nFebruary 17, 1982<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                185. awakening<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                When I was small, I walked behind my mother and I thought to myself:<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \n\u201cPlease don\u2019t let me suffer when I get old.\u201d<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nDo people ever realize that the reason they suffer is because they are<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ninundated with demerit? Will they ever come to this awakening?<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nFebruary 25, 1982<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                186. don\u2019t look down on anyone<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Never look down upon anyone, whether he is a beggar, poor, middle class,<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nor a millionaire. When I lived in Nakorn Chaisri, whenever a beggar came to<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nme for rice, I gave him rice; whenever a beggar came to me for grain, I gave<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nhim grain.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nSeptember 10, 1982<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                187. right balance<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Like preparing food, everything should be arranged in the right proportion.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nApply the right balance in everything you do. Too much or too little is not<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \ngood. The Middle Way is the way to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                188. humans are the most blessed<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                                                                                                                Human beings are the most capable creatures. Even big, bulky metal can<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nbe made to float on water. To be born human is the highest blessing indeed.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nNo creatures can be more capable or well-blessed than a human.<\/span>
                                                                                                                                                                \nOctober 1, 1982<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                                                                                                                [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Read | Download [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”SELF `{`1-15`}`” el_id=”1491025504825-3947bba2-8845″] Examine yourself Contemplate with dhamma Save yourself first Rely on yourself How to relieve suffering Teach yourself Look within yourself Do it for yourself Dhamma is your refuge Love yourself Create blessings for yourself Improve yourself Rely on merit For your own benefit and for the benefit…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-460","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-books","category-english","category-2","category-6","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=460"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/460\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=460"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=460"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}