This was a dream nimitta, an omen confirming his belief that if he
persevered in his efforts, he would undoubtedly discover a path
for attaining what he sought. From then on, with renewed deter-
mination Ãcariya Mun meditated intensively, unrelenting in his
efforts to constantly repeat “buddho” as he conducted all his daily
affairs. At the same time, he very carefully observed the austere
dhutanga practices which he undertook at the time of his ordina-
tion, and continued to practice for the rest of his life.^7 The dhutan-
gas he voluntarily undertook were: wearing only robes made from
discarded cloth – not accepting robes directly offered by lay sup-
porters; going on almsround every day without fail – except those
days when he decided to fast; accepting and eating only food
received in his alms bowl – never receiving food offered after his
almsround; eating only one meal a day – never eating food after
the one meal; eating only out of the alms bowl – never eating
food that is not inside the one vessel; living in the forest – which
means wandering through forested terrain, living and sleeping
in the wilds, in the mountains or in the valleys; some time spent
living under a canopy of trees, in a cave, or under an overhanging
cliff; and wearing only his three principal robes – the outer robe,
the upper robe, and the lower robe,^8 with the addition of a bath-
ing cloth which is necessary to have nowadays.
Ãcariya Mun also observed the remainder of the thirteen
dhutanga practices when circumstances were convenient; but, he
upheld the above seven routinely until they became integrated
into his character. They became so much a part of him that it
would be difficult to find one who is his equal these days.
On his own accord, he showed earnestness in finding mean-
ing in everything he did. He never approached his duties half-
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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