I never considered the obvious adverse consequences that such a
disclosure would have for the whole sãsana. Please be kind enough
to forgive me – I don’t want to see this tendency to be indiscreet
become ingrained in my character. I shall try to be more circum-
spect in the future so that it doesn’t happen again.
“If someone reproaches me for lacking judgment, I will gladly
admit my mistake for I clearly deserve the criticism. Until you
asked me just now, I had never really considered whether or not
the fools outnumber the wise. Now I realize that there must be
many more fools in this world, since in our village communities
there are very few wise people who care about moral issues. Mostly,
people don’t seem to know what they’re here for and where they
are going. They aren’t very interested in thinking about why they
do things and whether they do right or wrong, good or bad. Being
satisfied with whatever is easy and convenient at the moment,
they simply let fate decide their future. I understand all this a lot
better now. Those people who are capable of reasonably maintain-
ing the sãsana and preserving its continued welfare must be wise
and discerning people who lead others in an even, harmonious
manner so that everyone can benefit from their example. A wise,
discerning teacher is the cornerstone of success in the same way
that a capable leader is essential to all affairs in all walks of life.”
Ãcariya Mun took up the discussion at this point:
“Since you’re capable of understanding that a wise person
is essential to the success of every endeavor, why don’t you think
about what’s important in your own endeavors as a practicing
monk? Spiritual endeavors, being very subtle, are difficult to fully
understand. For this reason, only clever, discerning people can
uphold the sãsana to perfection. Here I’m not referring to the kind
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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