picious, being as yet unaware of the whole story. He wondered
why Ãcariya Mun treated that monk with a deference he had
never seen before. He figured that since Ãcariya Mun was being
so supportive, his friend’s meditation practice was undoubtedly
very good. When he found the opportunity, he went to ask about
his meditation. “Ãcariya Mun said that you didn’t have to go on
almsround because you’re intensifying your efforts, but he didn’t
indicate how good your meditation is. So, how is your meditation
going? Please tell me about it.”
The monk gave a wry smile. “How could my meditation be
good? Ãcariya Mun saw a poor, miserable soul and he’s just trying
to help, using his own skillful methods. That’s all.”
His friend persisted in attempting to get to the truth, but
the monk continued to deflect his questions. Finally his friend
confronted him directly. He asked, “What did you mean when
you said that Ãcariya Mun saw a poor, miserable soul? And how
is it that he’s trying to help?” Exasperated, the monk relented.
“There is no need to tell Ãcariya Mun about this. Anyway, he
already knows me better than I know myself, so I feel fearful and
ashamed in his presence. Did you notice anything unusual when
we were bathing together at the rock pool yesterday?”
The other monk said that he hadn’t noticed anything,
except for a group of women passing by. So, the monk con-
fessed, “That’s just it. That’s why I’m so miserable right now, and
why Ãcariya Mun wouldn’t let me go on almsround this morning.
He was afraid I would pass out and die right there in the village
should I happened to see her again. How could my meditation be
any good? Do you understand now how good the meditation
of this miserable fellow is?”
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
#1