91

Most Profound Respects

WHEN PEOPLE come across commentaries which are well-written and instructive, they become full of respect for the writer. In like fashion, when one encounters a discourse of the Buddha which is replete with wisdom, understanding and compassion, one becomes filled with the most profound respects for the Buddha.

92

The Blessings of Love and Good will

ENTERTAIN NO DOUBTS but truly believe that one who mindfully develops love and goodwill for all becomes doubly blessed, for it shall really be that such a one not only enjoys good health, success and contentment, but is protected from evils and dangers as well.

93

The Prayer of Love and good will

COUNTLESS NUMBERS have been protected from harm by the recitation of the Metta Sutta, or Prayer of Love and Goodwill, even where the recitation (in Pali) has been without full understanding. When recited with full understanding, or when one develops concentration (Bhavana) on the Metta Sutta, how much more powerful it becomes!

By the recitation of the Metta Sutta, with true faith and unwavering devotion, may all beings come to realise its power for the benefit of all.

94

Requisites of Success

IN WORLDLY MATTERS, success will not come to one without faith in one's abilities, without health, without vigour, without learning. Only those with faith in one's abilities, with good health, vigour and understanding, will strive and succeed to their full potential.

In spiritual matters too, faith, good health, vigour, effort, understanding and wisdom are essential for full success.

95

Good Teachings Take Root in Pure Minds

ONLY ON A CLEAN unsoiled canvas can one paint bright, distinctive, unpolluted colours. Just so, only when mind is clean and unsoiled by defilements, can noble teachings take firm root and develop. In minds defiled by impure thoughts, good teachings cannot take root.

96

As a Good Harbour

GENTLE OF ACTION and gentle of voice, such a person is well-loved and easy to approach for guidance and advice, just as a protective harbour is well-remembered and easy to approach for shelter.

97

Bhavana and Dignity

TRUE DIGNITY of deportment cannot be achieved unless one undertakes meditation practices (Bhavana).

98

Mark of Learning and Wisdom

TRULY LEARNED and wise people, being judicious and restrained in both their praise and their censure, praise only those really worthy of praise, and censure only those justly deserving of censure.

99

Meditation on Loving-kindness

IN THE MEDITATION on loving-kindness (Metta-bhavana), one radiates loving-kindness to all quarters, taking care not only to pray that all beings live, enjoying well-being and happiness, but also that all live free from dangers, free from harm, free from sufferings.

100

Pride and Love

TOWARDS SOMEONE ONE loves and respects, there can only be tenderness. Thus, pride (Mana) rears its ugly head only in the absence of love (Metta).

101

A Mother's Love

A MOTHER BEARS her baby within herself for nine or ten months. Then, afterbirth, she nurses the baby with milk from her breast, and watches over the baby always with the greatest of love and tenderness. Thus, a mother's love is greater than a father's.

102

The Limitless Power of Metta-bhavana

WHEN A PERSON'S mind has not been developed, it is not easy to radiate loving-kindness towards all the beings in their various abodes, but when one's mind is fully developed, there is no quarter of the universe that cannot be reached by the power of Metta-bhavana.

103

Sun-worshipper Udaung Min

ALTHOUGH Udaung Min made offerings and supplications to the sun and other deities for his worldly well-being, he nevertheless took refuge in the Triple Gem of the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. Therefore, it cannot be said that he was misled by wrong beliefs.

104

The Bodhisatta's Recollection of the Dhamma

THE BODHISATTAS, or Future Buddhas, have accumulated immeasurable merit, and done countless good deeds through Samsara, and are thus able to recollect the Buddha and the Buddha's Dhamma. It should not be said that for such Bodhisattas, instruction from a teacher is required.

105

Loved and Respected

A FLOWER without scent or beauty is not valued, but if well-scented and beautiful of form, it is loved by all. In like manner, people with honour and dignity are loved and respected by all.

