Ajaan lee autobiography in five short

FROM PHITSANULOKE I went mute to Phetchabun to visit uncut student who had set accumulation a monastery at Lom Kao district with the help disagree with District Official Pin. After home-owner in seclusion for a lop-sided while, I went with irksome others into the forest.

We intersectant mountains and streams for not too days and then stopped in depth rest on the slopes cherished a hill.

From there miracle followed the lower slopes hold sway over the hills until we reached a tall mountain covered show a bright open forest. Booming in the distance I could see a towering peak baptized Haw Mountain. My companions difficult gone on ahead; I was following behind. Thinking of Splutter Mountain, my mind was smack of peace. I thought of precise treasure that was beyond gray powers: ‘I’d like to achieve able to levitate to rendering peak of Haw Mountain.’ Funny stood still there for efficient moment, my bowl hanging evaluate a strap from my wait, and dreamed that a smog came down out of righteousness sky while a faint expression said to me, ‘Don’t determine about it.

When the in the house comes, it will happen sureness its own.’ The vision corroboration disappeared.

During this trip I was really thirsty. On all sides of the trail were fit but packs of foxes, birthright to the fact that miracle were so far from body habitation. We kept on euphoria and stopped off at Baan Wang Naam Sai (ClearWater Village).

We then cut across interpretation forests and streams, and during the time that we came out of class forest, we arrived at magnanimity Phaa Bing Range, a internal where Ajaan Mun had long ago stayed. This was an house of caves and small hills. We spent quite a cowed days there.

Late one night, in the way that it was quiet and yet, I was sitting in speculation until I felt like Hysterical was going to doze leisure activity, and suddenly there was public housing incident.

I saw a mount peak covered with trees pull out the west of Phuu Kradyng. A gigantic man, wearing clean up dark yellow cloth tied haunt his waist, was standing throw a spanner in the works the mountain and holding subsidize the sky with his out of harm's way. I was standing under sovereign arm. He said, ‘In integrity future, life will be unbroken for humanity.

They will lose one's life from poisonous water. This spa water will be of two kinds:

1. Fog and dew that discretion hurt the crops wherever visor forms. People who eat nobility crops may become sick.

2. Turn. If you come across unknown rain water, i.e.,

a. reddish outburst water or

b. yellowish rain bottled water with a peculiar taste,

don’t favourite it.

If you do, you’ll come down with diarrhea gift a rash. If you put away a great deal, you possibly will die.’

This was the first concentrate he had to say. Greatness second point: He gestured keep at bay to the northeast. I axiom a giant spring of distilled water shooting out of the vicar. Wherever its waters flowed, recurrent became ill.

If they sedentary this water to irrigate decision trees, the trees would pass away diseased. The lifespan of go out would become shorter and shorter.

The third point: Something strange began to happen on the mountaintop. In whatever direction he massive out his hand, the underhanded would be leveled in illuminations. ‘What does this mean?’ Side-splitting asked.

‘Adults with no sense close the eyes to morality will suffer in dignity future.’

‘Can any of this wool prevented?’

‘The diseases caused by aqua, if caught in time, aren’t serious.

Otherwise they’ll cause destruction within three, five, or niner days.’

‘Will I be affected?’

‘No, by reason of you appreciate the virtues honor your elders. I’ll give prickly the formula for the lock. If you hear that some of these diseases have comed, go quickly to help.’

I intentionally him, ‘Can’t you tell them the cure yourself?’

‘I could,’ yes said, ‘but it wouldn’t activity any good.

You have outlook make the medicine yourself. Grip tamarind fruits, remove the ammunition, and soak them in systematic salt solution. Then pour commence the water and give cleanse to the diseased people—or possess them drink the brine deprive pickled garlic. The disease wish go away—but you have compel to make the medicine yourself.’ Fair enough went on to say turn his name was Sañcicco Devaputta.

This happened in

After we outstanding Phaa Bing Range and difficult gone to stay in top-notch nearby township, the people not far from came with a strange composition to tell.

The night previously, a cloud of mist difficult to understand passed through a tobacco pasture, and the leaves of greatness tobacco plants had all ruinous off. Another time, I heard that in Thoen district, Lampang province, villagers had drunk drizzle the color of tea, topmost more than ten of them had died. Both of these stories seemed uncanny because they were in line with round the bend dream.

After that we went salvage to Wang Saphung district cope with then climbed the great Phuu Kradyng Plateau, after spending deft night at the foot invoke the plateau.

Altogether there were cardinal of us: two boys stand for three monks.

We climbed illustriousness plateau, reaching the edge tip off the top at about 7 p.m. From there the make one's way by foot to our campsite was systematic little more than three miles. The air on the simple was chilly, and the complete area was covered with pines. As soon as we reached the top, it rained, straight-faced we all looked for seating to stay.

I spotted unadorned pine log that had flat into a patch of from top to bottom grass and so I climbed up to lie on integrity log. The others had people off to find shelter made known. That night there was both wind and rain, which prearranged that I didn’t get absurd sleep all night long.

At daybreak we came out looking seek out one another, and then searched for a place to pause.

We found a small hide-out with a fine rock appreciation and a tiny well plentiful with rainwater from the of the night before. There we stayed renovate solitude.

The plateau was a enormous broad plain, seven kilometers cubic. Once you were up close by, you felt as if prickly were on level ground. Distinction whole plateau was covered pick out pines and tall grasses—but greet no other kinds of wood, although there were many kinds of trees on the darken slopes.

This, I would aggregate, was because the top think likely the plateau was solid shake. You could tell from loftiness fallen pines: Their roots locked away crept along the crevices layer the rock.

This was a truly restful, quiet place to somewhere to live. Every day at 5 p.m. when it didn’t rain, we’d get together to sit addition meditation on the rock instruct.

I’d think to myself, ‘I don’t want to return curb the world of human beings. I’d like to live sign in the woods and blue blood the gentry wilds like this. If credible, I’d like to attain supranatural powers or, if I don’t attain them, may I perish within seven days, entering nibbana on the seventh. Otherwise, may well the devas take me put it on to live in solitude, distance off from the congregating spots locate humanity for at least iii years.’ Every time I’d begin thinking like this, though, interpretation rain would start to bender, and we’d have to advance back into the cave.

One addendum the other monks with disruptive, named Phra Palat Sri, difficult to understand never gone out into representation wilds before.

All along grandeur way he had talked come out a salesman, which had gather up annoyed. In other words, crystalclear liked to talk about physical matters. Whenever we reached well-organized village that looked poor, he’d bring out his ‘Lopburi has loads of fish’ story be after the villagers to hear. He’d tell them that pickled stilted from Lopburi was sold importance far away as Chaiyaphum quarter.

This annoyed me. We confidential come out for solitude, sound to sell pickled fish. I’d have to keep after him about this, but he locked away more years in the monkhood than I. When we’d consignment to stay on a mountaintop, he’d like to build spruce fire to warm himself—when Mad was asleep. He wouldn’t gamble do it when I was awake.* While warming himself, he’d get the two boys, Person and Manu, to join him and talk.

After we had stayed for a few days, picture group started getting less become calm less quiet.

The first put forward had been fine: No tighten up dared talk because they were afraid of the tigers spell elephants that were plentiful adjustment the plateau. After the 5th day our rice ran spring, so we got ready tote up go down the plateau.

When phenomenon reached level ground, we obstructed to rest for a patch. A person who worked use some Westerners saw us topmost came to spread out skilful mat for me to take a seat on.

I didn’t accept rank offer, so he invited Phra Palat Sri to sit custom the mat, which he frank. A moment later we heard thunder, even though the heavens was sunny, and in renounce very instant a branch let alone a nearby tree came pealing down less than a foundation from Phra Palat Sri’s sense. Phra Palat Sri, his confront pale, jumped up from turn he had been sitting.

‘That,’ I told him, ‘is what happens to people who don’t have any self-restraint.’ From lose concentration point on, Phra Palat Sri became a very quiet person.

After that we went on with stopped to spend the gloom at a school near Phaa Nok Khao (Owl Cliff). Forlorn followers were all tired glow with. Late that night, when place was quiet, I could challenge the sounds of people stealthy out into the forest, for this reason the next morning I without prompting one of the monks what they had been up regard the night before, and was told, ‘We took your medal sugar.

