Fall 2009•2552 Volume 14, Number 3 The Right Angle Everyone Benefits, Nobody Loses Out By Luang Por Liam, translated by Siripañño

The entire world and everyone in it needs repay the debt is called kataveditā. the Dhamma as a protection. We all survive The ones who know what has been and find comfort in life with the support of done for them are called kataññu. And the knowledge and skills, and those who return the favor gratefully are wisdom, of countless others. Without their called katavedi. help we would all perish as soon as we leave Kataññu-kataveditā: acknowledging our mother’s womb. We’d have no food to the debt we owe to others and paying it eat, clothes to wear or house to live in. Our back with acts of gratitude are spiritual parents, whose faces we have never even qualities which protect the world from seen before, give us life and all the things harm, help society to function, and lead we need to make us healthy and strong. to peace and happiness. People, however, For our clothes and living places, and all are less and less able to see that we all the various skills we learn, we are entirely have this mutual debt of gratitude which indebted to others. From the first moments must be repaid, and failing to under- in our mothers womb, all of us have a debt of stand this is the reason for the increase gratitude owed to innumerable other people in heated fighting and quarrelling. So, – no need to mention our parents and all our taking an interest in the qualities of teachers, to whom the sense of gratitude we kataññu-katavedi is something which is should feel is incalculable. of vital importance to us all. Even people of one nation have much to All the beautiful customs and tradi- be grateful for to those living in another. tions of old have in part been grounded This is something which, if you think in the principles of kataññu-katavedi. about it, is not too hard to see. Knowing These qualities were firmly established, and acknowledging with gratitude the debt nurtured over time and deeply under- we have to others, and placing them above stood by all societies. Anyone who fails ourselves, is called kataññutā. The effort to to accept that our lives are inextricably linked with one another, and who does not see our mutual indebtedness, will INSIDE: surely live a life of selfish ingratitude. From the Pg 2 The people who manifest most grati- tude are the ones who acknowledge that Open Hands Pg 4 even cows and buffaloes, and other animals, Calendar Pg 8 & 9 have helped us along the way, all the more

Yoga Mendocino Benefit Pg 13 (Continued on page 6) From Māra’s Desk Pg 14

Contributors: The , Luang Por Liam, Paul Breiter and Mettika. From the Monastery The Deluge Between the Rains and ‘The Rains’

The last edition of Fearless Mountain crowds as situations arose. These brought its readers up to date on the teachings occurred on weekends, after monastic happenings during and just meals, to Thai, Lao, American and Sri following the community’s three-month Lankan who came to offer food; ‘Winter Retreat,’ – a period given to more at tea time to local monastery ‘regulars’; formal meditation practice which cloisters to the members of the Community of us through the course of the Mendocino Abhayagiri Lay Ministers (CALM) rainy season. On July 8th, the monastic gathered for their annual recommitment Sangha here at Abhayagiri entered into (May 22nd–25th); and even in their own the three-month ‘Rains Retreat’ or personal dwellings to informal groups of (the monsoon season in Asia), which is a monastics who came to soak in the deep time of stability – enjoined by the Buddha pools of wisdom and kindness. Anek, Pasanno & Amaro in the redwoods – during which community members In addition to their teachings within abstain from unnecessary travel, study the monastery, the visiting elders were to host Ajahn Jayasāro, a highly respected the monastic protocols and take time also able to give of their time to several Western monk of nearly 30 years standing for shorter periods of communal and affiliated institutions. Portland Friends and fellow student of ’s, for a individual retreat. During the interval of the Dhamma took the opportunity to ten-day stay – perhaps the longest time between these two, the monastery has invite the ajahns, along with a large atten- he has spent at a single place outside of seen much activity, comings and goings, dant contingent of resident Abhayagiri his forest hermitage in in the beginnings and endings. monastics, for a four-day road trip up last decade. In addition to his many to the Portland area. Here, Ajahn Liam informal teachings, on June 21st, Ajahn Visiting Elders and Ajahn Anek shared their experiences Jayasāro helped facilitate the annual In these last several months, Abhayagiri on the theme of ‘Community.’ Shortly Upasika Renewal Day. Here the ajahn Monastery has quietly played a supportive after returning from Portland, Ajahn shared some practical reflections on the role in ’s journey to America Liam gave a lengthy exhortation, trans- topic of Buddhist education, drawing as it joyfully acted as host to several pre- lated from Thai into English and then from his experience of encouraging and eminent Buddhist luminaries. from English into Chinese, to the large advising school teachers in Thailand. From May 12th through June 8th, assembly gathered in the main hall at Several talks given by Ajahn Liam as Abhayagiri had the good fortune to The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in well as Ajahn Jayasāro’s talk on educa- receive and accommodate two elder Thai Ukiah. And during a whirlwind weekend tion have already been posted on the disciples of Ajahn Chah, namely Ajahn trip into the San Francisco Bay Area, Abhayagiri website, as well as being Liam Thitadhammo, the abbot of Ajahns Liam and Anek gave several talks included in this Newsletter. There will Nong Pah Pong for the last 25 years, and at an assortment of Buddhist venues, be more audio recordings and talk tran- Ajahn Anek Yasadinno, abbot of Wat Pah particularly of note being those at the scriptions to come. Sai Ngam. These venerables were accom- Insight Meditation Center in Redwood panied by Ajahn Siripañño and Ajahn City, at Spirit Rock Meditation Center Resident Community Kevali, abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat, in Marin County, at Wat Buddhanusorn Like all conditioned phenomena, the who acted as translators. During their – the Thai temple in Fremont – and at monastic community here at Abhayagiri visit the local and extended communi- the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery. continues to change in form and to fluc- ties affiliated with the monastery were This was Ajahn Liam’s third and tuate in its overall appearance. blessed with a variety of teachings. In Ajahn Anek’s first visit to the USA. It is Ajahns Sudanto and Karunadhammo addition to giving several publicized greatly hoped by many that it will not be are spending this year’s Rains Retreat teachings here at the monastery, for the their last. at Birken Forest Monastery in British weekly Saturday night and observance As if such auspicious guests did not Columbia, looking after affairs there night talks, the Ajahns gave numerous bring enough of a deluge of blessings, while Ajahn Sona, the monastery’s impromptu Dhamma-reflections, with shortly following the departure of these founder and abbot, helps out at the seemingly boundless energy, to different four visiting theras, Abhayagiri was able Society in West Virginia while