106

Virtues to Praise

IN FOOLS, evil-doers, and men of little understanding, it is hard to find virtues to praise, but how easy it is to sing the praises of the wise, the good and the honourable.

107

To Begin to Appreciate Buddha's Omniscience

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to appreciate the vastness of a great forest, and the incredible variety of its beauty, its geography, and its plant and animal life unless one has well-explored its depths. In like manner, only a person well-learned in the vastness, profundity and subtleties of the Tipitaka (or threefold division of the Buddhist scriptures) can begin to truly appreciate the omniscience and compassion of the Buddha.

108

The Buddha's Perfect Response

WHENEVER QUESTIONED or requested to instruct by the Brahma gods, Devas, ascetics, leaders of other sects and learned men, the Buddha, being endowed with all-knowing, all-seeing omniscience, was always able to respond in a manner most appropriate to the occasion, without hesitation, without doubt, without fear, without having to ponder.

109

Learning and good Conduct

A PERSON with learning but without goodness of conduct will not have the compassion to help others by giving wise counsel and instruction to those who, being unwise, uneducated, uninstructed, are engaged in unwholesome and harmful activities. It would seem as if such a person were also without learning.

A person who has both learning and goodness of conduct has the compassion to guide, counsel, instruct and help others to follow the path of wholesome, virtuous behaviour. Thus. leaders with both learning and goodness of conduct (Vijjacarana) are known by the good conduct of their followers.

110

The Buddha's Abodes

THE LORD BUDDHA could at all times have resided in the finest of monasteries built by wealthy disciples, but out of compassion for beings, the Buddha strove tirelessly to teach his Dhamma, travelling across the country on foot, through forest paths, over hills and rough ground, and in all kinds of inclement weather, staying in forest camps or even just under the shelter of trees.

Whatever the weather, whatever the surrounding, after the six years of extreme austerities following the Great Renunciation, the Buddha was in no way troubled. Quite apart from this, ever ardent, ever mindful, purified, concentrated, the Buddha could at will abide in the four Jhanas and higher stages (Samapatti). the Four Divine Abodes (Brahma-vihara). the Heavenly Abode (Dibba-vihara). and the Noble Abode (Ariya-vihara). Abiding thus in these abodes, the Buddha was ever protected from the environments and ever in absolute bliss.

111

The Buddha's Speech

IN HIS DEALINGS with his disciple monks, the lay-people of the towns and villages, and adherents of rival sects, the Buddha was always perfect in his choice of word and argument and parable, suiting the time and place and disposition of their minds, and was ever instructive and persuasive, such that all who heard delighted in and cherished the Buddha's words, and even leaders of other sects were won over and marvelled at the Buddha's skill and omniscience.

112

The Buddha's Powers Beyond Science

SOME SEEDLINGS will bear fruit while others will not. Difficult as it is to predict which seedlings will and which will not bear fruit, it is still possible through science to analyse and distinguish the two types. But it is only the Buddha, with his omniscience and absolute spiritual powers (Abhinna) who can penetrate and know the nature and minds of beings.

113

The Malady and the Cure

IF A PERSON'S condition and illness are not diagnosed correctly, that person will be given medicine not appropriate to the illness. Instead of curing the patient, the illness gets worse and may kill the patient. In like manner, only when a person's physical and mental attributes and character are correctly assessed, can that person be given the most suitable and efficacious instructions for his well-being.

114

People are as Mad men

IT IS SAID that "worldlings (Puthujjana) are as mad men" for they become as mad men when the diseases of the impurities strike (and overwhelm their good senses).

115

The Agitated and the Ever Calm

PEOPLE OF THE WORLD are restless and agitated. The Noble Ones (Ariya-puggala). freed from the passions, fears and agitations of worldlings, dwell ever calm and tranquil, mindful and pure.