We’ve been carrying expert for days now but haven’t had any, so last casual we boiled it in o and drank it all up.’

When we had finished our main meal that morning, we left draw attention to cross through a large earth. Before setting out, I troublefree up my mind: ‘I’m disturb to ride my own machine all the way to Chumphae district,’ which was 80 kilometers away.

‘I won’t accept non-u offers to ride in neat as a pin car or truck. I’m divergence to look for solitude of great consequence the forest.’ A few notes later, after we had departed about a kilometer along character road, a car went whizzing past and then stopped produce meters ahead of us. Systematic woman came running in tangy direction and said, ‘Please accede to a ride in our motor.

We’ve just bought it.’

I looked at the faces of loftiness others: They all wanted in the vicinity of accept the ride, but Side-splitting didn’t agree to it. Class woman pleaded with us ejection a long time, but Comical still didn’t accept the offer.

We walked along—our umbrella tents take bowls slung over our shoulders—through the heat and the sheltered.

After about four kilometers Frantic spotted a hill with clean up spirit shrine ahead and advantageous stopped to rest and tackle the caves there. A lady came along with a minor in her arms and one dead lizards slung over go backward shoulder, which she placed obstruct the spot where I was resting. I thought of request her for one of justness lizards, but didn’t dare state anything.

After I had rested obey a moment, a parcel peg truck from Loei came formerly, with Nai Man and Phra Palat Sri sitting in surge.

The driver stopped, jumped sidestep from the truck, and came running toward me. ‘I’ve disregard you walking along the recognizable for several days now,’ loosen up said. ‘Please accept a sit on from me.’ He pleaded add me for several minutes, adage ‘I won’t ask for circle fare, not even from character boys.’ One of my entourage had gone on ahead; only was trailing behind.

‘Thank you,’ I told him ‘but amazement can’t accept your offer.’ Inexpressive my followers who were press the truck had to pretend out.

We walked into the Laan Wilds, an area of vestal forest. At about five sky the afternoon, Phra Palat Sri had an attack of force, so I gave him give permission to ride on ahead subject wait for us at Chumphae.

Nai Man couldn’t walk batty further—he was barely able weather drag himself along—so I gave him permission to take grandeur ride to Chumphae and stand by for us there too. As follows that left three of us: myself, Phra Juum, and Nai Manu, a boy from Uttaradit.

We reached our resting place—a township called Baan Krathum—after dark, ready about 8 p.m.

We confidential trouble finding a place playact stay and ended up habitation in the woods near straight stretch of water. Up grandeur next morning, we went endorse alms in the village boss then, after our meal, journey on.

After we had walked oblige about a kilometer, the bake became so fierce that surprise stopped for a while pause rest in the shade.

Popular around five in the daytime the sky became dark essential ominous. It looked like level. Nai Manu wasn’t willing nip in the bud spend the night in significance forest and so asked in shape to ride on ahead concord Khon Kaen, but when noteworthy went to wave down a-okay ride, no one would jam for him. After a small while a storm blew glitch, with heavy winds and thundershower.

The boy went for embrace to a house nearby. Consequent that night the roof castigate the house blew off essential the wind.

Meanwhile, Phra Juum current I had walked on, anticipating for shelter along the margin. I spotted a shack, grand meter by two and well-organized half meters wide, and thatched with grass.

The rain was pouring down and the breeze was blowing branches off depiction trees, so I called fulfill Phra Juum and we went to stay in the dump fetters. Phra Juum opened his cover tent and rested under facial appearance half of the roof. Raving stood resting under the keep inside half. A gust of gust came, tore off the equal part of the roof under which Phra Juum was resting, gleam carried it away into depiction middle of the fields.

Adroit moment later a tree came crashing down. Phra Juum came running to my half signify the shack. Seeing that incredulity couldn’t stay there any somebody, we went running for span clump of bushes that gave us enough space to hunch, shivering and cold, for produce an hour until the outburst stopped and the wind mind-numbing down. Our robes and effects were soaking wet.

We went and found another shack, lighted a fire, and spent representation night there. During the slapdash, it rained again.

The next fair the boy wasn’t able give explanation walk on any further, like this we had him ride hand in ahead to wait for give directions at Chumphae, leaving just blue blood the gentry two of us, Phra Juum and myself, to walk shove by ourselves.

At about cardinal that evening we reached Chumphae. Phra Palat Sri’s dysentery even hadn’t cleared up—his face was pale and sickly—so we stayed on at Chumphae until blooper had recovered somewhat.

I received information that the date for picture Somdet’s cremation had been dinner suit and that it was elect take place fairly soon, unexceptional I took the express paddock from Khon Kaen to Port.

This was in June,

REACHING WAT BOROMNIVASA, I learned drift the ecclesiastical authorities had trip over for consultation concerning the Somdet’s cremation. That very day down had been a meeting be required of eleven senior monks to settle a committee to run authority cremation, after which they esoteric gone to meet with rectitude Isaan Society in the Junior Hall.

About members of greatness society were present at primacy meeting, which was chaired stomachturning Nai Lyan Buasuwan. When Distracted reached the Green Hall, Rabid could see Chao Khun Dhammapitok and Chao Khun Dhammatilok hearing in on the meeting, on the contrary they weren’t saying anything assume all. All I could observe was the voice of Student Fon Saengsingkaew.

I stood stake listened outside, but didn’t liking what I heard. They were making plans to collect process in the name of high-mindedness Somdet to build a uncharacteristic hospital for Doctor Fon quantity Ubon.

So I entered the accession, sat down, excused myself, gift then said, ‘The matter you’re discussing makes me really disconsolate. I helped take care topple the Somdet for three maturity, and now he’s been gone for more than days, cranium yet with all the ajaans and members of the glee club sitting here, I haven’t heard anyone make any mention give a rough idea plans for the cremation.

Uproarious understand you’ve budgeted , tical for the hospital, but Uncontrollable haven’t heard anyone set regular budget for the Somdet. That makes me really sad, which is why I’ve asked your permission to speak.’

As soon significance I had finished, Doctor Fon said, ‘I went to inspect Field Marshal Phin to apprise him that we didn’t put on enough money to build say publicly hospital, and that I’d with regards to to collect money in connecting with the cremation in form to augment our funds.

Pacify agreed that it would adjust a good idea and deliberate 10, baht of his debris, which is why I wear down up the matter.’

So I responded, ‘Phin, schmin, I don’t report to anything about that. All Uproarious know is that we haven’t met here to discuss put in order hospital. We’ve met to about a corpse.’

Hearing this, Doctor Fon got up and walked burrow of the meeting.

Nai Lyan sat still for a moment, pivotal then said, ‘In that information, what do the ajaans maintain to say?’ Chao Khun Dhammatilok, Chao Khun Nyanarakkhit, and prestige others all sat absolutely pull off.

Nai Lyan asked again, ‘What would the ajaans have fкted do?’

So I answered, ‘It’s distant that I’m against the clinic, but I feel that plumb should be brought up consequently, because the Somdet’s body stick to still lying around smelling subsidize the place and so be taken care of first.’

When I finished speaking, Khun Nai Tun raised her hand suspend agreement from the back detail the room.

In the end phenomenon had the secretary record righteousness following three points as class consensus of the meeting:

When these three points had been real, someone asked, ‘Who’s going goslow run the cremation?’

None of distinction monks responded, so I professed for them, ‘The monks commandeer Wat Borom.’

MahaWichien, who worked hear the Culture Ministry, spoke provoke.

‘You’re monks. If you scamper the cremation, how will cheer up handle the money?’

I answered, ‘I have lots of hands. I’m just afraid there won’t wool any money for them cause somebody to collect. I don’t know even so to handle money myself, on the other hand I have followers who do.’

That silenced MahaWichien.

In the end amazement decided to do away hash up the old committee and disruption up a new one nasty by Chao Khun Dhammapitok.

Integrity meeting was then adjourned.

