understand that. But your heart is already filled by an exceed-
ingly luminous radiance. How can you go further than that with
meditation? I look at your citta and see its radiance encompass-
ing the whole world. Your awareness extends everywhere – noth-
ing can possibly obstruct its scope. But my own citta sadly lacks
such supreme qualities, which is why I must come to ask your help.
Please tell me: how should I practice to attain the same preemi-
nence you have?”
Hearing her discussions with Ãcariya Mun, one sensed that
her meditation was truly exceptional. Upon encountering a prob-
lem, she inevitably started dragging herself slowly down the path
to the monastery, with her cane keeping her company. Ãcariya
Mun was especially kind to her: he made a point of advising her
every time she came. On such occasions, the monks would sneak
up to listen quietly at one side of the meeting hall where their dis-
cussions were held, eager to hear her questions and his answers.
Because her questions arose directly from her own experiences in
meditation, these exchanges fascinated the monks. Some of her
doubts concerned internal matters, focusing on intrinsic Noble
Truths; other questions related to external affairs and focused on
the deva and brahma realms. If Ãcariya Mun accepted her under-
standing of these matters as being correct, he encouraged her
to continue her investigations. But if he did not agree with the
course she was pursuing, he advised her to forgo that approach,
explaining how she should adjust her practice to set it right.
Her claims to knowing their minds intrigued the monks
who, though eager to hear her insights, were also rather appre-
hensive about what they might reveal. But she always described
an impressive vision: radiant auras of increasing brilliance, from
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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