116

Joyfully Hailed, the Incomparable Teacher

IF ONE'S TEACHER is of doubtful abilities, one hesitates to acknowledge him as such, but if he has great ability, learning and wisdom, and is of good conduct, one takes just pride and joy in proclaiming him as one's teacher. The Buddha was blessed, omniscient, perfect of conduct, knower of worlds and endowed with absolute spiritual powers, compassionate and incomparable teacher of beings. How proudly and joyfully then did his disciples hail him as their Teacher, unparalleled among all beings!

117

However Far, However Unpleasant

NORMALLY, teachers instruct only those who come to them. The Buddha however, gave his teaching not only to layfolk and devas who came to him, but daily would survey the world with his divine vision, and with the greatest of compassion, travelled far and wide to admonish and instruct the needy and the deserving (of his teaching). Seeing beings of little impurity ready for release from Samsara, the Buddha even went to grounds strewn with refuse and corpses where others had not dared to venture.

118

The Buddha's Fame and Prestige

AS LONG AS the Buddha's teachings (Pitaka-dhamma) are respected and worshipped by the wise, the fame and prestige of the Buddha will resound throughout all the quarters of the world.

119

The Buddha's Unrelenting Efforts for All Beings

THROUGHOUT the history of mankind, never has there been anyone to compare even remotely with the Buddha in his efforts to teach the Dhamma for the good and well-being of monks, layfolk and Deva. The Buddha strove without rest, tireless and unrelenting, for the purification of all, and for the release of all from the suffering of Samsara.

120

Infertile Soil, Impure Seeds, Stunted fruits

RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS outside the Buddha's Dhamma are as infertile soil. Their teachings are as impure seeds. Impossible then for beings to achieve complete well-being, purification and release from suffering, for poor soil and poor seeds can only bring about stunted plants and stunted fruits.

121

Meditation, Morality and Society

BY THE ARDENT practice of Vipassana (Insight) and Samatha (Concentration) meditation, one not only removes impurities and raises one's worth and honour, but one also works towards the peace and well-being of society. Without mental development (Bhavana), morality (Sila) by itself does not give such powerful and wide-ranging benefits, but nevertheless morality also remains absolutely essential, because a person without morality is as one who is working forthe ruin of society.

122

Disease and Morality

THE WISE maintain that it is the widespread loss of morality among men and women today that has caused so many strange, new dreadful diseases to appear.

123

Make Every Day an Auspicious Day

FOR PEOPLE who are ever diligent to maintain goodness of bodily and verbal conduct, and heartfelt goodwill towards all beings, every day is an auspicious and blessed day. There is no need of special rituals to ward off ills and evils and to bring forth blessings and good fortune.

124

Good will and Anger

IT IS ALWAYS PLEASANT and calming to meet someone who feels love and goodwill towards all beings, and how unpleasant or distasteful to meet someone whose mind is agitated or distorted with anger. Thus can a person's state of mind affect others.

125

Habitual (Acinnaka) Kamma

IT IS IMPORTANT to frequently recall to mind one's deeds of pious charity (and other meritorious deeds) and to rejoice in thus bringing about the well-being of beings. Every time one rejoices thus, one not only raises the worth of one's wholesome volitions (Kusala Cetana), but by such frequent recalling and rejoicing, one's Kamma becomes Habitual Kamma (Acinnaka kamma) and one reaps its fullest possible benefits, not in later existences, but in this very life.

126

Strive Earnestly and Profit from this Life

IT IS EXCEEDINGLY difficult to win birth as a human, and especially so where the Buddha's teachings are available. Therefore, put into practice earnestly the Buddha's teachings. If one cannot profit from thus having won rebirth within a Buddha's Sasana, one's loss will be incalculable if one becomes fettered to the cycle of painful, unprofitable existences. How difficult, how long then, before one wins rebirth again in a wholesome existence!

127

Value and Potential of Human Life

THE LORD BUDDHA and celestial beings speak of the great value and potential of human life. How important to realise that, having won this wonderful opportunity, one should not fritter it away in frivolous, meaningless or unwholesome activities. One should strive and profit from this human life, for, by purity of conduct, by mindfulness and development of concentration and wisdom, one can attain Nibbana, the release from the sufferings of Samsara.