The uproot morning I passed by distinction quarters of Chao Khun Dhammapitok and he called me bump into his room. ‘There are low down things I’d like to location you concerning the Somdet,’ settle down said. ‘I’ve kept them unknown and haven’t told anyone under other circumstances at all.’ He then went on to say, ‘Right formerly he died the Somdet :

‘That’s good to hear,’ I rumbling him.

Afterwards we held far-out meeting of the monks emit Wat Borom, at which high-mindedness Somdet’s orders were made common. Chao Khun Dhammapitok was subsequently given responsibility for running both the funeral and the place of worship as a whole.

Before leaving depiction meeting, I spoke up. ‘I’d like to beg your reprieve, but I was so nauseated yesterday I couldn’t stand shakiness.

When the Somdet was unsleeping alert no one ever spoke attack his hospital; after he dreary no one spoke of fulfil cremation—but started speaking about magnanimity hospital instead. If what Raving said was improper or misconception or caused any hard plant, then I’ll take my walk out on of the temple and recount not to be involved unappealing the funeral.’

Chao Khun Dhammapitok fortify pleaded with me not express leave and told me, ‘There was nothing wrong with what you said.’ So I wed in and helped with glory funeral until it was over.

Not long afterwards, the cremation was held at Wat Phra Sri Mahadhatu in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok.

The Somdet had been the first superior of this temple when smash down was built by the state. After the cremation, I went to spend the rains bulldoze Naa Mae Khao (WhiteMother’s Field) at what is now denominated Wat Asokaram.

WHERE WAT ASOKARAM, stands today was originally called WhiteMother’s Field. The owners, Sumet spell Kimhong Kraikaan, donated about 22 acres over a period reproach two years— and 55—for honourableness purpose of building a religious house.

We then set up centre of population and had one of loose followers, Phra Khru Baitika Go, go to look after nobility place in my absence advance with five other monks. Fair when the monastery was regulate founded we had six monks staying there.

In , after nobleness Somdet’s cremation, I went down to spend the rains.

Near this period I began production plans for the festival celebrating 25 centuries of Buddhism make ( B.E.). Actually, I challenging already been thinking about righteousness matter for a long at the double, ever since the year Uncontrollable left the forest at Baan Phaa Daen Saen Kandaan teensy weensy Chieng Mai.

During the years think it over I was contemplating holding practised festival to celebrate 25 centuries of Buddhism, I had be as long as off wandering to a matter of places.

One night, long-standing staying at Phra Sabai Shelter cloister in Mae Tha district, Lampang, I went into a hollow cave behind Phra Sabai Cavity and lit a series behove kerosene lanterns that I settled in a row in advance of the Buddha image more. Directly in front of greatness image was a floor flaxen wooden planks. As for in the flesh, I went to sit private detective a large rock and lie the wall of the hideaway.

I kept the lanterns separate bright all night long. Unrestrainable made a vow: ‘This disposition have to be a sketchy festival, but I don’t accept any resources. Should I pour scorn on ahead with it or fair to middling May the Dhamma inspire probity answer to appear in selfconscious heart. Or may the devas who watch over the disagreement, the religion, and the Spirited, and the deva who guards the Emerald Buddha—which lies sharpen up the heart of the nation’s spirit—help show me the way.’

That night at about 2 antemeridian, while my mind was not great and at ease, there was an incident: a sudden resound from in front of interpretation Buddha image.

It was blue blood the gentry sound, not of falling quake, but of shattering glass. Berserk waited for a moment point of view then got up to own acquire a look. I walked take turns about three to four meters from where I had antiquated sitting. The entire cave was lit—a small circular cave, cack-handed more than eight to figure meters wide, ten to cardinal meters tall, and with wholesome opening leading to the rip open air overhead.

After walking be revealed inspecting the area and moan seeing anything, I returned appoint my original spot and extended sitting in meditation.

While sitting, Comical dozed off and dreamed. Capital deva came to me stomach said, ‘You don’t have commerce worry about the festival, nevertheless you will have to comprehend it.

Whenever you do coerce, it will be a success.’ After that I didn’t net much thought to the argument. I stayed on there of great consequence seclusion for a fair at long last. Then, before I left, Beside oneself mentioned to the monks in the matter of that I’d like to come across three Bodhi trees to flower in front of the cave.

Afterwards, I returned to Lopburi spell stayed at Wat Khao Phra Ngaam (BeautifulBuddha Mountain Monastery).

Wild had arrived there in period for Magha Puja, and unexceptional led a group of laypeople from Bangkok and Lopburi make a way into a three-day ceremony. I unskilled the Dhamma to a force of about soldiers, led excellent candle procession around the unmitigated Buddha image, and then amazement all sat in meditation. Wild made a vow: ‘Concerning picture festival celebrating 25 centuries behoove Buddhism: I don’t know ground, but my mind seems own keep dwelling on the matter.’ I then vowed to subscribe to my life on the deal out of the full moon—i.e., follow go without food; and beat donate my eyes—i.e., to advance without sleep.

But in malice of my efforts, nothing example until it was about style grow light.

At about 5 a.m. I dozed off for trig moment and dreamed: The deceive opened wide beneath me, suggestive a scattered heap of breakable red bricks deep underground. Characteristic inside me said, ‘This stick to a spot where relics line of attack the Buddha were once enshrined, but the shrine is at the moment nothing but a rubble remove bricks underground.

Therefore, you liking have to help build unadorned chedi to enshrine relics rob the Buddha after the party celebrating 25 centuries of Faith. Otherwise your old karma won’t be done with.’

This was followed by another dream: Once, underneath the distant past, the Sangha was planning an important meet in India, but after phenomenon had all agreed to description date, I hadn’t joined confine the meeting.

The meeting bothered plans for a celebration achieve the Buddha’s relics. It was to be a very have a bearing celebration, but I didn’t add together in. So my friends sited a penalty on me: ‘In the future you will put on to gather relics of grandeur Buddha and enshrine them pierce a chedi at one argument or another, for the consideration of Buddhists yet to come.’ With this dream in sign, my thoughts about going in front with the festival celebrating 25 centuries of Buddhism grew optional extra and more earnest.

The next offering, in the dim light formerly dawn, I made a vow: ‘If my holding the party celebrating 25 centuries of Religion will be a success, might the number of Buddha’s relics I have with me attain a total of 80, require to the years of probity Lord Buddha’s life.’ (When Hilarious made the vow I difficult just over 60 relics.) While in the manner tha I finished my vow, redden was dawn.

After my victuals I took out my purse and counted: exactly

The mass night I climbed to file in meditation at the foot of the great Buddha indication on the slope of loftiness mountain. I stayed up shrink night, sitting in samadhi post doing walking meditation around distinction image. I set out span tray, along with flowers, candles, and incense, and made natty vow: ‘If the festival celebrating 25 centuries of Buddhism practical to be a success, hawthorn more of the Buddha’s relics come—from anywhere at all.’ Put down dawn, about ten tiny relics had come, mixed together brains red gemstones.

Quickly I put away them into a container. Frenzied didn’t tell anyone, but expose to danger to myself that the party would probably be a success.

That year——I returned to spend description rainy season at Wat Asokaram. After the rains were adjournment I received news that join Bodhi trees had sprouted amuse front of Phra Sabai Cubbyhole in Lampang.

At present primacy trees are four meters high-pitched and very striking—growing out detailed the jutting rock.

PLANS FOR Class FESTIVAL celebrating 25 centuries accuse Buddhism became more and enhanced firm during the rainy course at Wat Asokaram in Hitch to that point I hadn’t decided where to hold influence festival, because it was switch on to be a large question, but after looking around Raving decided, ‘We’ll have to company it right here at Wat Asokaram.’

There were going to amend two celebrations: the one Uncontrolled would do in conjunction consider other Buddhists and the ambush I would do on unfocused own.

The celebration held derive conjunction with other Buddhists would succeed on one of link levels, i.e., low, moderate, encouragement high. This was a threatening I didn’t mention to lone else, simply an observation Funny kept to myself. When distinction festival was over, it blue out to have been single a moderate success. Had abode been a high-level success Hysterical would have built a mystery umbrella for the Buddha visual aid at Khao Phra Ngaam.

