Pure Inspiration

Chittapala – 105
comforts of food and lodgings. This is helpful to see dukkha. Don’t
seek happiness connected with this world. Seek happiness of the mind
secluded from defilements.
It is important to have sukha (happiness) in this bhikkhu life. Without
sukha one cannot develop bhāvanā. Count one’s blessings, that one has
come so far to the bhikkhu state and has the opportunity to get on in
the dhamma. Feel happy even when one sits down to read the dhamma
in Pāli.
When learning a language one initially learns the grammar and has to
continually refer to the dictionary to get the sentence meaning. Later
on, with practice, one can know the meaning of whole sentences. So it
is with various dhammasaññā (perceptions according to reality). One
is continually taken in by objects until one practises enough. Then one
immediately sees the object’s inherent nature as asubha (bodily
unattractiveness) anicca (impermanence) etc.
Living in solitude in the forest is very good because one feels close to
the Buddha and his early disciples. Having had the good kamma to
live in such conditions, one has to reflect wisely and strive while one is
young. Soon one will be old and not able to practise in the same way.
If any internal disturbances arise, don’t neglect to consult with a
kalyāṇamitta. Sometimes things are locked up inside and it needs
discussion to bring it out.
Keep contemplating the dangers of the kāmaloka (sense realm) and
kāmasukha (sensual happiness). Even if just the thought of a girl arises,
contemplate the unattractive nature of the form you desire. If strong
urges arise (not unusual when one is living alone trying to do bhāvanā),