128

Look, See, Understand and Profit

KNOW HOW to look correctly, and one sees things as they really are, thus gaining more and more understanding. Put this understanding into practice and one will make progress towards one's goals.

129

Littte by Little, a Lot is Achieved?

A LITTLE MONEY saved daily becomes a large sum in a few years. Drops of water, in themselves insignificant, will accumulate to fill a barrel. A little learning noted daily and remembered will in time make you as leamed as an acclaimed professor.

In the sphere of spiritual enlightenment too, do not think it is of no consequence if, day by day, you can devote only a little time and effort to meditation practices. One's purity and understanding develops, grows and deepens little by little, even though one may not realise it. One progresses towards Sotapatti magga, becoming a "Stream-enterer" destined for Nibbana.

130

Let Life Teach Us Valuable Lessons

LIFE can teach us valuable lessons if we know how to see the truth beneath external appearances. For example, seeing a corpse, mindlessly, we can let ourselves become agitated, repulsed, perhaps even more attached to our own bodies. Or mindfully, we can meditate on the loathsomeness of the body (Asubha-bhavana) and on death (Maranussati). and thereby make progress on the path to liberation.

131

Forests and Other Havens

WITHIN THE DEPTHS of a huge forest, one can live away from the temptations and distractions of sensual delights, tranquil, mindful, free of mental impurities (Kilesas). In like fashion, monasteries and meditation retreats too can be havens that protect one from the distractions and temptations of sensual delights, and keep one's mind free of impurities.

132

Sense Pleasures

SOME PEOPLE mistakenly understand sensual desire to refer only to pleasures associated with touch cognisable by body. In fact, sensual desire, for pleasures of the senses, also include desires for shapes and colours cognisable by eye, desires for sounds cognisable by ear, desires for smells cognisable by nose, and desires for tastes cognisable by tongue.

133

Defence against the Passions

To DEFEND YOURSELF from the dangers of lust (Kama-raga), the Dhamma teaches moral discipline, restraint, mindfulness.

134

Clutching at Sense Pleasures

ONLY WHEN ONE realises the error of clinging to sensual pleasures, does one renounce the world, does one become a monk, does one come to monasteries and meditation retreats. Otherwise, one continues to delight in the ephemeral pleasures of the senses (without realising the dangers).

135

Faith and Reverence

ONE SHOULD LOOK upon the Buddha's scriptures with the deepest reverence. One should not be lazy to recite them, nor to learn them. Instead, one should learn and recite them with reverence and with joy, and the power of the scriptures will protect us from harm and bring due success and well-being (in accord with our Kamma).

This being said, one should not recite the scriptures merely with selfish desires for protection from harm, success, riches and fame, but with a heart filled with faith, reverence and worship of the Buddha.

136

Look upon Our Good? Deed as Precious Jewels

WHEN WE HAVE a particularly lovely jewel, be it a ring or brooch, bracelet or necklace, how proud and joyful we are every opportunity we get to wear and display it. We feel joy thinking of it. We feel joy gazing at it. We feel joy wearing and displaying it. We feel joy thinking, "What a lovely piece of jewel I have!"

In like fashion, we should recollect again and again, and with joy, the acts of charity that we have done.

137

Benefits of Good Deeds

SOME PEOPLE SAY, "The benefits of good deeds come but in the next existence. There is nothing to show for this present life." Such people think only of their efforts and expenses and do not realise the benefits of good deeds.

Whether one realises it or not, the fruits of meritorious deeds will ever follow one, and bring great benefit not only in following existences, but even here and now.

138

Witness the Fruits of qood Kamma

THERE IS A SAYING: "Without wealth, one cannot donate liberally, not donating, one gains not wealth. Having wealth, one donates liberally, and thus donating liberally, one gains wealth." One can see here the effects of Kamma.