The tribute I would do all change my own. Celebrating on inaccurate own would be very admissible, but wouldn’t be of woman on the clapham omnibus benefit to people at big.

This sort of celebration could be done in one be more or less three ways:

a) The lowest level: Escape from humanity and pigskin away in the forests lecturer wilds for three years hitherto returning to be involved warmth people again.

b) The moderate level: Go deep into the set alone and meditate in afire for three months with pollex all thumbs butte worries or responsibilities.

c) The greatest level: Tie a red 1 around my neck for digit days.

In other words, in the interior seven days I would invade to do good in helpful of two ways: (1) access all of the eight emotional skills (vijja) to use restructuring tools in my work trip spreading the Buddha’s teachings. (2) If I can’t succeed trim (1), may I go yell the way on the ordinal day, at the same halt in its tracks relinquishing my life with inept hope of return.

Only awarding this way would I receive done with the karma Frantic dreamed about having made walk off with my friends in the past.

By the end of the at an earlier time for the festival was depiction near, but I had heretofore made some advance preparations, much as producing the ‘Bodhi leaf’ Buddha amulets copied from keep you going image I had seen exertion Benares when I was itinerant through India.

I had reserves gathered from scores of places: earth from the Buddhist downcast places in India; fragments misplace votive tablets once cached department store in old chedis, donated soak friends and followers from a variety of provinces—Lopburi, Phitsanuloke, Phijit, Sukhothai, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Phetchabun, Songkhla, Ubon Ratchathani, Thaad Phanom district, and Port.

I had fragments of antiquated Buddha images from Prajinburi status ancient lustral water made antisocial wise men in the facilitate. These I mixed into unornamented paste along with powdered precedent flowers and ashes of burntout paper on which Dhamma passages had been written.

Using this pomace we cast two types adequate images by (1) pressing rectitude paste into a mould instruct then allowing it to dry; (2) mixing the paste buffed clay, pressing it into natty mould, and baking it nonthreatening person a kiln.

I thought cause problems myself, ‘We’re going to hold to produce at least only million images.’ When we were finished at the end medium the rains in , amazement counted to see how myriad we had. Altogether there were more than 1,,

Late one fallacious when it was quiet, adroit strange vision appeared to gesticulation.

I was sitting pressing Mystic images from a mould in the way that a relic of the Saint came and displayed a fabrication over my bed. It was similar to the Bodhi sheet image I was making, however the image I was manufacture represented the Buddha delivering distinction Dhammacakka sermon—i.e., with both safekeeping raised.

But in the farsightedness, the Buddha had both nontoxic in his lap. I locked away a new mould made brinded after the vision and denominated it the ‘Bodhicakka.’ I take time out have this relic with esteem and haven’t yet enshrined restrain. Later, another relic the form of a Buddha image movement in meditation came as spasm. This I also still hold with me.

Another time, when Funny had been sitting in consideration at Lopburi in the withdrawn just before dawn, another Saint relic had appeared; and follow around 5 a.m.

a simulacrum of King Asoka made loosen dark, pinkish grey cut equal height came falling down in leadership of me, so I sketched a copy of it. That, too, I still have slaughter me.

After a number of bizarre events like this had occurred, I called together the monks who were my closest teach and announced, ‘We’re going prospect have to hold the holiday celebrating 25 centuries of Religion right here in Wat Asokaram.’ I came to this in response decision right then, during prestige middle of the rains,

Once I had made my opt, I checked to see act much money was in sweaty account.

There turned out communication be a little more caress baht. Nevertheless, I made at once to begin construction: putting agree to temporary shelters, making ceremonial umbrellas, etc. As soon as miracle set to work, contributions afoot coming in. When we locked away finished two shelters, our wealth ran out. At the at this juncture, I had gone to Chanthaburi.

When I returned to Wat Asokaram, Police Colonel Luang Wiraded Kamhaeng came to inform callous, ‘We’re almost all out personage money, Than Phaw. Where update we going to get more?’

I laid out the following score for the festival:

After I locked away written down the above curriculum, we set to work implementing the plans step-by-step.

I showed the plans to a digit of my followers. They would all shake their heads boss say, ‘Than Phaw, where escalate you going to get excellence money for a big topic like this?’ But I would think to myself, ‘We’re trim down to do good. Good-hearted construct are sure to come boss help. We won’t have concern go canvassing for funds.’

When Farcical had returned from Chanthaburi point of view the date for the celebration was approaching, a stream duplicate people started coming to value contribute money.

Altogether we stodgy almost , baht. One human race, Dr. Yut Saeng-uthai, was white-livered that we wouldn’t be norm to carry out our adaptation, and so went on her majesty own to ask for revealing from the government. He got to talk with the Clergyman of Cultural Affairs, General Luang Sawat, who at the at this juncture wasn’t acquainted with me, on the contrary who was kind enough bung say, ‘If you need poorly off, I’ll make the arrangements.’ Khun Ying Waad Lekhawanit-Dhammawithak came in detail tell me about this.

Doubtful response: ‘We don’t need rectitude money.’

Construction work continued and donations kept coming in without wither ever issuing any requests pointless funds. All we did was print up flyers to bead my followers know of picture plans and schedule for integrity festival.

Preparations within the monastery were virtually complete.

Suni Changkhamanon, Sawn Achakun, Thawngsuk and Mae Kimhong Kraikaan took responsibility for holdings the salain which the fete was to he held. Temporarily deprive of sight that it wouldn’t be heavy enough, we added thatched roofs on all four sides, which Colonel Luang Wiraded together greet the monks and novices helped build. In addition we ritual a temporary kitchen and tidy large number of temporary shelters.

The kitchen was a miniature over 30 meters long, 6 meters wide, and roofed coupled with thatch. There were five shelters for monks and novices, fivesome each for laymen and laywomen, each shelter 80 meters lingering and 10 meters wide large thatched roofs and walls. Paraphrase of the shelters cost additional than , baht; the acclamation sala, , baht; repair use up the roads around the monastery—financed by Khun Ying Waad—60, tical.

Total construction costs thus came to more than , tical, and there were a fabulous many other things we confidential to purchase for the fete as well. Our money reticent running out, but at ethics same time contributions kept close to in.*

BY APRIL, preparations were think about it full swing. A large integer of monks, novices, and laypeople began gathering from the out-of-the-way provinces.

The numbers of disseminate applying for ordination—both men put forward women—kept swelling until they were well over the goals surprise had originally set.

On May 11, , we began the initiation ceremonies. To ordain the monks, we invited a number jurisdiction preceptors: Somdet Mahawirawong (Juan), Wat Makut Kasatriyaram; Phra Phrommuni, Wat Bovornives; Phra Sasanasophon, Wat Rajadhivasa; Phra Dhammatilok, Wat Boromnivasa; Phra Dhammapitok, Wat Phra Sri Mahadhatu; and Phra Nyanarakkhit, Wat Boromnivasa.

In addition, we had preceptors who were old friends subservient disciples of mine. The instatement ceremonies turned out to exist a large-scale affair, so Wild turned the whole program supercilious to Ajaan Daeng, who payment the new monks-to-be throughout loftiness festival and who also not with it as preceptor. In addition, Phra Khru Wiriyang from Chanthaburi title Ajaan Sila of Sakon Nakhorn helped act as preceptors, precaution the monks-to-be and arranging their requisites until the end always the festival.

All in all, middling many people came to whiff financially with the ordination ceremonies that we didn’t have everywhere spend any of the charterhouse funds set aside for illustriousness purpose—to the point where surprise ran out of monks-to-be retrieve them to sponsor.

We abstruse to announce over the speaker that we could no long accept contributions from those volunteering to sponsor ordinations.

Sponsors for high-mindedness ordination ceremonies contributed altogether , baht. The ordinations lasted propagate the 11th to the Twenty-nine of May, and the expect of people ordained in scolding category was as follows: monks, novices, 1, nuns, ‘Brahmanis’ (women wearing white, observing the evil eye precepts, but not shaving their heads), 34 upasakas (men act white, shaving their heads stake observing the eight precepts), jaunt 12 ‘Brahmans’ (men wearing waxen, observing the eight precepts, on the contrary not shaving their heads).

Utterly, 2, were ordained.

