means of escape. Such are the characteristics inherent in a
true disciple of the Lord Buddha. Study them carefully and
take them to heart. Adhere closely to them as the basis for
a bright, trouble-free future when you can claim them as
your own valuable, personal possessions.”This was how Ãcariya Mun usually instructed practicing monks.MONKS WHO HAD DOUBTS or questions about their practice could
consult individually with Ãcariya Mun during the day when the
time did not conflict with his daily routine. His daily life had a
regular pattern which he tended to follow without fail wherever
he stayed. Rising from his meditation seat early in the morn-
ing, he walked meditation outside his hut until it was time to
go on almsround. After collecting alms food in the village and
eating his morning meal, he again walked meditation until noon
and then took a short rest. Once rested, he sat in meditation for
awhile before continuing his walking meditation until four P.M.
At four, he swept the open areas around his residence. When he
finished, he bathed, and again practiced walking meditation for
many hours. Upon leaving his meditation track, he entered his
hut to do several hours of chanting. Following that, he again sat
in meditation late into the night. Normally, he slept no more than
four hours a night. On special occasions he went entirely without
sleep, sitting in meditation until dawn. When he was young, he
displayed a diligence in his practice that none of his contemporar-
ies could match. Even in old age he maintained his characteristic
diligence, although he did relax a bit due to his strength, which
declined with each passing day. But he differed significantly from