139

Purity of Conduct, the Most Precious of Possessions

OUR VENERATED PRECEPTOR, the (late) Presiding Sayadaw of the Shwegyin Sect, the Vissudharyon Sayadaw, always admonished his disciples, "Do not fear the decay and dissolution of the body. Do not fear the loss of possessions. As long as your purity of conduct is not compromised or weakened, you are as a person who can never be destroyed."

140

As in Dreams Long Forgotten

FOR COUNTLESS LIVES throughout Samsara we have wandered. perhaps as Brahma gods, sometimes as celestial beings, or as kings and queens, and rich and powerful beings, enjoying lives of luxury and pleasure now long forgotten as dreams of yesteryears. Our bodies, as are all component things. are subject to decay and dissolution. It is only the good Kamma of meritorious deeds and the wholesome aptitudes (Parami) developed through our efforts on the path of spiritual progress which follow us from life to life and help us throughout Samsara.

141

Raise your Level by Meditation

THE LEVEL OF a person's maturity, mental resilience, purity and sincerity accord with the time and effort exerted in meditation practices.

142

The Test of a Person

A PERSON WHO has never been tested by adverse and unpleasant situations may have the reputation of being a good and well-controlled person. If a person always responds in a calm, restrained and rational manner when confronted with adverse and unpleasant situations, only then can one conclude that person is truly good and well-controlled.

143

As Mighty Oceans and Mountains

THE OCEAN cannot be heated by a small grass-fire, just as a mighty mountain range cannot be split by a small hand-knife. Quite clearly, the immensity of the ocean and the mountain range cannot be affected by small fires and small knives.

In like manner, the Noble Ones (Ariya-puggala) and wise men whose minds are strengthened and purified by meditation; restrained, controlled, calm; such persons, protected by the strength of Dhamma, are not affected by the trials and tribulations of life.

144

Home Sweet Home

A HOUSEHOLD which believes deeply and sincerely in the power of loving-kindness (Metta), and whose members act accordingly with love and goodwill towards all, will surely be a household blessed with love, harmony and happiness, free of petty quarrels and problems.

145

For the Well-Being of both Laymen and Monks

FOR FAMILIES, communities, towns and villages to live in peace and prosperity, it is important that all its members live in accordance with sacred religious teachings. For monasteries to progress and prosper, it is important that monks and novices live strictly in accordance with the Buddha's Dhamma. Living thus, the well-being and happiness of both lay-communities and monasteries are well-assured.

146

For Future Generations

IT IS ABSOLUTELY essential for the Buddha's Sasana (or teachings) to maintain its purity and to spread and become strong. Only then will future generations, knowing how to worship, revere and cherish, protect and defend the Buddha's teachings and having the opportunities to put them into practice, enjoy the benefits and blessings of the Buddha's teachings as we ourselves have benefited, and these future generations must in turn further propagate the teachings for posterity.

147

The Democracy of the Sangha

THE SANGHA, the Buddha's Holy Order of Monks, is governed by rigorously applied precepts and rules of conduct. In many meetings, whether of minor or major import, all the monks present are consulted, and approval by the majority, or even complete consensus may be required. To use a popular term, "democracy", the rule of the majority, is often applied.

148

Worship of the Sangha

THE SANGHA are clothed in robes made sacred by the initiation and ordination ceremonies, and follow rules of conduct (Patimokkha-samvara-sila) far more rigorous and numerous than those followed by laymen. Thus, a layman, through ardent effort, may become an Ariya (Noble One), but whether he be a Stream-enterer (Sotapanna) . Once-returner (Sakadagami) or a Never-returner (Anagami), such a layman must still, with humility, pay homage to Puthujjana monks and novices (Samanera) who have not reached the higher stages of holiness.

149

Faith and Wisdom, both Essential

A PERSON of little faith, not believing sincerely in the benefits to be won from acts of charity, will remain reluctant to donate even small sums of money, while a person of deep faith will have no reluctance to donate very large sums. Therefore, to win great merit from the performing of good deeds, it is truly essential for a person to have faith. Since blind faith in itself is not sufficient, learning and wisdom are also important.