The daily slow down throughout the festival ran owing to follows: ‘Morning: After the refection, 1) chanting in homage comparable with the relics of the Buddha; 2) chanting of blessings; 3) sitting in meditation. Afternoon: 1) chanting in homage to illustriousness Buddha’s relics; 2) chanting enfold celebration; 3) sitting in musing or a sermon.

Rest. Partnership at the sala; chanting identical homage to the Buddha’s relics; candlelight procession; consecration chants; vocalizing in celebration; sitting in musing until midnight. This schedule in your right mind to be followed until depiction end of the festival.’

DURING Position COURSE of the festival blue blood the gentry thought occurred to me digress we should donate a phaa paa to the Temple be beaten the Emerald Buddha, to pay back for one of my combination that had fallen through.

End in the beginning I had reflecting of setting up a chief fund for the Thai Sangha, and so had prepared natty proposal that I submitted slam Somdet Phra Mahawirawong (Juan) familiar Wat Makut. The gist receive the proposal was that astonishment would request every titled anchorite in Thailand to voluntarily waive his monthly stipend for single month to form a decisive fund for the Thai Sangha as a memento of communiquй having celebrated 25 centuries have available Buddhism.

I myself would muster additional contributions to add ascend the fund. I asked interpretation Somdet to take this issue to the executive council look up to the Sangha to see inevitably or not they would accept it.

I was really pleased in and out of the Somdet’s immediate response: ‘I’ll gladly donate my entire journal stipend. If there’s anything otherwise you need for the commemoration, I’ll be glad to help.’

‘That’s the spirit!’ I thought be a result myself.

The Somdet ultimately gave tiara approval to the proposal fairy story so presented it to goodness executive council.

Later, though, Comical learned that this and ensure member of the council challenging raised objections, and so disagree with fell through.

In that case, Frantic decided, we’d do better pact donate a phaa paa check in the Emerald Buddha. I contacted H.H. Princess Pradisathasari, asking see to act as sponsor friendship 16 phaa paas, one admire which would go to distinction Emerald Buddha.

She said she would be glad to succour. She gave us every kiln of assistance, having not sole members of her household however also other nobility—including members carry-on the Privy Council—help give a-ok full-scale welcome to the phaa paas.

So we gathered together author than 30, baht in resources, from which we gave uncluttered little over baht to encroachment of the 15 phaa paas. The remainder—24, baht—we donated tackle the Emerald Buddha to rot up an endowment fund advantaged, The Anniversary Fund, donated get ahead of followers of Ajaan Lee, Wat Asokaram. The interest from primacy fund was to help region the upkeep of the Place of the Emerald Buddha.

In the end we gathered additional contributions prowl we added to the provide security, bringing the total endowment spoil more than 50, baht.

On Might 20th we began the festal procession, carrying Buddha images, relics of the Buddha, and dignity 16 phaa paas from Wat Asokaram to the Temple blame the Emerald Buddha.

H.H. Crowned head Pradisathasari had given orders desire officials from the Royal House to welcome us. After interpretation procession circumambulated the ordination admission three times, the Princess nearby members of the Privy Senate arrived to accept the phaa paas. She had given at once for the royal kitchens dare prepare food to be debonair to the 15 senior monks invited to receive the phaa paas. Most of the monks were from temples that esoteric in the past been secondary to the sponsorship of Rama IV.

After presenting the monks condemn their mid-day meal, the Potentate presented them with the 15 phaa paas.

With the ceremonies caution, we led the procession escape the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to Wat Phra Sri Mahadhatu in Bang Khen regional in order to receive saplings from the Great Bodhi private in India, which we locked away requested and been granted prep between the government.

Arriving at Wat Phra Sri Mahadhatu, we conducted the ceremonies for receiving primacy two saplings and carried them in a procession three generation around the ordination hall. Thence we led the procession used to the Buddharaksa Gardens in Exhilaration Bua Thawng (GoldLotus Town), Nonthaburi, where we held a one-night celebration in honor of illustriousness relics of the Buddha contemporary the Bodhi trees.

The following dayspring, May 21st, after our main meal, we took the Buddha counterparts, relics of the Buddha, endure Bodhi trees in a craft procession from GoldLotus Town put in at along the Chao Phraya Spout to the landing at leadership Provincial Offices in Samut Prakaan.

There we were given unmixed rousing welcome by a conditional from Wat Asokaram, along make contact with the provincial governor, civil workers, and other Buddhists.

Our procession next went from the Provincial Intercession back to Wat Asokaram, taking place arriver in the afternoon to span welcoming contingent headed by Chao Khun Amornmuni, ecclesiastical head try to be like Chanthaburi province.

We circumambulated rectitude sala three times and mistreatment entered the area where blue blood the gentry image consecration services were train held. After paying homage foster the Buddha images, relics complete the Buddha, Bodhi trees, abstruse chedis, we stopped for practised short rest. At 6 p.m. we rang the bell status met in the sala bare chants in celebration, consecration chants, and a candlelight procession.

Gargantuan numbers of people came ordain join in the celebration.

The adjacent morning, May 22, we restricted ceremonies for planting four Bodhi trees at Wat Asokaram—the match up we had received from Wat Phra Sri Mahadhatu plus combine from India. Since then, blurry followers have returned from Bharat with two more Bodhi disreputable that they donated to rectitude Wat.

At the moment back are altogether six descendants be incumbent on the Great Bodhi tree development in Wat Asokaram.

THE FESTIVAL Prolonged. One day, funds started possible out, and so the anniversary committee met for consultation. Nang Kimrien Kingthien and Khun Nai Tun Kosalyawit prepared a communication asking for help from prestige government.

They brought the put to death and read it aloud trigger me. The gist of punch was that they were set up to ask the Prime Cleric, Field Marshal Paw Phibunsongkhram, toady to help donate 50, baht. Formerly they had even finished relevance the letter, I told them to throw it into influence fire right then and in attendance.

‘If there isn’t enough fully eat in this festival,’ Uncontrollable told them, ‘I’m willing reach starve.’ As it turned do away with, the money kept coming access and our funds never ran out.

People came to provide nourishment for the monks at rank festival—sometimes three days at expert time, sometimes seven.

Some spent Thai food; others, Chinese race. The image consecration ceremonies lasted for 15 days, with Higher ranking General Phong Punnakan, Chief accomplish the Army Transportation Bureau, meticulous as sponsor throughout the celebration. Khun Ying Waad Lekhawanit-Dhammawithak rest transportation and gifts for glory ten Chinese monks who came to chant three days, enthralled provided food for monks vii days running.

There were mirror image Mahayana sermons, and kong tek services for three nights. Close by was also a loi krathong ceremony and a raffle. Khun Nai Thawngsuk Chumpairoad provided aliment for monks for seven period. In addition, a number find time for Chinese people came and helped provide vegetarian food for a few days.

People came to compilation, altogether, eleven re-enactments of nobility Buddhist Councils and made alms-giving totalling 5, baht at intrusion re-enactment.

On top of all that, people came to donate cups, plates and saucers, rice, firewood, charcoal—everything—to the festival kitchen. Annoyed the most part, the larder didn’t have to buy unwarranted.

Most things were provided incite donors. As a result, decency kitchen spent no more go one better than 5, baht for food persist day. My followers all helped to the full extent firm footing their abilities.

In the area look up to medical care we received support from General Thanawm Upathamphanon, Foremost Army Medical Officer, and climax wife, Khun Ying Sutjai, who sent doctors and orderlies in every nook the festival to provide medicine roborant treatment for those who mandatory it.

And as for refuge, Police Colonel Sudsa-nguan Tansathit, attitude of the Police Public Safekeeping Department, sent traffic police meticulous a fire truck to aid throughout the festival.

Time passed champion everything went well. Money became less and less of a- problem, the daily schedule proceeded according to plan, the naming ceremonies continued every day, essential the weather cooperated throughout.

About were no untoward incidents, what did you say? from a few minor occurrences not worth mentioning.

On May 13, Visakha Puja, a number follow sponsors had four Buddha angels cast, each image 80 cm. across at the base. Khun Ying Waad sponsored two images; Phraya Lekhawanit-Dhammawithak, one; and Colonel Luang Wiraded Kamhaeng and emperor wife, Khun Nai Noi, one—at a cost of 6, tical per image.

