wearing the formal robes when doing meditation: one of the
Arahant disciples appeared to him, demonstrating how it was
unnecessary to wear them every time. He personally demonstrated
when and how sitting and walking meditation should be practiced
while wearing the formal robes, as well as the instances when it
was unnecessary to wear them. Every aspect of a monk’s robes was
made clear to him, including the correct color for a monk’s three
principal robes. He showed Ãcariya Mun ochre-colored robes that
were dyed from the heartwood of the jackfruit tree in three dif-
ferent shades – light, medium, and dark brown.^33
Careful consideration of these episodes is enough to con-
vince usthat Ãcariya Mun always had sound, acknowledged prec-
edents for the way he practiced. He never jeopardized his vocation
by merely guessing about things he was unsure of. Consequently,
his practice was always smooth, consistent, and irreproachable
from beginning to end. Certainly, it would be hard to find his
equal nowadays. Those adopting his mode of practice are bound
to exhibit a gracefulness befitting disciples of such a fine teacher,
and their own practice is sure to progress very smoothly. How-
ever, those who prefer to flout convention are like ghosts without
a cemetery, or orphans without a family. Having forsaken their
teacher they may well modify the practice to suit their own opin-
ions. Ãcariya Mun possessed a mysterious, ineffable inner com-
pass to direct him in these matters, one which none of his dis-
ciples could ever match.
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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