power to extend its aura of brilliance to all worlds: limitless, all-
pervasive, and brighter than a thousand suns – for there is noth-
ing brighter than a heart that’s entirely pure. The unique prop-
erties emanating from a citta of such purity brighten the world
and imbue it with peacefulness in an indescribable and won-
drous way. A citta having absolutely no impurities possesses only
the cool, peaceful qualities of Dhamma. A compassionate, kind-
hearted monk with an absolutely pure heart can expect protec-
tion and reverential devotion from people and devas wherever he
stays, while members of the animal kingdom feel no fear or danger
in his presence. His citta constantly sends forth a gentle compas-
sion to all beings everywhere without bias – much like rain fall-
ing evenly over hills and valleys alike.
Hardship and Deprivation
Upon leaving the province of Ubon Ratchathani, Ãcariya Mun
spent the next rainy season retreat at the village of Ban Nong Lat
in the Warichabhum district of Sakon Nakhon province accom-
panied by the many monks and novices under his guidance. The
lay men and women there reacted as if a truly auspicious person
had arrived. They were all very excited – not in a frenzied way, but
in an anticipatory way – at the prospect of doing good and aban-
doning evil. They abandoned their worship of spirits and ghosts
to pay homage to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. At the end
of the rains, Ãcariya Mun went wandering again until he arrived
in the province of Udon Thani where he traveled to the districts