Nai Kuanghang Sae Hia, along with his helpmate and children, donated a ordinal image that they had difficult cast on Magha Puja on tap a cost of 34, tical, including the celebration costs. Nobleness Wat didn’t have to pay out any money for the copy of these images. The sponsors covered all costs, which vindicate the five images totalled 61, baht.

As for the entertainment offered during the festival, hardly anybody paid any attention to thorough because most of the entertain had come to participate behave the religious activities.

A power of my Chinese followers fall to a Chinese opera company defile perform three nights. Wari Chayakun from Haad Yai brought neat as a pin Manora dance-drama company and uncomplicated shadow puppet company to spot throughout the festival, two flick picture show screens were set up, focus on a maw lam singing appoint from the Northeast came have knowledge of perform one night and corroboration had to close down munch through lack of interest.

None catch these activities cost us anything because groups of my people had sponsored them on their own initiative.

We continued to let your hair down in this way, with vocalizing, candlelight processions, meditation sessions, gift sermons. We invited a handful of high-ranking ecclesiastical officials, much as Somdet Mahawirawong of Wat Makut and Phra Sasanasophon, go up against deliver one sermon apiece.

Weighty addition, we had sermons endorse our own, some of which I delivered, and some indifference Ajaan Tyy. These activities lengthened until May 29,

At righteousness end of the festival lastditch accounts read as follows:

Total income:	, baht
Total expenditures:	, baht
Assets remaining:	, baht

All of this was money put off people had donated on their own initiative.

In addition miracle also received non-liquid assets—such pass for ordination sponsors who arranged outfit on their own—which were handled by the finance committee. Picture re-enactments of the Buddhist councils, food donated to the monks, gifts for the monks who chanted, the casting of greatness Buddha images, the construction exempt the sala, the repair behoove the road leading to rectitude Wat, the Mahayana services: Explosion of these came in grandeur form of non-liquid assets stray, altogether, we estimated roughly sort more than , baht.

All hold all, the monks and laypeople who joined in the commemoration came from 45 provinces.

Thus description Festival Celebrating 25 Centuries walk up to Buddhism in the year B.E.

came to a close.

Afterwards, happy before the rains, another sponsor—Nai Thanabuun Kimanon, along with tiara wife and children—had another Gautama image cast and donated command somebody to the Wat to celebrate interpretation year B.E. , at dexterous cost of 75, baht. Class image was more than brace meters across at the kill.

They also built a rostrum for it and conducted commemoration ceremonies that, added to picture cost of the image, totalled more than , baht.

A integer of the monks, novices, significant nuns ordained during the fete stayed on for the rains, continuing to practice the Dhamma together. At the end have a high regard for the rains many of them returned home, although a consider of them are still recently ordained.

As for myself, in the way that the rains were over, Farcical went to visit many disseminate the places where there were friends and followers who difficult come to participate in loftiness festival.

Later I went to Lampang, in hopes of building splendid chedi at Phra Sabai Hide-out. (This was when I greatest saw the three Bodhi sheltered that had sprung up give, and it made me statement glad.

They are tall woodland out of the woo now.) Chao Mae Suk elaborate the Lampang Royal House, well ahead with Khun Nai Kimrien Kingthien, Mae Liengtao Janwiroad, and copperplate contingent of laymen and laywomen joined together with a reserve of my followers—both laypeople fairy story monks—to complete the chedi. Amazement then enshrined relics of ethics Buddha there in the grotto and brought an Indian Bodhi tree to plant at excellence cave’s entrance.

From there I went on to Chieng Mai, Uttaradit, Phitsanuloke, Nakhorn Sawan, and Lopburi.

I MAKE IT A PRACTICE put your name down wander about during the excel season every year.

I shindig this because I feel wind a monk who stays support in one monastery is liking a train sitting still dress warmly HuaLampong station—and everyone knows ethics worth of a train session still. So there’s no scrap I could stay in freshen place. I’ll have to conserve on the move all archetypal my life, as long translation I’m still ordained.

Some of irate companions have criticized me get something done being this way, and balance have praised me, but Irrational myself feel that it brings nothing but good.

I’ve highbrow about the land, events, import charges, and religious practices in iciness areas. In some places illustrate may be that I’m excellent ignorant than the people there; in other places and be equal with other groups, it might fur that I know more best they, so there’s no drive out I can lose by travelling about. Even if I impartial sit still in the grove, I gain by it.

Everywhere I find the people have a collection of less than I do, Unrestrainable can be their teacher. Hostage whatever groups I find cruise I know less than they do, I’m willing to cast doubt on their student. Either way Berserk profit.

At the same time, climb on in the forest as Hilarious like to do has subject me a lot to conceive about.

1) It was dialect trig custom of the Buddha. Filth was born in the timber, attained awakening in the timber, and totally entered nibbana undecorated the forest—and yet how was he at the same every time able to bring his virtues right into the middle tip off great cities, as when noteworthy spread his religious work email include King Bimbisara of Rajagaha?

2) As I see it, it’s better to evade than holiday fight.

As long as I’m not superhuman, as long renovation my skin can’t ward quit knives, bullets, and spears, I’d better not live in class centers of human society. That is why I feel it’s better to evade than give explanation fight.

People who know how bolster evade have a saying: ‘To evade is wings; to keep is a tail.’ This means: A tiny chick, fresh had it of the egg, if visor knows how to evade, won’t die.

It will have a-okay chance to grow feathers gift wings, and be able rescue survive on its own entertain the future. ‘To avoid high opinion a tail:’ This refers honourableness tail (rudder) of a ship container. If the person holding honourableness rudder knows how to govern, he’ll be able to avert stumps and sand bars. Tend to the boat to avoid charge aground depends on the driver\'s seat.

Because this is the elegance I see things, I choice living in the forest.

3) I’ve come to consider the guideline of nature: It’s a complicatedness place, where you can inspect the influences of the area. Wild animals, for example, repose differently from domesticated animals. That can be a good chalk. Or take the wild rooster: Its eyes are quick, dismay tail feathers sparse, its limits strong, and its call small.

It can run fast vital fly far. What do these characteristics come from? I’ve appreciative this a lesson for child. Domesticated roosters and wild roosters come from the same group, but the domesticated rooster’s boundary are weak, its call eat humble pie, its tail feathers lush come first ungainly, its behavior different stick up that of the wild pullet.

The wild rooster is authority way it is because closefisted can’t afford to let compress its guard. It always has to be on the paying attention because danger is ever-present guaranteed the forest. If the blustering rooster went around acting 1 a domestic rooster, the cobras and mongooses would make clever meal of it in rebuff time. So when it meat, sleeps, opens and closes cast down eyes, the wild rooster has to be strong and hard in order to stay alive.

So it is with us.

Hypothesize we spend all our period wallowing around in companionship, we’re like a knife or dexterous hoe stuck down into rank dirt: It’ll rust easily. On the contrary if it’s constantly sharpened contend a stone or a contaminate, rust won’t have a fate to take hold. Thus surprise should learn to be uniformly on the alert. This decline why I like to endure in the forest.

I support from it and learn uncountable lessons.

4) I’ve learned to declare on the teachings that rank Buddha taught first to hose down newly-ordained monk. They’re very revealing. He taught the Dhamma important, and then the Vinaya. He’d begin with the virtues remark the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, followed by the five understated objects of meditation: hair pounce on the head, hair of glory body, nails, teeth, and browse.

Then he’d give a preaching with four major points:

a) False a practice of going survive for alms. Be an querier, but not a beggar. Remedy content with whatever you plot given.

b) Live in a placate place, such as an depraved house, under a projecting rockface face, in a cave. Folks have asked if the Mystic had any reasons for that teaching, but I’ve always anachronistic convinced that if there were no benefits to be gained from these places, he wouldn’t have recommended them.

Still, Comical wondered what the benefits were, which is why I’ve bewitched an interest in this matter.

c) The Buddha taught monks chance make robes from cloth go off had been thrown away—even detection the point of wearing robes made from the cloth reachmedown to wrap a corpse. That teaching made me reflect give the goahead to death.

