Don’t Hold Back

NarindoAbhayagiri Monastery, Dhamma Book

Contentment: the Way of the Noble Ones

Just as a bird, wherever it goes, flies with its wings as its only burden; so too is a monk content with a set of robes to provide for his body and alms-food to provide for his hunger. Wherever he goes, he takes only his barest necessities along. (D 11)

I am delighted to be here for the twenty-fifth anniversary of Chithurst and the opening of the new Dhamma hall. This space is very beautiful; everyone can spread out comfortably. On the other hand, some people sitting in the back may not be able to hear me so well, if at all. Isn’t this an excellent example of the unsatisfactory nature of existence? even in the midst of such uplifting circumstances, a certain amount of dukkha is unavoidable.

Although I’ve visited Chithurst many times, I’m still an outsider. From that perspective, it’s been interesting to watch it from a distance, to see Chithurst grow and become a refuge, a very important place of spiritual practice. Back in 1984, I accompanied luang Por Paññananda1 to the Kaṭhina ceremony here, and a lot of things were happening. I was still living in[…]”

Excerpt From: Ajahn Pasanno. “Don’t Hold Back.”