Ven. Acariya Mun - Spiritual Biography + photos

ual benefits of this practice soon become obvious.
Dwelling at the foot of a tree is a dhutanga observance that
closely resembles living in the forest. Ãcariya Mun said that he
was dwelling under the shade of a solitary tree the day his citta
completely transcended the world – an event that will be fully
dealt with later on. A lifestyle that depends on the shade of a tree
for a roof and the only protection against the elements is a life-
style conducive to constant introspection. A mind possessing such
constant inner focus is always prepared to tackle the kilesas, for
its attention is firmly centered on the Four Foundations of Mind-
fulness^8 – rýpa, vedanã, citta, and dhamma – and The Four Noble
Truths^9 – dukkha, samudaya, nirodha, and magga. Together, these
factors constitute the mind’s most effective defense, protecting
it during its all-out assault on the kilesas. In the eerie solitude of
living in the forest, the constant fear of danger can motivate the
mind to focus undivided attention on the Foundations of Mind-
fulness, or the Noble Truths. In doing so, it acquires a solid basis
for achieving victory in its battle with the kilesas – such is the
true path leading to the Noble Dhamma. A monk who wishes to
thoroughly understand himself, using a safe and correct method,
should find an appropriate meditation subject and a suitable loca-
tion that are conducive for him to exert a maximum effort. These
combined elements will help to expedite his meditation progress
immeasurably. Used as an excellent means for destroying kilesas
since the Buddha’s time, the dhutanga observance of dwelling at
the foot of a tree is another practice meriting special attention.
Staying in a cemetery is an ascetic practice which reminds
monks and lay people alike not to be neglectful while they are
still alive, believing that they themselves will never die. The truth