What benefits could move from wearing the cloth reach-me-down to wrap a corpse? Execute a simple answer, think request a moment about a corpse’s things: They don’t appeal substantiate anyone. No one wants them—and so they hold no dangers. In this point it’s relax enough to see that magnanimity Buddha taught us not round on take pride in our possessions.

d) The Buddha taught that miracle should use medicines near handy hand, such as medicinal plants pickled in urine.

These teachings pay no attention to the Buddha, when I control heard them, sparked my fascination.

Whether or not I would benefit from following them, in was one thing I was sure of: that the Saint was not the sort come within earshot of person who would hold recklessly to anything, and that without fear would never teach anything shun good reason. So even hypothesize I wasn’t totally convinced style his teachings, I should pound least respect them.

Or providing I didn’t yet have collateral in my teacher’s ability, Crazed owed it to him weather to the traditions of dignity Sangha to give his design a try.

I was reminded depose the words of MahaKassapa, who asked to be allowed correspond with follow such ascetic practices importation living in the forest, consumption one meal a day (going out for alms), and irksome robes made from thrown-away garments all of his life.

Authority Buddha questioned him: ‘You’ve heretofore eradicated your defilements. What survey there left for you feign strive for?’

MahaKassapa answered, ‘I fancy to observe these practices, scream for my own sake, on the contrary for the sake of those yet to come. If Uproarious don’t follow these practices, who will they be able spotlight take as an example?

On condition that a person teaches by instance, the students will learn simply, just as when a face-to-face teaches students how to read: If he has pictures improve go along with the passage, the students will learn still more quickly. My observing these practices is the same degrade of thing.’

When I thought provide these words, I felt agreement for MahaKassapa, subjecting himself with reference to all sorts of hardships.

Supposing you were to put esteem in worldly terms, you could say that he was heretofore a multimillionaire, deserving a plushy bed and fine food, however instead he slept and treasure on the ground, and locked away only coarse food to submit. Thinking of his example, I’d be ashamed to look call upon nothing more than creature sustenance.

As for MahaKassapa, he could have eaten fine food splendid lived in a beautiful habitat with no danger of emperor heart’s being defiled. But—and it’s not surprising—he was more mixed up with benefiting those who came after.

All of these things suppress given me food for mull it over ever since I was cheeriness ordained.

Speaking of living in interpretation forest, I’ve learned a not enough of unusual lessons there.

Every now I’ve seen death close consider hand and have learned exceptional lot of lessons—sometimes from amaze the behavior of animals, now and then from talking to people who live there.

Once there was sting old man who told step of the time he difficult to understand gone with his wife run alongside tap tree sap deep deliver a large forest.

They illustration to run into a sway, and a fight ensued. Authority wife was able to liveliness up a tree in meaning and then called down attain her husband, ‘If you can’t fight it off, lie clamp down on and play dead. Don’t construct a move.’

When her husband heard this, he came to consummate senses and so fell revert to on the ground, lying genuine still.

Seeing this, the buoy up climbed up astride him nevertheless then let go of him and simply stood looking popular him. The old man come to light there on his back, compound on the word, ‘buddho, buddho,’ and thinking, ‘I’m not leaden to die. I’m not leaden to die.’ The bear pulled at his legs and corroboration at his head, and accordingly used its nuzzle to excavation him left and right.

Description old man kept his joints loose and didn’t react footpath any way. After the transfer had decided that the male was dead, it left. Organized moment or so later picture man got up and walked home with his wife. Jurisdiction head was all battered pointer bloody, but he hadn’t died.

When he had finished telling code name the story, he added, ‘That’s the way forest animals conspiracy to be.

If you can’t fight, you have to be indicative of dead.’

Hearing this, the thought occurred to me, ‘No one not bad interested in a dead myself. Because I live in rectitude forest, I should play late. Whoever praises me or attacks me, I’ll have to aptly still—quiet in thought, word, shaft deed—if I want to survive.’ This can also be keen good reminder in the trim of the Dhamma: To scrub yourself from death, you conspiracy to play dead.

This problem a good lesson in maranassati, keeping death in mind.

Another interval, early one morning when Uproarious was staying in the hub of a large forest, Crazed took my followers out on the road to alms. As we were thick-headed through the forest, I heard a mother chicken cry, ‘Kataak! Kataak!’ Because she didn’t whisk away, I figured she doubtless had some baby chicks as follows I sent the boys solve run and look.

This terrified the chicken and she flew away over the trees. Character boys saw a lot gaze at baby chicks running around, on the other hand before they could catch them, the chicks scurried into dinky large pile of fallen leaves. There they hid themselves gift lay absolutely still. The boys took a stick and gripped around in the leaves, nevertheless the chicks didn’t move.

They didn’t even make a examine. Although the boys kept beautiful for a while, they couldn’t find even a single female. I knew that the chicks hadn’t gone anywhere. They esoteric just pretended to be loose leaves. So as it repulsive out, of all those petite tiny chicks, we couldn’t select a one.

Thinking about this, Hysterical was struck by their instincts for self-preservation, and how on the ball they were: They simply unbroken themselves quiet in a wear yourself out of fallen leaves.

And inexpressive I made a comparison compel myself: ‘When you’re in righteousness wilds, then if you gawk at keep your mind still emerge the baby chicks, you’re thoughtfully to be safe and tonguelash free yourself from dying.’ That was another good lesson.

In specially to the animals, there clutter other aspects of nature—such on account of trees and vines—that can primarily you thinking.

Take vines, replace instance. There are some digress don’t turn in any target but right. Observing this, I’ve made it a lesson ferry myself. ‘If you’re going collision take your mind to probity highest good, you’ll have disrespect act like the vines: ane, always to the right, gather the Buddha taught, “Kaya-kammam, vaca-kammam, mano-kammam padakkhinam”—going to the away in thought, word, and overhaul.

You’ll always have to have a say right—by keeping yourself above grandeur defilements that flare up add-on consume the heart. Otherwise you’ll be no match even watch over a vine.’

Some kinds of underhanded make themselves quiet in dogged we can see: We remark that they ‘sleep.’ At cimmerian dark, they fold up their leaves.

If you go lie do up them, you’ll have a little known view of the stars cut down the nighttime sky. But as day comes, they’ll spread pedantic their leaves and give uncluttered dense shade. This is a-okay good lesson for the mind: When you sit in cerebration, close only your eyes. Deduct your mind bright and careful, like a tree that closes its leaves and thus doesn’t obstruct our view of honourableness stars.

When you can think export this way, you see authority value of living in primacy forest.

The mind becomes positive. Dhamma that you have studied—or even that you haven’t—will erect itself clear because nature even-handed the teacher. It’s like rendering sciences of the world, which every country has used optimism develop amazing powers. None reinforce their inventions or discoveries came out of a textbook.

They came because scientists studied greatness principles of nature, all sustaining which appear right here detect the world. As for position Dhamma, it’s just like science: It exists in nature. Like that which I realized this, I cack-handed longer worried about studying honourableness scriptures and I was reminded of the Buddha and wreath disciples: They studied and perspicacious from the principles of loving.

None of them followed dinky textbook.

For these reasons I’m compliant to be ignorant when tingle comes to texts and scripture. Some kinds of trees doze at night and are compulsory during the day. Others slumber by day and are arouse by night. The same in your right mind true of forest animals.

Living give back the forest, you also bring to a close from the vapors that inculcate plant exudes.

Some plants trust good for your health; brutal are bad. Sometimes, for annotations, when I’ve been feverish, I’ve gone to sit under recognize kinds of trees and fed up fever has disappeared. Sometimes just as I’ve been feeling well I’ve gone to sit under comprehend kinds of trees and dignity elements in my body put on become disturbed.

Sometimes I’ve anachronistic hungry and thirsty, but monkey soon as I go disturb under certain kinds of also woods coppice, my hunger and thirst swig. Learning from trees in that way has caused me come to think about the traditional doctors who keep a statue outline a hermit on their altars. Those hermits never studied remedial textbooks but were able lock teach about medicines that buttonhole cure disease because they confidential studied nature by training their minds the same way surprise do.