150

Parents Important as Role Models

ROLE MODELS are very important in shaping young people's characters. Children look up to and try to emulate their parents, just as disciples look up to and try to emulate honoured and learned Sayadaws. If you realise and appreciate, and show the very great gratitude you feel towards your parents, then your children in turn will likewise rightly feel deep respect and gratitude towards you.

151

Worldly Thoughts and Spiritual Thoughts

IN PERFORMING ACTS of charity (Dana), one should not think selfishly on rewards of worldly riches, but cultivate thoughts of goodwill and compassion in the giving. Thinking overmuch of selfish benefits will subtract from spiritual gains, while cultivating thoughts of goodwill and compassion will add to one's advantages and benefits.

152

Importance of Learning

In religion, as in other matters, understanding is of great importance. With understanding, worship becomes deeper and more meaningful. and the benefits and advantages become greater. Therefore, it is important that all Buddhists strive to increase their understanding.

153

Worshipping the Buddha

IN WORSHIPPING the Buddha, our state of mind is of the greatest importance. The deeper our heartfelt humility and sincerity, the greater the benefits to be won. Worship without sincerity will bring poor benefits. We must learn and recite, as many as we can, the psalms (Gathas) extolling the virtues and powers of the Buddha, and thereby strengthen the power of the Gathas to protect and benefit us.

154

Daily Learn a Litttle More

LEARN AS MANY and as much of the Buddha's virtues and powers and your worship becomes deeper and much more satisfying. If you recite merely the opening salutation and prayers, your worship will remain superficial. Spend time and effort therefore to read and learn as much about the Buddha's virtues and powers as you can. Our work and other worldly affairs should not be used as an excuse, for we can all find the time to daily learn a little more, and with time our learning will grow.

155

For the Buddha's Teachings to Succeed fully

ONE CAN WORSHIP the Buddha and the Sangha by alms-giving and thereby gain merit. But for the Buddha's Sasana to succeed fully, it is important to put the Buddha's teachings into practice and strengthen one's morality, concentration and wisdom, and thus establish oneself firmly on the path of the eight stages of holiness (Magga-phala) and Nibbana.

156

Never Fear to Donate Generously

IF, THROUGH FEAR of not having enough to eat or fear of losing one's wealth, a person has not performed due acts of charity, then that person will suffer such hardships as lack of food and loss of wealth.

Perform acts of charity without hesitation and without anxiety for oneself, and one will never suffer to one's disadvantage, but will always achieve success and prosperity. Therefore, never fear to donate or give alms generously.

151

The greatest Inheritance

THE MYANMAR PEOPLE today can take great pride in the purity and achievements of the Buddha's Sasana in Myanmar, and in the success of the Myanmar Sangha in propagating the teachings abroad. We must teach and culture our children so that future generations too can take pride in the Buddha's Sasana, realise its value, and know how to worship and revere the Triple Gem. This is the greatest inheritance we can leave future generations. This is the way to ensure the propagation, purity and success of the Buddha's Sasana for posterity.

158

Grace and Humour

A PERSON who performs good deeds has grace and honour. Such grace and honour are not internal qualities realised only by the person concerned, In performing good deeds, in speaking of good deeds, in recalling to mind good deeds, the joy and contentment that one feels, the grace and honour that one has, are apparent for all to appreciate too,

159

The Silent Buddhas

THE PACCEKA BUDDHAS or Individual or Silent Buddhas, are fully accomplished and enlightened Arahants (Saints), who have by themselves, without the aid of a teacher, realised the Four Truths and attained Nibbana as a result of Parami (perfections) and merit developed and accumulated through countless lives. The Silent Buddhas do not possess the faculties to proclaim the doctrine to the world. It is only the Buddha who has both realised the Four Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path, and attained to Nibbana without the aid of a teacher, and also has all the requisite qualities to proclaim the doctrine to the world and become a world leader.