2 • Fearless Mountain Bhante Gunaratana, that monastery’s founder and abbot, takes a one-year sabbatical. As is the custom, ‘Abhayagiri-born’ Tan Thitabho and Tan Kassapo are spending their third year as monastics at affiliated branch . Both have chosen and have been given permission to train in Thailand for this time. They have begun their year away by entering the Rains Retreat at the International Forest Monastery, Wat Pah Nanachat, in Monastic visit to the Bay Area Ubon, Thailand. As these venerables leave, so the who is a sage through knowledge’) and was living at and helping out around the monastery welcomes Tan Gunavuddho – Anagārika Carl becoming Sāmanera monastery since January of this year. May an American monk who has spent the last Pamutto (‘One who is well-liberated’). they fare well in their respective journeys. ten plus years training in Thailand – into To wrap up this string of ceremonies, just its fold. four days later, residents Sean Fargo and Local Teachings Since the last Newsletter, there have Scott Spencer took anagārika ordination, On July 18th, Ajahn Pasanno co-led a been three separate ordination procedures, committing themselves to a one-year day-long yoga-meditation retreat with metamorphosing the forms of six monastic training in white robes, practicing with Cator Shachoy in San Francisco. The aspirants. On June 13th, former Sāmanera the , and acclimatising dana event, the fourth which Ajahn Thitapañño took ordination at a themselves to life in the monastery. Pasanno has helped facilitate, acted as a ceremony attended by four generations of The monastery was also very happy, benefit for Youth Yoga , a Bay his family members. Ajahn Jayasāro, who during this auspicious period, to house Area non-profit organization. had just arrived the day before, graciously Ploen Petchkue, long-time student of Likewise, Ajahn Amaro has kept offered some reflections on the benefits of Ajahn Pasanno and supporter of up his schedule of teachings outside the monasticism to those gathered. On July Abhayagiri. She spent these months monastery throughout the spring and early 22nd, Anagārikas Ian, Louis, and Carl serving and inspiring the local commu- summer. For four consecutive Wednesday were given the sāmanera ‘going-forth.’ nity with impressive vigor and an evenings in May, the venerable ajahn At this time, the new sāmaneras were apparently insatiable appetite for doing offered well-attended lectures on the given names by Ajahn Amaro and good, preparing food-offerings every at Yoga Mendocino Ajahn Pasanno: Anagārika Ian becoming single day of her stay and preparing in Ukiah. Also, Portland Friends of the Sāmanera Kovilo (‘One who is firm and elaborate flower arrangements almost Dhamma welcomed Ajahn Amaro for steady as the earth’), Anagārika Louis bigger than she was. The community also a week-end of Dhamma discourses and becoming Sāmanera Ñānamedhi (‘One extends its best wishes to Jim Jaber who meditation instruction during the last week of May; this was followed by a week-long retreat that he led at Great Vow Monastery – at the invitation of and in combination with Roshi Chozen and Hogen Bays, in Clatskanie, Oregon – on the theme of self and selflessness, death and Deathlessness and what it is (if anything) that remains when all the questions come to an end. Upon returning to California, Ajahn Amaro led two day- long retreats: On June 20th speaking on the theme of ‘High Summer’ – addressing “the painful shadows of getting what we like” – at Spirit Rock Meditation Center; and on July 25th exploring the oft-neglected ‘divine abiding’ of upekkhā, or equanimity, again at Yoga Mendocino. Monastic travellers with the Portland Friends of the Dhamma Both abbots offered teachings at The

FALL 2009 • 3 Open Hands - Reflections on Thailand's Culture of Generosity By Paul Breiter, formerly Varapañño Bhikkhu

Robert Aitken Roshi said he is often is worth more than a mountain of Anyone who has been ordained in asked why he teaches so much about effort.” Dāna is taught as a way to reduce Thailand will have many stories of the generosity. His answer is that all other self-centeredness and possessiveness, generosity of the laity there. One person’s positive qualities, all the spiritual perfec- which seems like an excellent route to the recollections may be a drop in the ocean tions, grow out of it. avowed goal of all Buddhists, recognizing but, as the years go by, what I experienced Generosity, dāna, is explained as that all aspects of the mind, the body there seems more and more extraordinary. having several facets or levels: giving and the world are not self. And obviously, So please indulge me while I take a break material support, giving freedom from if there’s no self to protect, there is no from my usual stream of negativity to fear, and giving the gift of Dhamma, for basis for fear. In the various presenta- type a few words in praise of virtue and example. For Westerners who aspire to tions of the Buddha’s way, dana is often generosity, and to recall old friends. the Buddha’s way, the first of these often the first factor. For example there is the It began with my arrival in Bangkok means parceling out donations to a teacher, progression of the ten pāramitās; then the in 1970. On my second morning there I a Sangha, or a worthy project. These days summary of the path into dāna, sīla, and found myself sitting in the office of the many people are living on tight budgets bhāvanā; and the ‘graduated teaching,’ manager of Suksit Siam, the bookstore of and struggling just to pay bills without beginning with generosity leading to Sulak Sivarak. Khun Sutchai had all the getting submerged in debt or losing their celestial results, then the shortcomings time in the world to explain Buddhism homes, so it seems like every material of the heavenly states of sensual plea- and monastic life to me. (In fact, he made has to be scrutinized for its sure, then the blessings of renunciation me uneasy with his assumption that I was affordability and worthiness – especially and finally the insight into the Four ready to sign my life away when I thought as it often comes in addition to hefty fees Noble Truths. that all I wanted to do was learn to medi- charged for teachings and retreats. When I was in robes, it didn’t take tate). He steered me to Tan Dhammaramo Those who have studied and lived in me long to get accustomed to having my in Wat Boworn, where I quickly took up Asian Buddhist societies have witnessed entire existence subsidized by people who residence and began learning Buddhist a remarkable culture of giving that didn’t know me, though occasionally an theory and meditation. After a couple of supports the Dhamma and the Sangha. act of generosity would be so noteworthy weeks of that, I decided to ordain, and Still, there can be a dismissive attitude that it couldn’t fail to startle even me out that was when the donors really started toward such practice: Asians do it because, of complacency and indifference. But coming out of the woodwork. they want to get better rebirths; because mostly I grumbled about the difficulty of An American fellow, a former soldier as laypeople, they avoid the hard work my living situation, the sometimes meager named Jim who occasionally came of meditation and renunciation, they try food, lack of the things I was accustomed around to see Dhammaramo, offered to to buy their way out of doing any real to and desired. What’s the big deal about be my ordination sponsor, providing the spiritual practice by making offerings; providing things that people like, I would robes and whatever else was required. they are just following cultural norms; ask myself, certain that if it were me in Dhammaramo alerted his patrons that and so on. Yet who could fail to notice pants and shirt, showing up at the wat there were two new novices, Mike the easygoing nature of so many people in an automobile, I would outdo everyone Shameklis (Jotamano) and I, and we got in Asian Buddhist countries, the selfless with lavish offerings. Yet when I disrobed some extra offerings on pindapat, our helping and hospitality that are practically and was scraping out a subsistence-level, daily alms-round, most notably from the a reflex, the way that meditation seems to no-frills life (by American standards), ‘Bread Man,’ a retired doctor who came come so easily to those who do practice there seemed little left over to support out every morning without fail to offer it – this compared with the difficulty in worthy causes and people. I managed some flavorless toast because, as he said, practice and the tense, uneasy character of to occasionally donate to Oxfam and “Farang (foreigners) can’t eat rice.” many of us long-time Western meditators, send coffee or tea to Wat Nanachat, but One thing led to another and I was who find it so hard to take our focus off it was far from being a way of life or an on my way to Wat Pah Pong, Ajahn of “How am I feeling?” and “What do I ongoing part of my life; it was more like Chah’s monastery, after a few months. need?” I am probably not the only person paying the IRS when the time came due, The Warin train station is a good six who has had the notion that I would have though of course there was more joy in kilometers from the monastery – a long to practice for a long time just to get to thinking about the monks drinking hike for a pampered city monk, though the ‘level’ of so many Asian Buddhists brewed coffee on my dime than Uncle not undoable for sure. But, in those days, who rarely, if ever, sit down to meditate. Sam using those tax dollars for whatever as soon as an occidental in robes appeared Patrul said, “A spark of purpose. But I digress… there, some unknown person would pay

