Pure Inspiration

Chittapala – 103
dhamma. One’s happiness is not in high meditation states as these can
just be a further object of clinging and also disappointment. One’s
happiness is in following dhamma, the knowledge that each day one
has not given in to one’s desires and aversions and one in keeping
one’s mind pure. One has to learn not to delight in anything because
all experiences last but a moment and can’t be kept.
There is a danger in a well-kept arañña (forest monastery). One
delights in having a nice kuṭi, (monk’s hut) seclusion and certain foods.
Then there is aversion when these conditions fall away. Monks in the
Buddha’s time lived in the forest, dependent on piṇḍapāta (alms
round). They had illnesses to contend with, just as we do, but learned
to accept whatever arose. We have to develop detachment no matter
what the externals are. All externals are conditioned and forever
changing. One depends on one’s past kamma (actions). We have to be
careful to take care of our body, but we should not store up conditions
for a new one. It will be sick, decay and die just as this one does.
Learn to live in the present. Making plans troubles the mind. Live
with whatever arises. Turn away from everything. Develop nibbidā
(dispassion) from day to day – we have to develop this from the
beginning – to learn to delight in solitude – if one is to die alone, one
has to learn to live alone. Study, stay in a suitable place under a
teacher. Do not break vinaya (code of monastic discipline) for
whatever reason. Don’t make arrangements with dāyakas (supporters).
One doesn’t even have to talk with them. One just has to concentrate
on becoming a puññakkhettaṁ (field of merit). Communications,
letters, etc. are just a further bond and do not help to free one.
Simplify one’s possessions so that they are no weight on the mind.