by Ãcariya Mun’s constant tutoring, his wisdom practice had
already developed a sense of urgency. He was a very devout, reso-
lute character who gave wonderfully lyrical talks on Dhamma, in
spite of being wholly illiterate. His talks, quick-witted and clever,
were invariably illustrated with skillful similes, allowing his listen-
ers to easily grasp his meaning. Unfortunately, he had tubercu-
losis. Long a chronic illness, it eventually reached a critical stage
while he was living in the monastery. There, early one morning at
about seven o’clock, he passed away in a calm, peaceful manner,
befitting one who had been a genuine practicing monk for so long.
Witnessing his final moments, and then the moment when his
breathing stopped, I developed a deep respect for this monk and
his proficiency in meditation.
At death, it is we who control our destiny. So we must
take sole responsibility for our future. For no one else, no matter
how close or dear, can intervene to affect the outcome. Before
that moment arrives, we must develop a means of focusing all
our strength and skill on facing this critical juncture wisely, so
as to extricate ourselves from danger and safely move on. Our
final moments will present us with a significant challenge. All of
us, whether we are well-prepared or not, will eventually be con-
fronted with this situation. Those of us who have devised clever
means for helping ourselves will fare well. But those of us, who
remain ignorant and confused, will founder helplessly, unable to
salvage our fate.
The Lord Buddha declared: “Kho nu hãsa kim ãnando...”.^7
It can be translated essentially as: When the world is engulfed in
lust, anger, and delusion – a blazing bonfire that rages day and night
- how can you keep smiling and laughing all the time? Why don’t