4 • Fearless Mountain a pickup truck driver to take us to Wat I think it was late Sunday afternoon. seemed no limits to their patience with my Pah Pong. He examined me and prescribed some bumbling, freaked-out ways as well as my After that test run to Wat Pah Pong, I vitamins, and then as I got up from the limited command of the Thai language decided to return once I had got my visa examining table my glasses slipped off my (and hardly any understanding of the Isaan renewed. When I went back some two skinny head and shattered on the floor. It dialect). If there was a ‘what’s in it for months later, was at Tum felt like yet another big wave rolling in me?’ attitude on the part of any of them, Saeng Pet monastery, so Dhammagutto from the ocean of misery, further crushing I sure didn’t see it. I also got to know and I were sent there. To my delight, my spirits, but barely three seconds passed several of the monks, and they were all Ajahn Sumedho informed us that a local before Dr. Utai jumped up and said, “I most encouraging. Still, there were hard Chinese man, the indomitable Saengchai, will offer a new pair.” The layman who realities to face, and the conversation that brought delicious food every day. And a was escorting me took me down the street stands out most in memory is with Ajahn wealthy patroness, Khun Ying Dtun, was to an optician’s shop, and the next day I Kam, one of the senior , who had building a grand meditation hall on top of was brought back to pick up my new pair about ten Rains at that time. We were the hill. of glasses. sitting with Luang Por one cold windy Up to that point in my life I’d never I was so amazed, and comforted, by the night at his kuti, drinking tea and talking had to support myself. Any jobs I’d had gentleness and kindness of Dr. Utai that about a lot of things, but especially the were to get extra spending money or to I kept him in mind for a long time. When trials of practice and monastic life. Before help pay for travel. I was used to others my sister came to visit and fell ill, my first we adjourned, Ajahn Kam turned to me footing the bill without having to consider thought was for her to see him. When I and said, “Ot ton, Varapañño. Ot ton mahk what it was costing them, so I guess it started having a problem with a knee, I mahk,” which translates roughly as, “Hang seemed logical to me now, as a monk, that went to see him in the hospital. Luang in there and tough it out,” or literally as someone would be providing food and a Por Chah started calling me “luksit Mor “Endure, Varapañño: endure a lot.” I think place for me to stay. When I began to study Utai,” Dr Utai’s disciple. I didn’t study my experience in those days gets at some later on, my of the essence of monastic life: teacher urged his students to there’s a great support system, do long retreats. He told us “Hang in there and tough it out,” or literally but in the end it’s up to you to how in Tibet, whenever people as “Endure, Varapañño: endure a lot.” face the music and take bold learned of someone practicing baby steps. in a cave or mountain site they I think my experience in those days gets There were several would start bringing provisions. at some of the essence of monastic life: laymen who seemed to have Here in the US, however, “No nothing more important to do one is going to give you even a there’s a great support system, but in than come to the monastery, crust of bread,” he said, so it was the end it’s up to you to face the music hang out with Luang Por, and necessary for those of us who and take bold baby steps. run errands. A few of them weren’t well-heeled to work and earned nicknames (not all of save up money for our purposes. them flattering) in my Cast of He also did suggest that those who were with him, but I never forgot that incident. Characters. My tolerance for some of them comparatively wealthy help support the After Ajahn Sumedho and I visited the wore thin pretty fast, such as they guy I poverty-stricken aspirants who seriously US several years later, I had a photo of us called The Loudmouthed Layman but, wanted to do retreat, and I thought it quite enlarged and copies made, and I delivered even for an irritable sort like me, most of extraordinary to see some people respond one to Dr. Utai when I was in town one them registered on the positive side. An to that, though of course it would be afternoon. He was relaxing in his home always-smiling, gaunt old man, who lived commonplace in Asia. behind the clinic, but he snapped to when near Wat Pah Pong and used to come Anyhow, in spite of the high living at he saw a bhikkhu arrive. It was a little odd most mornings, became The Joker, after Tam Saeng Pet, I fell on hard times spiri- to see my former savior looking tired, like the figure in the Batman comics. I saw tually and tried to make a run for it. First, an ordinary human, but he lit up when I him shuffling back and forth between though, I had to go back to Wat Pah Pong. gave him the photo and said, “I will keep the kitchen and the eating hall and going On the way, the nameless sponsor who it for pūjā.” home after the meal, but I never spoke was driving me there – without fail, such When I returned to Wat Pah Pong for with him. One observance day, however, a person always appeared when the need the long haul, after a most difficult Rains I was sitting under one of the kutis near arose – stopped in Ubon city to take me Retreat in Bangkok, Luang Por got hold of the sala and he came by to chat. He asked to see a doctor, as I had lost a lot of weight me and put me to work as his attendant. I me a little about myself and then he said and was pretty weak. It was the clinic of hung out with the novices who served him that we foreign monks were guests, kaek Dr. Utai, a kindly Chinese man. and learned the ropes from them. There (Continued on page 10)

FALL 2009 • 5 earth and everywhere we would live at to be grateful to our enemies for – people ease; being grateful for all the things our with kataññu are very aware of this. With planet provides us with, we would cherish, no enemies or obstacles in life, the world nurture and foster its welfare. would be empty of truly capable people. On a deeper and more subtle level still, Knowing the value of adversity, we can also acknowledge even the debt we nothing in life is perceived as bothersome owe to our enemies, and feel grateful for or difficult. With lofty thoughts such as The Right Angle (continued from page 1) life’s obstacles. Viewed from this angle, these, as people develop this most subtle so our parents and our teachers. If more such opponents help us to grow in wisdom, sense of gratitude, this very capacity to people could develop gratitude to the cows patient endurance, and a spirit of sacrifice. appreciate those who oppose us and those and buffaloes of our world, then society People who are envious and jealous only things which obstruct us, the heat from would always be happy and peaceful on serve to strengthen our own hearts and the frictions of the world becomes cool. account of such a broad vision and lofty bring out the best of our mettā and karunā, Considering this, how even our thoughts. Feeling grateful even to the which we might ordinarily lack. enemies have been of so much help to animals, how could we harm our fellow All the difficulties we face allow us us, try then to imagine the value of our human beings to whom we owe so much to see the world in its true nature. And mothers and fathers, and the highest of more? through learning how to overcome life’s all objects of veneration, the Buddha, the Any society prospers and flourishes challenges, we find the way to a life of Dhamma and the Sangha. when its members cultivate spiritual quali- ease. All our illnesses and problems can Not a single one of us was conceived in ties; having fully developed the human thus give rise to insight in us. We are a hollow tree stump. We all arose in the potential, the capacity for profound forced to let go until we really see the little space of our mother’s womb, with thoughts, people will be diligent and truth of anicca, dukkha and anattā and the help of our father too. Having been skilled in earning their livelihood without eventually realize the path and fruit of born into the wide world, we survived intending even the slightest harm to one Nibbana. People without kataññu do not through to maturity thanks to the daily another. If we wish to so prosper, again, it know the value of these adversities, and sacrifices of our parents and all the count- goes without saying how much we have to they heap disaster and peril onto their less others who played a role in our lives. be grateful for to our parents and teachers, lives while digging their own graves with The Buddha and all wise people point to since these are the true devas illuminating anger and negativity. Their minds know the role of our parents, honoring them our lives, the pūjaniya-puggalā: the people no ease and their lack of self-control, with as our primary caregivers who, having worthy to be held up, high above our own the frustration it brings, means that they brought us forth, provided us with all little heads and truly venerated. are filled with fear and trembling as life the support we needed to flourish. They Anyone who develops a more refined seems to go ever more wrong. They are on are the ones who equipped us with the sense of gratitude in life will gradually feel a fixed course for self-destruction. skills for living, taught us how to be good a deep appreciation to the forests, fields, However, those who appreciate life’s and gave us many other things that have streams, rivers and swamps, the paths and challenges, who gratefully rise up to meet brought blessings into our lives. roads and everything in the world, the them, bring an immeasurable coolness and Anyone who lacks integrity, who is flowers and the unknown birds flying here beauty to the world. The most demonic of incapable of feeling appreciation for his and there all around us. Not knowing the people, the world’s māras, they venerate as or her parents, will surely never know value of forests there are those who have if they were virtous monks. The yakkha the debt they owe their enemies. Deeply destroyed them with their selfishness, so types, those who are insatiably greedy or absorbing one’s parents’ qualities is a clear our children and grandchildren will have angry, they view as truly worthy human sign of kataññu, wherever in the world a no wood for their houses. In addition the beings. They see the generous side of person is from, and one who lacks grati- streams and marshes dry up because the stingy people and, even in others’ jealousy, tude to his or her parents will never fully forests, where the water reserves naturally they manage to find a degree of warmth. be trusted. gather, have all gone. Without the forests If all people felt this way, how could our Spiritual teachers undertake the task and the flowing streams, the clouds can no world fail to become a heavenly realm? of training their disciples’ minds, picking longer form and build up to release their We should all be grateful to our up from where their parents left off and abundant rains. Fruit trees are cut down enemies, for they are the ones who give taking them to yet even higher levels. whole, so their entire worth is reduced to us life’s highest teachings, lessons which For this purpose teachers have to develop what can be harvested that one time. are to be found nowhere else. We should extraordinary patient endurance, and If people simply had gratitude in therefore give thanks to them and honor painstakingly put their hearts into their their hearts, then these things couldn’t such teachers with our own efforts to work, if they are to plant and cultivate happen. The things which gladden the embody goodness, sharing the blessings deeper and deeper levels of spiritual mind would be plentiful all over the of our life with them. There is so much awareness in their disciples’ minds. This

