All the various functions connected with Ãcariya Mun’s
funeral were organized with the generous cooperation of the local
populace. From government officials and business leaders down to
the general public, all contributions were made in a spirit of geni-
ality. Sincere in their faith, they took these responsibilities very
seriously, never losing heart. From the day Ãcariya Mun passed
away until the time of his cremation, the people of Sakon Nakhon
put forth a concerted effort to make life as convenient as pos-
sible for the monks and novices gathered there for the occasion.
They worked tirelessly, with enthusiasm, to insure that this huge
funeral ceremony was an unqualified success, and spared no effort
or expense in the process.
In the months leading up to the cremation, hundreds of
monks arrived in Sakon Nakhon wishing to pay their final respects.
Most then returned home, but over one hundred remained, resid-
ing in the monastery to help coordinate all the necessary arrange-
ments. Despite the large influx of monks, local residents never
felt discouraged; the faithful were prepared to support them each
day with plenty of alms food. The lines of monks receiving food
every morning seemed to stretch on forever, but people remained
unstinting in their generosity from the first day to the last – on
not a single day was alms food in short supply. Even with the
increasing demand, ample food offerings were always graciously
provided to support the monks.
I witnessed the enormous sacrifices these people made
during that period, so I feel obliged to record for posterity their
charitable goodness and amicable cooperation. It made such a
deep impression on me – I shall never forget it. I never imagined
I would see so much patience, endurance, and self-sacrifice shown
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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