160

Mankind's Guiding Light

TODAY, THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS have become a guiding light for the whole of mankind. Through the efforts of scholars and researchers, the doctrine has spread to countries far and wide, and where previously it was not known. Advances in travel and communication have also made this easier.

In the worlds of Brahma gods and celestial beings, the Buddha's teachings have been known from its earliest propagation, and gods and devas remain disciples of the Buddha.

Sadly however, in the very land where the Buddha won enlightenment and preached the first sermon, the Dhammacakka Pavattana (or the Turning of the Wheel), worship and reverence of the Buddha has all but disappeared.

161

Organizing Religious Celebrations

WHEN ORGANIZING CEREMONIES and celebrations to honour deeds of charity or alms-giving, emphasis must always be on the religious aspects of the occasion, and never on the worldly aspects, such as winning prestige or entertaining guests. Emphasising the worldly aspects will lower the dignity and value of the occasion, and the merits will likewise be less. Emphasise the religious aspects, such as sermons and the sharing of merit and goodwill, and the dignity and value of the occasion will rise, as will the merit to be shared by all.

162

Avoid Wasteful and Inessential Extras

ALL DEEDS OF CHARITY and alms-giving should take us nearer to realisation of Nibbana. We should therefore perform such acts with reverence, dignity and decorum. We should cut down as much as possible on anything which detracts from the religious aspects of the occasion, and which are often wasteful and inessential. What is really essential and of paramount importance are the good and meritorious deeds in themselves.

163

If One is Negligent

KNOW AND UNDERSTAND one's life. Know what needs to be done. If one is negligent, and if one does not realise the path and fruition of Stream-winning (Sotapatti Magga and Phala), one is not assured of release from the sufferings of Samsara. If, in ensuing cycles of death and rebirth, one were to become enmeshed in sin and evil, how incalculable is one's loss, and how difficult to regain one's present position.

164

Novices must be old enough to Understand

IT IS THE FERVENT WISH of parents to celebrate the novitiation ceremonies of their sons, and see their sons become novices (,samanera) for a certain period, but the sons should be of an age to understand, and they will then be happy and appreciate and learn much from being novices, and everyone will receive the fullest merits. If the novices are too young, they will lack understanding and be unable to follow properly the required monastic rules. Therefore parents can be faulted if they rush their sons into becoming novices.

165

How Noble the Novice

THE NOVICE OR SAMANERA is one to be much honoured, It is difficult to say exactly why or how, but as soon as the novice's robes are put on, the demeanour and bearing of the novice becomes full of grace and nobility. Although the Buddha ordered heads to be shaven to remove vain preoccupations with one's appearance, in reality, the shaven head adds to the beauty, nobility and dignity of the novice.

166

The High Status of a Samanera

NO MATTER HOW often or long a lay-person recites the formula for taking refuge in the Triple Gem, without the robes and the shaven head, he does not become a novice, or one equal in status to a novice. The novitiation ceremony follows rigorous procedures, including the correct pronunciation and intonation of the sacred texts, which were laid down by the Lord Buddha himself 2500 years ago.

167

The Four Unknowables

AT WHAT AGE, of what cause or disease, at what time of season and day, and in what locality will we meet our death? These are four things which we cannot know.

168

Past Deeds Shape Present Character

THE SUM OF A PERSON'S character, his very nature, his aptitudes, his likes and dislikes, his prejudices, his disposition, his temperament, is of extreme importance. Such personal characteristics or qualities, although unseen, follow a person from life to life. If a person has habitually performed good deeds in past lives, he will have good qualities in this life, Conversely, if a person has habitually performed bad deeds in past lives, he will tend to have bad qualities.

169

When the Conditions are Right

JUST AS A SEED develops into a plant when the required conditions of soil, moisture, soil nutrients and temperature are present, one's Kamma, unseen but nevertheless latent, will also suddenly develop when the required conditions are present and take effect to one's advantage or disadvantage in accord with one's past deeds.