6 • Fearless Mountain The Right Angle (continued from page 6) is the sign of true mettā in a teacher – endured all manner of hardships in order dedication – with no sense that there they must constantly study and train to faithfully maintain the Buddha’s might be too much fuss and bother or themselves to a very high level, thereby dispensation, all of this having been that the expenses are in anyway wasted having the wherewithal to instill the done with a heart of deep devotion and – because we see how important it is for truth in their disciples’ hearts. This is the gratitude to the Teacher. our lives to be suffused with a feeling of sign of true wisdom in a teacher. We can be encouraged, then, that kataññu-katavedi and how, in turn, this Teachers must be constantly selfless the teachings are nothing other than our makes the world a cool and pleasant place. and, in this way, remain the reliable true rightful inheritance, passed down The traditions and religions of every objects of their disciples’ deep veneration through the kataññu of the Noble Ones nation, of every tongue, all have these – not just spiritual workers to be hired and of former times, who were determined principles at heart and in our Buddhist fired. Any disciples, having cultivated a to live their lives in line with the Blessed teachings we must take great care that, wholesome mind and knowing what is One’s intentions. This kataññu of the however we repay our debt of gratitude, proper, will feel much kataññu towards enlightened disciples has allowed the our efforts are not wasted but are genu- their teachers, those who bring coolness Dhamma to span the millennia and, still inely beneficial for society. In this way to the world with their enduring patience to this day, the world can find respite the feelings of gratitude which should be and wisdom. in the cool and under the shade felt by all Buddhists bring cool shade to Acknowledging the debt we have to of these teachings of awakening. All the world and lift up peoples’ hearts. our parents and teachers simply makes one this is because of the constant hardships If all of us could realize this highest want to give in return; this is achieved by endured, and the sacrifices made, based truth – the fact that each of us human doing only that which will be of benefit on the spirit of kataññu flowing strong in beings has a debt of gratitude to everyone to future generations. Disciples will do the hearts of the liberated ones. without exception, even, again, those who anything to honor the good name of their The world is protected by the Dhamma perceive each other as mutual enemies – spiritual home and they constantly share because from the time of the Buddha then people would vie with one another the merits of their wholesome actions onwards members of the assembly of to carry out acts of goodness and virtue in with their mother, father and teachers. his disciples have not wandered away order to fully pay off the debts we owe. The Lord Buddha once said that from his instructions, their lives always If the hearts of everyone on earth when we reflect correctly on the qualities following his guidelines, thus they have were truly filled with kataññu-katavedi, of someone who has died, then only one honored and kept alive his spiritual quali- then doubtless our world would be more path lies open to us – that of developing ties. Gratitude is what protects the world beautiful and alluring than a heavenly goodness in ourselves. In the broadest and, in turn, is something that we should realm, safer and more praiseworthy than sense this means to honor that person all protect. a heavenly realm, more desirable than and share the blessings of our life with In truth, all good Buddhist traditions any heavenly realm. If we consider this them. So anyone who loves their mother, and customs have arisen based on the well, we will be able to maintain restraint father or spiritual guide, and who knows principle of kataññu-katavedi. They were towards one another, not acting impul- the debt owed to them, should turn their born out of gratitude and were designed sively or out of anger. When we think of hearts and minds to that which is benefi- to further instill this sense deeply into people who have helped us in the past, cial for the world. the hearts of the next generation. All parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, then The Blessed One, the Buddha, is our various rites and rituals, starting we won’t act in mean or selfish ways. And known as the supreme teacher for the with the cremation of our parents and even if we do at times, unthinkingly, we ability he had to deepen people’s awareness teachers, should be grounded in a spirit of will be quick to ask and to give forgive- to a point where they no longer experi- kataññu-katavedi, this needs to be firmly ness. Thinking of parents and teachers enced any suffering at all, to a state of established in everyone’s mind more than who have passed away brings up thoughts nobility, a realization of enlightenment. any other thought. So we carry out these of respect in us, and so we care for, and The Dhamma taught by him is a ceremonies with true behave compassionately towards, our pathway to improve the mind and go fellow human beings. beyond the oceans of suffering. The Kataññu, the spirit of gratitude, has Sangha, men and women whose lives are the power to change a yakkha into a true dedicated to following his teachings, have human being. The spirit of gratitude will handed down these truths over the years benefit the world so much, and keep it until they have reached us here today. cool forever. This chance we have to receive these Thus we should cherish this highest of highest gifts is as wonderful as if the qualities, striving and sacrificing to keep Blessed One himself were offering them it alive in our hearts, as the safest shelter directly to us. The Noble Disciples for us all.

FALL 2009 • 7 Abhayagiri Sangha Calendar & Information 2009 2552

Also visit our online calendar at www.abhayagiri.org/index.php/main/days LUNAR OBSERVANCE DAYS for the most up-to-date information.

2552 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Sept 1 Monthly gathering at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery FRI SUN MON WED 1 9 Monthly gathering at Yoga Mendocino, Ukiah, CA – the creative process’ 4 4 2 2 “Meditation & the Creative Process” SAT MON TUE THU FRI 13 Community Work Day at Abhayagiri 12 12 10 10 8 17 Dhamma talk at Lake County Yoga Group – Info: Sue Stiles (707) 263-9400 SAT SUN TUE WED FRI 26-27 Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage from Spirit Rock to Abhayagiri – www.dharmawheels.org 19 18 17 16 15 27 Daylong at Spirit Rock – “Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness SUN MON WED THU SAT meditations on the body, aging and illnesss” with Ajahn Amaro

27 26 25 24 23 4 Pavāranā Day full moon – the ending of the Rains Retreat THU SAT Oct 5-9 Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering at The City of Ten Thousand 31 30 Buddhas http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddhist-Western-Monastic- Gathering/ 1. Pavāranā Day 6 Monthly gathering at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery 10 Community Work Day at Abhayagiri – (NB this is on a Saturday Directions to Abhayagiri this month to coincide with preparations for the Kathina) 11 Kathina Festival at Abhayagiri To Willits Turnout with (11 miles) 20 mail boxes 14 Monthly gathering at Yoga Mendocino, Ukiah, CA 1. Take WEST ROAD exit from HWY 101. 15 Dhamma talk at Lake County Yoga Group – Info: Sue Stiles (707) 263-9400 y 2. Go straight over NORTH STATE ST. Abhayagiri Monastery 17 Upasika Day at Abhayagiri – “Jump-starting Your Meditation Practice” and SCHOOL WAY. 16201 Tomki Road d R i 3. Follow WEST ROAD 3 miles until k 19 Dhamma talk at “The Monday-night Sangha” – Three Jewels Dharma Hall, m you reach a T-Junction. To Fort Bragg, CA Contact: Mettika Hoffman (707) 964-4606 4. Turn left at the T-Junction onto d 31 Daylong at Center – “The Safety of the Island: Exploring the R TOMKI ROAD. Continue for 4 miles t s Nature of Nibbāna” with Ajahn Amaro. Info: www.sati.org until you reach a turn-out with We

d 20 mailboxes. The monastery R t s entrance is on the right. a 1 Benefit for Yoga Mendocino, “Center of Stillness – Heart of Action:~ School E Nov

N W o y Finding stability in turbulent times” with Sylvia Boorstein & Ajahn Amaro.

