much as possible. The secure environment he offered to his dis-
ciples meant that their practice was unlikely to go astray. Con-
stant exposure to his inspirational teaching gradually allowed the
essence of Dhamma to penetrate deep into their hearts. His intim-
idating presence promoted the kind of vigilant self-control that
reinforces mindfulness and wisdom. Fear prevented his disciples
from becoming complacent by forcing them to be extremely cir-
cumspect in their behavior and their thoughts. Even then, despite
their best intentions, he could still catch them napping, and
then expose their shortcomings for everyone else to hear. It was
extremely embarrassing to have one’s personal failings exposed
like this; but a monk had to accept the consequences of failing
to be properly circumspect
We all experienced an indescribable sense of joy, living and
practicing with Ãcariya Mun. But if we held unreasonable opin-
ions, our delight could easily turn to frustration, for those wrong
views became a constant hindrance. I cannot speak for others, but
I’ve always had a rather rough disposition, so I relied on Ãcariya
Mun to pound me into shape. In that way, I managed to find some
breathing room when the kilesas began to suffocate me. Hearing
him recount the various stages of his own practice, my spirit was
so energized I felt I could float up and walk on the clouds. While
listening to him, my whole being felt light as a wisp of cotton. But
later, when I tried to duplicate this buoyancy on my own in medi-
tation, I felt as though I was laboring under the weight of a moun-
tain. I met nothing but heavy resistance. I became so frustrated
with myself I wanted to bury my head in the ground to hide my
shame – a fitting humiliation for such a vulgar character who was
loath to accept advice.
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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