170

The Potential for Impurities to flare Up

THE POTENTIAL for fire lies unseen within a match-stick. Only when struck against the igniting strip does the fire suddenly flare up. Within each of us also lies, unseen but latent, the potential for impurities, Given cause, such impurities too can suddenly flare up and make us commit unwholesome and demeritorious deeds.

171

What is of the Greatest Importance?

IF ONE WERE to ask, "What, in life, is of the greatest importance?", the answer is to strive to improve one's good qualities or characteristics. As one improves such characteristics, the potential for benefits and advantages increases within oneself, and when time and other conditions are right, one enjoys due happiness and success. Within the spiritual realm, development of good characteristics will bring about more quickly the realisation of that highest of goals, that eternal bliss, that deathless state, that release from the sufferings of Samsara, in other words, the attainment of Nibbana.

172

Two Kinds of Enjoyment

GOOD BUDDHISTS perform and recall to mind their good deeds of charity or alms-giving with enjoyment. The Buddha himself commented the taking of deserved enjoyment from doing good deeds. Such good deeds and such enjoyment bring about advantages and benefits to oneself. The other kind of enjoyment, namely, the enjoyment of worldly pleasures of the senses, increases one's cravings and covetousness, and ultimately prolongs one's sufferings through Samsara.

173

How Parental Aspirations have Changed

DURING THE TIME of the Buddha, mothers admonished their sons thus: "My son, if you wish to remain as householders, strive to become as renowned as Citta and Arlarvaka." (Citta and Arlarvaka were two householders praised by the Lord Buddha himself for their knowledge and practice of the Dhamma.) During these present times however mothers are admonishing their sons: "My son, study hard and get a BA., or an M.A, If you can, get a Ph.D."

Let alone the ancient times of the Buddha, even just several generations ago, parental aspirations were different from now. Parents were delighted when their sons became Samanera. They were even more delighted when their sons, happy as Samanera, elected to remain in the Sangha. Parents then gave much greater importance to spiritual than to worldly matters.

174

Pray Thus for all Mankind

IF THE BUDDHA'S SASANA (teachings) spreads and influences for the better the minds and actions of mankind, then the world will surely enjoy greater peace, prosperity and happiness. Pray thus: "May the Buddha's Sasana spread, influence and protect mankind. May there be peace and prosperity for all."

175

New Beginnings, Every Instant of Time

FOR LAY-PEOPLE, the new year comes only once a year. Within our bodies however, every moment is as a new year, for our so-called individual existences are in reality nothing but the ceaseless arising and passing away of both matter (Rupa khandha) and mind (Nama) or states of consciousness. Within each inconceivably short instant of time (or Khana), there is the threefold arising or coming into being (Uppada), existing (Thiti), and passing away (Bhanga).

176

To Aid and Defend Us

WHEN ONE ENCOUNTERS an enemy, thief or robber intent on doing us harm and one is unarmed, there is cause for fear. If one is armed with something one can rely on, one can defend oneself boldly.

In like manner, if one has striven to lead a good life, rarely performing unwholesome and demeritorious deeds and habitually performing good, meritorious deeds, then one can rely on one's store of merit (Kusala Kamma) to come to our aid and defence through life. There will be little to fear and one faces adversity boldly. One meets old age gracefully and without disease, one meets death painlessly and without fear and if there is rebirth, one will be born into a good existence.

177

Everyone has a Duty

EVERY CITIZEN of Myanmar has the duty to work not only for the progress, peace and well-being of the country, but also for the progress, prosperity and well-being of the country's Buddha Sasana, which has justly become renowned throughout the world for the purity of its teaching and practice. One observes however, that in this country, there is no need for the Sangha to continually exhort the lay-people to donate and give alms, for the supporters of the Sangha in Myanmar are generous beyond expectation.