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) s ile m 3 Monthly gathering at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery OREGON CALPELLA 6 - it O x te rr S e ta 5 . S r th D 7-8 Non-residential week-end retreat at Yoga Mendocino, with Ajahn Amaro. d r p R o lla Eureka ri t N e o East Side n s lp in lley Rd g a c Potter Va For information see www.yogamendocino.org Redding s C o R We d o n d t e h M Redwood a i e 8 Community Work Day at Abhayagiri Valley k k Lo U a w ( L 101 G Lake ap R Mendocino 11 Monthly gathering at Yoga Mendocino, Ukiah, CA d Dr 1 19 Dhamma talk at Lake County Yoga Group – Info: Sue Stiles (707) 263-9400 Sacramento UKIAH Oakland To San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO (120 miles) NEVADA 26 Ajahn Pasanno sets off on travels to Australia & Thailand San Jose 20-29 Thanksgiving Retreat “Fullness of Being” taught by Ajahn Amaro, Ajahn 5 Ānandabodhī & Ajahn Mettā. www.abhayagiri.org/index.php/main/article/1820/ 29 Ajahn Amaro sets off on travels to New Zealand, Australia & Thailand 1 CALIFORNIA Bakersfield Dec 1 Monthly gathering at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery Santa Barbara 101 6 Upasika Day at Abhayagiri – “Dependent Origination: focusing on N LOS ANGELES 10 how this foundational teaching can be applied to our lives” Catalina Island 5 8-10 Ajahn Pasanno & Ajahn Amaro at the ‘World Abbots’ Meeting’ at SAN 8 DIEGO Bodhinyana Monastery, Western Australia MEXICO 9 Monthly gathering at Yoga Mendocino, Ukiah, CA 13 Community Work Day at Abhayagiri Contact Information for events 17 Dhamma talk at Lake County Yoga Group – Info: Sue Stiles (707) 263-9400 27 Daylong at Spirit Rock – “In the Deep Midwinter: a day of reflection on NORTH AMERICA NEW ZEALAND inner listening and the practice of nada yoga” led by Ajahn Ānandabodhī Bodhinyanarama Sītavana Birken Forest Monastery Amaravati Buddhist Monastery Every Saturday evening at Abhayagiri Great Gaddesden, Monastery PO Box 5, Knutsford, B.C. Chanting, meditation & Dhamma talk, beginning at 7:30 pm. Canada V0E 2A0 Hemel Hempstead, 17 Rakau Grove +1 (778) 785-6059 Hertfordshire HP1 3BZ. Stokes Valley, Every Lunar Quarter at Abhayagiri (see calendar on this page) email: [email protected] Tel. +44 (0) 144 284 2455 Lower Hutt 5019 Chanting, meditation, precepts, Dhamma talk, and late night vigil, beginning at 7:30 pm. Tel. +64 (0) 4 5637 193 (preferred method of contact) Fax: +44 (0) 144 284 3721 Second Sunday of each month at Abhayagiri (April through December) www.bodhinyanarama.net.nz www.amaravati.org Community work day, 8:00 am–4:00 pm. Tisarana Buddhist Monastery 1356 Powers Road, RR #3 Cittaviveka Vimutti Monastery First Tuesday of the month in Berkeley, CA , Ontario K7H 3C5 Chithurst Buddhist Monastery PO Box 7 5:00-6:00 pm, Informal tea gathering. 7:30-9:30 pm, Meditation, Precepts & Tel: +1 (613) 264 8208 Chithurst, Petersfield, Bombay, 2343 Dhamma talk by monastic at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley. www.tisarana.ca Hampshire GU31 5EU. Tel. +64 (0) 9 236 6816 Second Wednesday of each month at Yoga Mendocino Stewards: Tisarana Buddhist Monastery Tel. +44 (0) 1730 814 986 www.vimutti.org.nz 7:30 pm–9:00 pm: Meditation and Dhamma talk by Therav da monastic. Fax. +44 (0) 1730 817 334 á During the months of Jan, Feb, Mar, the evening will be led by an Upásiká. Berkeley Buddhist Monastery www.cittaviveka.org Institute for World Religions Every Tuesday and Friday at Portland Friends of the Dhamma 2304 McKinley Ave. AUSTRALIA Aruna Ratanagiri 7:00 pm–9:00 pm: Meditation and Dhamma discussion with lay practitioners. Berkeley, CA 94703 Harnham Buddhist Monastery Bodhinyana Monastery Tel. (510) 848 3440 Harnham, Belsay, 216 Kingsbury Drive, Fax. (510) 548 4551 Northumberland NE20 0HF. Serpentine, WA 6125. Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery Community List www.drba.org Tel. +44 (0) 1661 881 612 Tel. +61 (0) 8 9525 2420 Vassa (Rains Retreats/years as a monk) Updated April 8, 2009 Fax. +44 (0) 1661 881 019 Fax. +61 (0) 8 9525 3420 Portland Friends of the Dhamma www.ratanagiri.org www.bswa.org 1422 SE Tacoma St., 2nd Floor Kaccāna Bhikkhu 0 Portland, OR 97202 Bodhivana Monastery Pasanno Bhikkhu 35 Thitapañño Bhikkhu 0 [email protected] THAILAND 780 Woods Point Road, Amaro Bhikkhu 30 Sāmanera Kovilo 0 Spirit Rock Meditation Center East Warburton, Yatiko Bhikkhu 16 Sāmanera Ñānamedhī 0 5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Wat Pah Nanachat Victoria 3799. Gunavuddho Bhikkhu 9 Bahn Bung Wai, Sāmanera Pamutto 0 Woodacre, CA Tel. +61 (0) 3 5966 5999 Cāgānando Bhikkhu 4 Tel. (415) 488 0164 Amper Warin, Fax. +61 (0) 3 5966 5998 Anagārika Sean Fargo 1 Cunda Bhikkhu 1 Fax. (415) 488 1025 Ubon 34310 Anagārika Scott Spencer 1 www.spiritrock.org Spending Vassa at Yoga Mendocino Birken Monastery, BC Longterm Lay Resident 206 Mason St. For a comprehensive directory of branch Ukiah, CA 95482Tel. monasteries please visit www.forestsangha.org Sudanto Bhikkhu 14 Debbie Stamp (707) 462 2580 Karunadhammo Bhikkhu 11 www.yogamendocino.org

