Ven. Acariya Mun - Spiritual Biography + photos

and meticulous, this monk had to decide what action was appro-
priate in each instance and then see that the other monks care-
fully followed this regimen. For this reason, monks attending on
him were carefully chosen to ensure their behavior did not con-
flict with his subtle temperament.
The lay people and the monks, arriving from various loca-
tions around the region with hopes of seeing him to pay their
respects, were first asked to wait until an appropriate time could
be arranged. When the monk handling these matters felt the time
was right, he entered Ãcariya Mun’s hut to inform him about the
visitors. Once permission was granted, the visitors were taken to
see him. After Ãcariya Mun had spoken to them for awhile, they
respectfully took their leave and departed. The monks at Ban
Nong Pheu monastery had always arranged visits in this manner
for those who came to see him. Visitors were invariably asked to
wait until permission was granted; and then, they were escorted to
his hut in groups at the time which he had agreed to receive them.
The exceptions to this rule were senior disciples, who enjoyed a
special, close relationship with him, being ãcariyas in their own
right. Once Ãcariya Mun was informed of their arrival and had
given his consent, the ãcariyas went straight in to converse with
him in private.
As the months passed, his condition continued to deterio-
rate. Although the symptoms never became very severe, he always
felt unwell. His illness resembled an armed insurgency gradu-
ally escalating into a full scale war, consuming everything in its
path, and leaving its victim decimated. His disciples were deeply
affected. He occupied a special place at the center of their hearts,
so his failing health left them all distraught. Feeling sad, even