Luang Por Liem: The Ways of the Peaceful - Wat Pah Nanachat
Luang Por Liem: The Ways of the Peaceful - Wat Pah Nanachat
Luang Por Liem: The Ways of the Peaceful - Wat Pah Nanachat
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truth <strong>of</strong> nature. Whoever accepts <strong>the</strong> truth <strong>of</strong> nature will not get<br />
too worked up and will not experience many problems. This is<br />
done for <strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong> peace <strong>of</strong> mind, not for anything else. Peace<br />
from desires and craving. Peace from <strong>the</strong> defilements.<br />
We need to develop and recollect <strong>the</strong> attitude <strong>of</strong> applying<br />
effort, having mindfulness and clear comprehension. This means<br />
getting rid <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sense <strong>of</strong> grasping, as if one was out <strong>of</strong> one’s<br />
mind, always seeking to gain as much as one can, like worldly<br />
people do. Ra<strong>the</strong>r, we live as ones who have mindfulness, and<br />
who recognize <strong>the</strong> correct measure in <strong>the</strong> way we lead our lives.<br />
We live appropriately. This way <strong>of</strong> conduct reminds us <strong>of</strong> being<br />
somebody who recognizes how much is enough. One won’t get<br />
worked up when one knows <strong>the</strong> right measure. Having a little is<br />
enough, having a lot is enough.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> qualities and signs <strong>of</strong> somebody who<br />
practices purifying his character and habits. He always reminds<br />
himself <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se qualities, which are <strong>the</strong> ornaments <strong>of</strong> one who<br />
has Gone Forth. <strong>The</strong> outward signs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> body are something that<br />
we can all see. <strong>The</strong>y include <strong>the</strong> robes – things we use to cover<br />
ourselves to protect us from heat and cold, but <strong>the</strong>re also need to<br />
be inner signs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> qualities <strong>of</strong> Dhamma. At least we should<br />
foster <strong>the</strong> beauty that comes from having intentions that are<br />
grounded in a sense <strong>of</strong> shame. Having a sense <strong>of</strong> shame enables us<br />
to restrain ourselves from falling into what is evil or bad.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Buddha held that having a sense <strong>of</strong> shame is like a goad<br />
for forcing an ox to pull its cart towards its destination. This is<br />
known as sila, observing virtuous conduct, or maintaining<br />
standards <strong>of</strong> practice, which are harmonious and which cause<br />
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