Fearless Mountain is the periodic newsletter of Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, a Buddhist community in the of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho. It is composed 16201 Tomki Road, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 of materials submitted to or written at Abhayagiri and distributed free of charge to friends of the Abhayagiri community. Comment within is personal reflection only. Your input is (707) 485-1630 www.abhayagiri.org welcome and appreciated. If you have comments, suggestions, or wish to reprint any of the material contained in this newsletter, please send an email to [email protected] Please keep us informed of your current address. © 2009 Abhayagiri Monastery. All rights reserved. Open Hands (continued from page 5) in Thai. The Buddha, he noted, was simi- first monks who came by. Then there considered that statement many times larly a kaek (which also means a person of were those offering food for special occa- and, especially as a layperson struggling Indian ethnicity), so he felt that we were sions such as a birthday, (that itself was a to survive, I felt he meant that ordained deserving of the kind of hospitality that revelation – the idea of giving rather than people should be aware that lay life is would be extended to the Buddha. expecting gifts on one’s birthday), who not something easy or idyllic. Walking The northeast of Thailand is certainly would get dressed in their finest, set up a through villages in the Northeast in those not a wealthy area, and in the 1970s the table in a well-trafficked spot, and scoop days certainly showed me that life was people had even less than they do now. rice out of their best tureen and offer rough in many ways and that the people But the habit of giving is strong among colorful curries in little bags and dainty who fed me were not at all wealthy. And rich and poor and those in-between. From treats wrapped in banana leaves. Yet none yet those poor, humble folk exhibited more happiness and graciousness than I was capable of, and more than I usually found among the middle and upper classes in the US as well as in the more materi- ally developed Asian societies like Japan and Taiwan. One layman who will no doubt come to mind for anyone who was around Ajahn Chah in the 1970s was Pansak. He was Jah Pansak when I first saw him coming to Wat Pah Pong, a low-ranking Air Force officer. He spoke some English and knew Ajahn Sumedho, but we suspected him of wanting to con us into giving him English lessons, something we tried to avoid. But as months and years went by,

Ajahn Pasanno and other senior Western monks, receiving offerings from local lay supporters, I noticed him showing up at the most Wat Pah Nanachat, 2006. fortuitous moments, usually with a jar of instant coffee and a box of sugar cubes. one branch monastery to another over the of this to me compares with the way it’s He left the Air Force under circum- years the story was pretty much the same done in the Isaan, where large numbers stances rumored to be less than favorable – people at all levels of society lending a of the inhabitants of every village are out and, after that, was always busy with hand to sustain the existence of those in every single morning. Often they give some grand scheme to make money. One robes, with the foreign monks, or phra only sticky rice, but several will go to the morning when he came to Wat Nanachat, farang, usually getting a little extra atten- monastery afterwards and bring or prepare as we were sitting in the assembly hall tion. There maybe a lot of cultural overlay, more food. These are some of the poorest waiting for the meal to begin, Ven. with many people not even sure what the people in Thailand – the Northeast is Santacitto compared Pansak to Sergeant purpose of meditation and monastic life is, periodically afflicted with drought and Bilko, the central figure of an old TV but I don’t think we can overestimate the poor crop yields – yet somehow there sitcom who always had some money- power of supporting and respecting those is always enough to feed the Sangha. making scheme brewing. He’d done well who renounce the world and seek enlight- Among other things, it’s a great example with nightclubs in Ubon city, but Luang enment, as well as the blessings that come of what can be done and how resources Por told him it wasn’t good livelihood from revering the symbols of that way of can be found when priorities are in order, so he turned them over to his brother. life, such as the ochre robes. regardless of seeming hardship. So he started a restaurant that had been It begins with pindapat, the daily A few of us were sitting with Luang doing a roaring trade but then his brother almsround. Throughout the Kingdom, Por Chah at his kuti one afternoon opened one across the street and ran him people are up before dawn, preparing food when seemingly out of the blue, he out of business. Next was dogs: he got the for the bhikkhus and who will said, “Santacitto! There’s not much to idea to raise Afghan hounds, thinking be coming to seek their daily sustenance. the practice here. The Buddha wanted he could corner the market in Thailand. In Bangkok there were a few regular us to go pindapat every day. He wanted They couldn’t take the heat, however, donors whose houses I would always visit us to walk through the villages, see the and he ended up spending a fortune on on my round, along with some people houses, see the people, see the chickens, steak dinners and vitamin injections for who were out every morning and who and contemplate.” He didn’t elaborate the dogs and soon gave that one up. After gave their offerings for the day to the on it any further, but over the years I that came bean sprouts and who knows

10 • Fearless Mountain Open Hands (continued from page 10) what else. Pansak later told me that in time to help his older daughter with her the time came he was always too busy desperation he went to Bangkok with his English homework. to get away. When I returned all aglow oldest son and was riding around town So we went, and it certainly was quite from seeing Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche on a motorcycle to cut people’s grass for a production. Still I felt a little funny in Nepal and described that great being twenty baht a house. Yet through it all he being hosted by someone who lived hand to him, Pansak seemed genuinely enthu- came to the monasteries regularly to offer to mouth. Several years later when I was siastic and said, “Sure, I’ll be disciple food, and was available to run errands on teaching English in Japan, one of my of Luang Por Khyentse!” On one of my the way home, with, of course, repeated students, a well-to-do physician, was plan- trips to Tibet he asked me to bring back a offers to supply the phra farang with ning a trip to Bangkok with his wife, and I rosary for him, and I got Gonpo to anything they needed. suggested he look up Pansak to guide him bless it to be used with Avalokiteshvara’s Pansak finally moved his family to around town. Unlike most Japanese, Dr. into the bargain. Being from a Bangkok, where he had his ups and downs Funahashi didn’t travel with tour groups, Chinese family he was perhaps more for a good while. When I returned in 1984 and I thought he might appreciate getting open to traditions than most and went to visit him, his wife told me he a look at Bangkok different from the usual Thais would be. But even taking that was in Samrong Hospital with hepatitis. offerings. I wrote to Pansak, and sure into account, Pansak was uniquely broad- I took a bus out there one evening. Soon enough, he and his wife took a taxi to the minded and free of cultural inhibitions after I arrived an Indian man came in, doctor’s hotel, and took him out to dinner (though certainly not in any immoral way). handed him a wad of five-hundred baht as well. He later told me, “That’s how it Through the years the trips to restau- notes and asked after his health, and is. Poor people are supposed to treat rich rants continued, and my offers to take departed. Pansak lifted up his pillow and people.” But he had a grand time, saying, him out sometime were never accepted. added the wad to a big stash he had there. “The Japanese doctor is a really good man.” His family all called me ‘Ajahn’ and “Everyone is bringing me money,” he said. Having experienced Dr. Funahashi’s free my ex-monkhood probably put me on a “When I get out I’ll give it back.” Then he spending when he took me out on the special footing with them, but he was said something I’d heard from other Asian town in Shizuoka, I supposed he prob- quite open with me about most things, lay Buddhists: “I’ve made offerings, I’ve ably treated Pansak and family to a night and we usually spoke as good buddies. He helped others when I could, so I’m sure I out too. often voiced regret about not having the will be taken care of.” But he also said that Pansak finally did get on his feet finan- opportunity to practice and taste the truth this was the second time he’d had hepatitis, cially with his job at the factory, along of the Buddha’s teachings. “You’re lucky and the doctor told him that if it happened with occasional second jobs like managing you never married. What a burden it is again he’d be a goner. Sadly, that did come a friend’s restaurant at night. He confided having children,” he would say. He wasn’t to pass fifteen years later. in me that he didn’t tell his wife how much the only Thai layperson I heard this from. With his wife and five children he he was earning, so he managed to squirrel Later on he got some land in a remote spot lived in a rented shop-house near New away enough money to buy a new town in Hua Hin, on the Gulf of Thailand, and Road. She sold rice and curry downstairs house on Soi 81 after several years. Then used to go there to retreat. I was happy in the daytime, and he got a regular job he started selling real estate during the to know about that, though I had little as personnel manager in a factory in boom of the late 1980s and his ship came contact with him after the early 1990s. Samutprakan, well outside of town, which in, though he was aware that the party Almost everything was free when you meant a few hours a day commuting by wasn’t going to last forever. Jokingly, I said were ordained as a monk in Thailand: motorcycle, often in the rain. to him, “If you get rich enough, maybe local buses, medical care, food and lodging. It was pretty tight quarters but, when- I’ll come ask for one of your daughters.” When something did require payment, a ever I visited, there was always a feeling of Without hesitation, he asked, “Which cheery donor would usually appear soon spaciousness and family harmony, and of one?” Then he called to his wife in the enough. When Ajahn Sumedho and I course the usual hospitality. His children kitchen, “Hey, would you like a farang were planning our trip to the US in 1976, were just plain good kids, though each son-in-law?” we went to Bangkok with Pansak to get with a distinct personality. With my endless comings and goings plane tickets. One time he told me that one of his in those days, I always had some extra That was when Nai Akom and his Air wealthy friends had taken him to the baggage and stored some of it with him. Force group made their first visit to Wat lunch buffet at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. I would drop in to get something, or Nanachat. We went to Bangkok with them He couldn’t get over the lavish spread and sometimes stop by to stay hello after on the overnight train. They put Ajahn the beautiful surroundings, all for some visiting whatever bhikkhus might be Sumedho and me in first-class sleepers ten dollars. “Just to see the ice sculptures is staying nearby in Bangkok. He was always and hosted us when we arrived. Someone worth the price,” he said. And he offered curious about my studies in other schools steered us to Air Siam, a new international to ‘sponsor’ me for lunch there on Sunday, of Buddhism and even talked about going airline, for our first inquiry. We were merely requesting that I first spend a little to Tibet and Nepal with me, though when

