oughly to avoid remaining bogged down in ignorance. Wallowing
in ignorance is not the way to overcome dukkha, and it is defi-
nitely not becoming for a dhutanga monk – who is expected to
skillfully analyze everything.
This was Ãcariya Mun’s own personal interpretation of the
five powers. He used it effectively in his own practice and taught
it to his disciples as well. It is excellent instruction for inspir-
ing mindfulness and wisdom, and an uncompromising attitude
towards practice. It is highly suitable for dhutanga monks who are
fully prepared to compete for the ultimate victory in the contest
between Dhamma and the kilesas. This ultimate attainment is the
freedom of Nibbãna, the long-wished-for supreme victory.^27Graduated Teaching
Once a senior disciple of Ãcariya Mun recalled that the many
monks and novices living under his guidance tended to behave as
though free from kilesas. Although they lived together in a large
group, no one behaved in an unseemly manner. Whether they were
on their own, in the company of others performing their duties,
or attending a meeting, all were calm and composed. Those, who
had never heard the monks discuss their levels of meditation with
Ãcariya Mun, might well suspect from observing them that they
were all full-fledged Arahants. The truth became apparent only
when he advised the monks on how to solve specific problems in
their meditation. Each monk was advised according to his level