in attacking the immediate ones that set the stage for the kilesas
lurking in the background. By demolishing them at every turn, I
gradually eliminate the kilesas from my heart. So, I do not concern
myself with consulting other monks to help solve my problems and
rid my kilesas, for it’s much quicker to rely on the mindfulness and
wisdom that arise continuously in my heart. Each time I’m faced
with a problem, I am clearly conscious of the maxim attãhi attano
nãtho^2 – oneself is one’s own refuge – so I use methods I devise
from my own mindfulness and wisdom to immediately solve that
problem. Instead of trying to glean answers from the scriptures, I
depend on Dhamma, in the form of mindfulness and wisdom, that
arise within me, to accept the challenge and find a solution that
allows me to proceed, unimpeded. Although some problems are so
profound and complex they require a sustained, meticulous inves-
tigative effort, they are no match for the proven effectiveness of
mindfulness and wisdom in the end. So they too dissolve away.
“I have no desire to seek the companionship of my fellow
monks just so they can help me solve my problems. I much prefer
to live alone. Living all alone, solitary in body and mind, means
contentment for me. When the time comes for me to die, I shall
pass away unencumbered by concerns for the past or the future.
At the moment my breath ceases, all other matters will cease with
it. I apologize for answering your question so unintelligently. I’m
afraid my reasoning wasn’t very eloquent.”
The abbot, who had listened attentively, was so wholeheart-
edly convinced by what he heard that he complimented Ãcariya
Mun.
“You are an exceptional person, as befits one who truly likes
living alone in the mountains and forests. The Dhamma that you
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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