FALL 2009 • 11 Open Hands (continued from page 11)

shown into the office of the director, one Mr. Manun, whom I barely knew, put 200 The way I was treated as a layperson Captain Tawee. He had never seen farang baht in my shirt pocket. I looked at him in Thailand came as quite a surprise. Of monks and was so moved that he imme- with puzzlement and simply said, “Why?” course it was due mainly to the deep diately offered us his own tickets that the “Disciples of Luang Por need to help and widespread reverence for the yellow airline gave him once a year. each other,” he answered. In months to robe I had once worn, not because of my Mae Bau, the wife of an Air Marshal, come he befriended me. He was a poker- personal charm or virtue. As with the and her circle of Air Force families faced Chinese whose expression never tradition of giving, this may be something became legendary for their lavish support revealed any emotion, but he truly had a that Westerners think of as not really of the monasteries and of monks visiting heart of gold. I received mail at his place having much to do with the essence of Bangkok. Later on, Mrs. Kesree started for a few years, and whenever I went to Buddhism, yet it shouldn’t be too hard to hosting bhikkhus from Wat Pah Pong and connect some dots and see how it creates a Wat Nanachat at a gorgeous ‘kuti’ on her harmonious social structure that supports property, also at Soi 81, off Sukhumvit the continuation of the Buddha’s teaching Road. I became a frequent visitor to We experience fear because and also helps nurture people who are nice monks staying there when I was in town we are afraid of harm to be around. in the 1980s, and also became friends It didn’t really sink in until I got back with Kesree – stopping by to see her in coming to ourselves. to Wat Nanachat for my first visit as a later years. Thailand is a class-stratified If there were no sense of layman. The villagers showed me so much society and, in my attire and financial self, no self-cherishing, respect, always calling me ‘Ajahn,’ that it situation, I was maybe just a rung above got to be embarrassing. Vitit the trainman, Kesree’s servants, but I always felt I was how could there be fear? a longtime disciple of Ajahn Chah, asked treated with extraordinary consideration me to go on his train when I went back and respect there, probably because of my to Bangkok and stay over at his house. He resumé of proximity to the Sangha and to pick it up, he insisted I join them for dinner. saw me eating fried rice on the train, so Buddhist practice generally. It was quite a production every time; five when we arrived at his place in Korat, he When I arrived in Bangkok in late 1981 or six children, his sister and mother who had his family go out to the market and Luang Por Chah was staying at Khun lived there, he and his wife, with the prepare fried rice for my dinner. I was tak- Kesree’s kuti, after his brain surgery. I had servants and the ladies of the household ing an early bus to Bangkok the next morn- brought some humble gifts for old teachers constantly cooking and bringing out one ing, and of course someone was there at the and companions, one of which was a can dish after another. “This one’s really tasty,” crack of dawn to take me to the bus stop. of ground coffee, quite the luxury item he would say with each new platter put on Once, when I discovered a hole in a in those days. I presented it to Ajahn the revolving table. wisdom tooth, thinking a filling must Pabhakaro, who was attending on Luang I started going mid-afternoon, fearing I have fallen out, I went to the Thai Army Por. A couple of days later I noticed an was imposing on them. But when I showed clinic that was walking distance from electric coffee maker in the kuti and, when up outside of meal times, whoever was Wat Boworn. I’d been there as a monk the can was empty, more was provided. there would insist I wait while they sent and found the dentist competent, though For a forest bhikkhu that’s heaven-realm out for food. So I went back to visiting at stingy with anesthetic. On this occasion treatment, but it also points out the sensi- dinner time and made sure I brought an the dentist – the same guy, I think, though tivity and awareness of people with truly empty stomach so as not to disappoint he didn’t recognize me – asked me how I meritorious minds, always looking out for them. Occasionally I would bring some had found the place, as it was unlikely any what they can do in service to the Sangha. dessert, which the kids liked, but Manun Western laypeople were going to walk in A few months later I was back at or his wife would admonish me that I off the street, much less know of its exis- Kesree’s after a stint in the forest. Ajahn didn’t need to do that. tence. I told him I’d been there when I was Jagaro and Puriso were there, just before He pressed money on me occasionally. in robes several years before. leaving for Australia. When I learned Finally I became aware of when he was He examined me and told me that the that the latter’s birthday was coming, I reaching for his wallet and was able to stop hole was from decay and that the tooth mentioned it to one of the ladies, and him sometimes. Once I brought a friend should be pulled. He gave me a shot of immediately the wheels were set in motion who had been at Wat Nanachat and was novocaine this time and yanked it. The fee for a lavish meal offering, with specially thinking about staying in Bangkok to was a whole forty baht (a dollar and a half, ordered birthday cake. teach English, and as soon as I introduced which could easily buy three square meals In the early days of that friendship with him, Manun asked me with concern, at that time), but he absolutely refused to Kesree, when Luang Por was newly recu- “Does he need money?” and almost had his let me pay. perating there, one morning I and some billfold out before I assured him my friend “You were a monk,” he insisted. others were washing the almsbowls, when was fine. “But I’m not a monk now,” I replied.

