Pure Inspiration

Chittapala – 102
always made himself available for meetings in his room. After I paid
respects, he would ask a few questions about my well-being and what I
had been doing, much in the mode of the Buddha who would exchange
convivial greetings before instructing in dhamma. Bhante presented
teachings in a structured manner with a recurring theme of the
gradual training based on morality, mindfulness and contemplation.
During these sessions, he constantly smiled, beaming mettā (lovingkindness).
The session would typically end with Bhante saying, 'well
then, get on with it'.
One time, I asked Bhante if I could discuss a personal problem with
him. He declined, instead suggesting I discuss it with a kalyāṇamitta
(spiritual friend). On a couple of occasions at Vajirārāma, when
Bhante learned that I was ill, he came to my room concerned about my
welfare, and offered me some fine foods he had received on his alms
round.
Bhante Ñāṇavimala’s focus on the path was unwavering, nothing
distracted him from the practice of mindfulness. He had no interest or
concern about any worldly matters whatsoever. He lived and breathed
nothing but Dhamma. For this reason, he was an incredibly inspiring
role model. Indeed, it was a great blessing to meet such a practitioner
in this life.
* * *
The Buddha-dhamma (teaching of the Awakened One) is different to
the Hindu system which builds up a world of happiness and bliss.
Dhamma points to that which is dukkha (inherent suffering of
existence). One has to be independent of all externals in following the