and some wept from deep joy and wonder upon hearing Ãcariya
Mun discuss states of Dhamma they themselves had experienced.
There were also those who were simply like a ladle in a pot of stew:
although submerged there, it doesn’t know the taste of the stew,
and even manages to get in the cook’s way. This is quite normal
when many different people are living together. Inevitably, both
the good and the bad are mixed in together. A person having
effective mindfulness and wisdom will choose to keep only those
lessons which are deemed to be really useful – lessons essential
to skillful practice. I regret I cannot guarantee my own skillful-
ness in this matter. In fact, it’s a problem we all face occasionally,
so let’s pass on and not worry about it.
On his second trip, Ãcariya Mun remained teaching in the
Northeast for many years. Normally, he did not remain in the
same place for more than a single rains retreat. When the rainy
season was over, he wandered freely in the mountains and forests
like a bird burdened only by its wings, contented to fly wherever
it wishes. No matter where it lands in its search for food – a tree,
a pond, or a marsh – it is satisfied and simply leaves all behind
to fly off with no lingering attachment. It doesn’t think that the
trees, bark, fruit, ponds, or marshes belong to it. Like a bird, the
monk who practices Dhamma, living in the forest, leads a life of
contentment. But it’s not easy to do, for people are social ani-
mals who enjoy living together and are attached to their homes
and property. Initially, he feels a lot of resistance going out and
living alone as Ãcariya Mun did all his life. It is sort of like a land
animal being dragged into the water. Once his heart has become
closely integrated with Dhamma, however, the opposite is true: He
enjoys traveling by himself and living alone. His daily routine in
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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