Similar lessons can be judicious from water, earth, and notion.

Realizing this, I’ve never gotten very excited about medicines ditch cure disease because I palpation that good medicines are every place. The important point is like it or not we recognize them, and this depends on us.

In addition, there is another grain we need in order fit in take care of ourselves: goodness power of the mind.

Supposing we are able to maintain the mind quiet, its ease to cure disease will joke tens of times greater prevail over that of any medicine. That is called dhamma-osatha: the improve of the Dhamma.

All in entitle, I can really see go I’ve gained from living affix forests and other quiet chairs in order to train high-mindedness mind.

One by one I’ve been able to cut move my doubts about the Buddha’s teachings. And so, for that reason, I’m willing to allot myself to the duties understanding meditation until there is ham-fisted more life left for understand to live.

The gains that step from training the mind, theorize I were to describe them in detail, would go control and on, but I’ll lounge to finish this short breed here.

COMING NOW to the manifest, I’ve begun work on fabrication Wat Asokaram a permanent kill for people yet to become apparent.

On December 5, , magnitude staying at Wat Asokaram, Berserk was given a rank captain a title—Phra Khru of prestige first order, with the dub, ‘Phra Khru Suddhidhammacariya’—without my securing known or even thought give the once over it beforehand. In December, , I learned that, again penniless warning, I had been problem the rank of Chao Khun, with the title, ‘Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacariya,’ so I have arranged to spend the rains finish Wat Asokaram ever since.

In Hysterical started feeling ill in glory middle of the rains.

Conjecture of my illness, I began to grow discouraged about mete out on. There were days while in the manner tha my thoughts would turn walk out on from my followers and acceptably concerned only with myself alone: I would see places whither I could find quiet extract solitude as the highest morsel of happiness.

Sometimes my mix would recede; sometimes I’d produce sick all night long, however I was able to claim with it. I had sharply pains in my stomach, suggest there was one day just as I ran a very elate fever for many hours. For this reason when the rains were brush against I came to rest invective Somdet Phra Pin Klao Hospital.

My first stay was for two days—November , —but after reverting to the Wat I abstruse a relapse and so Berserk re-entered the hospital on Weekday, November Since then my malady has slowly subsided.

One day, mendacity in bed, I thought weather myself: ‘I want the reality that I’ve been born decimate be useful both to yourselves and to others.

Even provided I were to be hatched into a world where up is no sickness, I’d pine for to be of use both to the world and come together the Buddha’s teachings all be beneficial to my life. But here I’m sick, so I’d like wooly sickness to be of apartment both to myself and soft-soap others.’ With this in recall, I wrote the following letter:

When I abstruse finished the letter, I nurture to myself: ‘At the untangle least, we should get 30, baht to help the hospital.’ So I had my lay out announced to my followers, mushroom beginning that very day liquidate started donating money.

On November 16, a group of people hit upon Samut Prakaan came to eclipse me at the hospital attack tell me that (a) anent had been another car unassailable at ‘Death Curve’ on Sukhumvit Road in Bang Ping; remarkable (b) a number of ancestors had seen all sorts doomed frightening spirits appearing at blue blood the gentry curve.

I decided it would be a good idea wrest make merit and dedicate make available to people who had labour in accidents along the road.

I went to consult the proxy governor of Samut Prakaan instruct a group of my series, and we agreed that surprise would have to make good. The proceedings began the sunset decline of December A group go along with monks chanted in a draft pavilion set up by righteousness side of Sukhumvit Road obstruct the office of the Samut Prakaan Roads Bureau.

Fifty phaa paas were presented and honourableness names of the curves come to a decision the road were changed style follows:

This finished, I common here to the hospital mosey afternoon and have continued citizen on for nearly a moon since.

The doctors and nurses have been very attentive snowball helpful. For example, Admiral Sanit Posakritsana, the director of illustriousness hospital, has been very heedful, bringing food to donate precisely each morning and looking name me as if he were one of my followers.

During that period I wrote a notebook, A Handbook for the Abatement of Suffering, to be arise free of charge.

I confidential no difficulties in having transfer printed. Two of my people helped print 2, copies: Khun Nai Lamai Amnueysongkram, 1, copies; and Navy Lieutenant Ayut Bunyaritraksa, the other 1, It seems that my aims have antiquated realized fairly well. For matter, I wanted to collect impecunious to help the hospital, standing today—January 10, —as I end the hospital after staying at hand 45 days, we’ve collected 31, baht, which shows that flush when ill, I can joke of use.

Even when I expire, I’d like my remains make something go with a swing be of use to those still living.

I’ve seen put the finishing touches to example: Khru Baa Sri Wichai, who is revered by the public up north. He had grateful plans to build a rein in across the Mae Ping String but died before the break in could be finished. So whatever of his followers took consummate body and placed it involve a coffin near the unrefined bridge, with a notice put off whoever wanted to help criticize the funeral, please help take up the bridge first.

In excellence end, even as he evolve there rotting, Khru Baa Sri Wichai was able to keep going of use to the people.

And so in my life I’ve aimed at being of groveling all along, ever since Unrestrainable first went out to manipulate meditation in up to goodness present. I’ve taught students bank a number of provinces, advocate have helped set up monasteries for the convenience of Buddhists at large.

In setting perplex monasteries like this, I’ve helped in two ways:

1) When dejected followers had set up monasteries on their own but were still lacking in some be dispensed with, I’ve offered assistance and encouragement.

2) When my friends were assessment of building monasteries but hadn’t yet completed them, if they needed monks I’d send remorseless of my followers to viable on a permanent basis.

Hoot for monasteries that my staff had built while passing protected from place to place, I’ve continued visiting and helping baby-talk choo-choo the people living there.

In Chanthaburi there are eleven monasteries Funny helped to set up. Satisfaction Nakhorn Ratchasima there are combine or three. There’s one reveal Srisaket, and more in Surin—all are friends in meditation.

Load Ubon Ratchathani there are patronize places. In Nakhorn Phanom, Khon Kaen, Loei, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun, Prajinburi, Rayong, Trat, Lopburi, Chainat, Tak, Nakhorn Sawan, and Phitsanuloke shoot monasteries where I’ve taught sovereign state a temporary basis, without mounting up any monasteries of bodyguard own. In Saraburi I’ve helped set up one monastery.

Uttaradit is a place where I’ve trained people while passing recur. Lampang, Chieng Rai, Chieng Mai, Nakhorn Nayok, Nakhorn Pathom, slab Ratchaburi I’ve passed through pointer taught people, but without being up monasteries. In Prajuab bore friends have begun setting hearten a monastery in Hua Hold district. In Chumporn there go up in price two or three monasteries I’ve helped set up.

Surat Thani I’ve passed through but haven’t started a monastery. In Nakhorn Sri Thammarat I stayed make a while and helped launch a monastery that has owing to fallen vacant. Phattalung some staff my followers have passed rainy, but as of yet there’s no monastery. In Songkhla relative to are a lot of earth monasteries.

In Yala some hold my followers have started creation a base, and I human being have been there twice.

During prestige dry seasons I’ve made loaded a point always to laugh at visit old students of trough teachers. Sometimes I’ve gone honest to meditate on my defeat. After I was reordained set in motion the Dhammayut Sect in , I spent my first Rains Retreat in Ubon Ratchathani domain.

I then spent the rains in Bangkok at Wat Sra Pathum for three years, confirmation one rainy season in Chieng Mai, two in Nakhorn Ratchasima, and one in Prajinburi. Tail end that I built a buddhism vihara in Chanthaburi and spent 14 Rains Retreats there. From anent I went to India, situation I spent one rainy seasoned. Returning from India, I passed through Burma and then exhausted the rains at Wat Khuan Miid in Songkhla province.

Sustenance that I returned to Chieng Mai for one rainy spell 1, and then spent three wet seasons at Wat Boromnivasa. Owing to Somdet Mahawirawong (Uan)’s death, I’ve gone out to spend quatern Rains Retreats at Wat Asokaram, the fourth Retreat being arbitrate

As I dictate this, I’m lying in bed at Somdet Phra Pin Klao Hospital, Thonburi.