he found discarded pieces of cloth on the ground while on alms-
round, he would pick them up and use them for making robes –
regardless of the type of cloth or where it came from. Returning
to the monastery, he washed them, and then used them to patch a
torn robe, or to make a bathing cloth. This he routinely did wher-
ever he stayed. Later as more and more faithful supporters learned
of his practice, they offered him robe material by intentionally dis-
carding pieces of cloth in charnel grounds, or along the route he
took for almsround, or around the area where he stayed, or even
at the hut where he lived. Thus his original practice of strictly
taking only pieces of old, discarded cloth was altered somewhat
according to circumstances: he was obliged to accept cloth the
faithful had placed as offerings in strategic locations. Be that as it
may, he continued to wear robes made from discarded cloth until
the day he died.
Ãcariya Mun insisted that in order to live in comfort a monk
must comport himself like a worthless old rag. If he can rid him-
self of the conceit that his virtuous calling makes him somebody
special, then he will feel at ease in all of his daily activities and
personal associations, for genuine virtue does not arise from such
assumptions. Genuine virtue arises from the self-effacing humil-
ity and forthright integrity of one who is always morally and spir-
itually conscientious. Such is the nature of genuine virtue: with-
out hidden harmful pride, that person is at peace with himself and
at peace with the rest of the world wherever he goes. The ascetic
practice of wearing only robes made from discarded cloth serves
as an exceptionally good antidote to thoughts of pride and self-
importance.
A practicing monk should understand the relationship
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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