and your Arahant disciples, I would have no doubts as to where
the true Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha lie. It is my clear convic-
tion that whoever sees the Dhamma sees the Tathãgata. This means
that the Lord Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha each denote
the very same natural state of absolute purity, completely free of
conventional reality, collectively known as the Three Jewels.”
“I, the Tathãgata, did not ask you that question thinking you
were in doubt, but rather as a friendly greeting.^29
On those occasions when the Buddhas and their Arahant
disciples came to visit, only the Buddhas addressed Ãcariya Mun.
None of the disciples accompanying them spoke a word as they
sat quietly composed, listening in a manner worthy of the high-
est respect. Even the small novices, looking more adorable than
venerable, showed the same quiet composure. Some of them were
quite young, between the ages of nine and twelve, and Ãcariya
Mun found them truly endearing.
Ordinarily, the average person would see only bright-eyed,
adorable children. Being unaware that they were Arahants, one
would most probably be tempted to fool around, reaching out play-
fully to stroke their heads, without realizing the impertinence of
doing so. When Ãcariya Mun spoke about this, I thought mis-
chievously that I would probably be the first to succumb to the
urge to reach out and play with them, despite the consequences.
Afterwards, I could always beg their forgiveness.
Ãcariya Mun said that, although they were young nov-
ices, their behavior was very mature. They were as calm, com-
posed, and impressive to see as all the other Arahant disciples.
In short, all the Arahant monks and novices who accompanied
each Buddha exhibited impeccable behavior worthy of the high-
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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