12 • Fearless Mountain Open Hands (continued from page 12) “It doesn’t matter. You were ordained.” dated the worth and effectiveness of the sure we have provisions, comfort, money, These stories have been mostly about Dhamma he was teaching. And a big part freedom from irritating factors, and so on, material generosity, but giving Dhamma of all that was his complete generosity: so that we can undertake spiritual prac- (Dhamma-dana) and giving freedom from he offered his whole life, first to incred- tice. But at some point I think we need to fear (abhaya-dana) are also intertwined ibly diligent practice and a willingness let go and trust the Dhamma, trust ‘the with giving provisions. In Thailand it to undergo any hardship for the sake of way things are,’ enough to stop worrying is considered that the ordained Sangha enlightenment, and later to guide people about what might happen in the future. follows the highest calling, renunciation and make himself available without As I mentioned in a previous article, the of the world and the quest for enlight- conditions or time constraints, even to the best wealth empowerment I ever received enment, and its part in the interaction detriment of his own health. in the Tibetan tradition was the simple with lay supporters is to offer teachings. Finally, a word on the ultimate joke: reminder of the Buddha’s promise that Selfless action on any level is a form of We experience fear because we are afraid none of his followers would ever starve teaching; when I see a Buddhist helping of harm coming to ourselves. If there to death. Luang Por Chah said similar others without self-concern, I feel it were no sense of self, no self-cherishing, things to monks, nuns, and laypeople. speaks volumes about what that person how could there be fear? And what better And during the first Rains at Wat has learned and put into practice. The and easier way to begin turning the tide Nanachat, back in 1975, Ajahn Sumedho laypeople practice it in their offering of of me-focused living, and undoing the said that real vipassanā meditation means requisites and financial support to the painful knots of self-concern, than to to be able to face any conditions, observe Sangha, and the ordained ones practice cultivate the habit of giving rather than your mind, and let go, and that trying it in a life based on selflessness, restraint, holding and grasping? to create a perfect environment, so as to sharing, and helping each other, as well as For Westerners, it seems the approach make every meditation session just right, always being available to provide spiritual we usually follow is to carefully construct is ‘cheating.’ guidance to anyone who shows up at the a fortress to protect ourselves, making monastery. Furthermore, the Dhamma is always given free of charge in Thailand. No one could ever conceive of charging Center of Stillness - Heart of Action a fee for teachings or for staying in a monastery. There is also the fine tradi- Finding Stability in Turbulent Times tion of printing Dhamma books for free A day of meditation, reflection and with distribution, often with great and small Sylvia Boorstein & Ajahn Amaro donations from large numbers of patrons. along with optional supportive yoga sessions Dhamma itself points out the way to led by Mary Paffard & Maggie Norton reducing and eliminating fear in our lives. Sunday Nov. 1st 9:30am-4:30pm, Taking it a step or two further, anyone who Weibel Vineyards, 13300 Buckman Dr., has been around a teacher like Ajahn Chah Hopland, CA (only 2 hrs north of the Bay Area) has a very tangible idea of what Refuge means and knows how the presence of an Fee: $85-$200 sliding scale; all amounts over $100 are considered donations and are tax deductible. enlightened being can dispel anxiety and Early registration strongly recommended. fear. ‘Safe’ was the word that most often Please bring your own lunch. came to mind when I first found myself When life gets difficult - as it has become Yoga Mendocino is small institution under Luang Por’s wing, and it was pretty for so many in the US at present - the but one that is immensely valued in obvious the way people flocked to him shock of that easily throws us into agitation; the community as a fertile oasis in that he instilled that feeling of safety in then, when things ease up for a while, these spiritually arid times. It is also them; and the kindness of legions of lay we can find ourselves drifting into a trance the venue where Ajahn Amaro and of complacency. Rather than simply being donors also gives a feeling of safety, not other monastics of his community caught in this ‘shock to trance’ cycle, we teach on a regular basis. simply through being fed and housed, can find serenity within the difficulties but because one becomes aware of being and, equally, rouse motivation within A benefit for Yoga Mendocino part of something meaningful and of the the quietude. Further Information: fact that there are others who care about This will be a day of Dharma teachings one’s existence. and meditation instruction offered by (707) 462-2580 While Luang Por’s reasonable words Sylvia Boorstein & Ajahn Amaro on these www.yogamendocino.org and wise counsel were always illuminating, themes, along with supportive hatha yoga [email protected] sessions led by Mary Paffard & Maggie it was his being more than anything else Yoga Mendocino is a non-profit organization. Norton, co-founders of Yoga Mendocino. Tax exempted ID #68-0479334 that gave comfort. That in turn vali-

FALL 2009 • 13 From ’s Desk THE DEVIL MAY CARE – ELECTRONIC CONNECTIONS – By Cindy Mettika Hoffman

Recently I whirled in from stirring up jokingly refer to as the Land of Fools, this wretchedness with great satisfaction, the worldly winds on the earth realm those beings who are slow, ignorant and/ it occurred to me that it might be time to for the past . That was inspiring – or stupid. It is not exactly a hell realm but meet again at a virtual conference with whipping up tumult and suffering in so it is close enough to make little difference. the deities of the all other Hell Realms many lives for so many eons. I am Māra, The streets are unpaved and muddy, the to exchange information and insight Master of Suffering, King of Deceit, houses falling down, people dress raggedly into the ever-more efficient and creative Deception, Fear, Pride, Ego, Vanity, and shopkeepers have nothing to sell. continuation of misery and suffering on Shame, and Delusion. Now I am home, There is not enough clean water or food earth as well as in the after-worlds. Our kicked back, lying on the sofa watching to eat. The diet of the people of Chelm latest project was the topic of conversation my 200 inch, color, life-size, plasma TV. consists of boiled cabbage, a few carrots, and, after consulting with other notable Bigger is better. potatoes, onions, beets, coarse black demonic deities through the wonders of The Plasma is connected to Blogs- bread and sometimes a skinny herring. personal communication, Their Satanic Syrious-Twitter-Facebook-land, to cell The house of prayer is dilapidated. Some Majesties and I produced a comprehensive phones, MySpace-Skype-YouTube-Black of the personality types that populate list of online workshops and intensives for Berry-Satellite dishes-DSL, and all other Chelm are the kvetchers (complainers), the coming season. Even though I say so electronic wizardry of this age. Through the farblunget (the lost), schlemiels and myself, I am rather proud (if that’s not too the use of a special remote control I can schmendriks (the schmendrik sticks his much of a sin ;–) of the imaginative scope enter virtual reality through the use of feet out in the aisle, the schlemiel trips that my diabolical partners and I have holography and be connected instantly to over them and spills his hot tea, causing displayed in creating the perfect course of other hell realms and to their respective a schlamazel), goniffs (thieves), schnooks extended studies to further our demonic deities around the world. With just a click (fools and suckers), luftmensch (airheads), education: of the button there is an instant connection schmegegges (disoriented ones), farbrent WHERE: Channel 666666 between the Prince of Darkness (moi), and (the ones who are burning with anger), WHEN: Midnight–6:00 AM – six weeks Lucifer, Satan, the Devil, (you know – the yentas (busybodies) and schnorrers (those PRICE: Pay in USD $$$$$$ more than you red one with the long tail, horns and big looking for something for nothing, a can comfortably afford – *Not included*: ears), Samael, Namuci, Sekhmet, Hecate, free ride). Meals–linens-plates-glassware-tea-cups- Beelzebub, snakes, goat-man, Yetzer Chelm, I realised, is representative of so mugs-silverware-bowls-napkins-room- Harah (the evil inclination), The Furies, many of those places, all around the world, board-use of electronic equipment-use of Lord Yama, evil nagas, crushing hells, that are completely under my control. Like toilets-soap-water hot hells, freezing hells, Gehenna, Mania, vast numbers of human communities, it is fallen angels, dybbuks, ghouls, hungry filled with procrastinators, feeble ironies, SCHOLARSHIPS: Available for inter- ghosts and necromancers, to name a few. I a little humor, sadness and mostly misery. linear translations into different languages, can even tune into those hells that only last In general the people from these ‘Chelm- sects, and cults. Prior knowledge of for a day, and to their (temporary) rulers. Realms’ usually get it wrong, whether they Psycho-Babble a requirement. Buddhists, Catholics, fundamentalists are telling a story, standing in the wrong TITLES: and those faithful to most religions in the line, having tools that don’t work, painting • Latest Strategies in Bartering For Souls world are quite accomplished at listing, a building or giving instructions. • Comparative Religions – Demonology defining, describing, and giving audio- They are not mean spirited, just magifi- and Netherworlds visual elucidation in minute detail to all cently inept – they usher themselves into • How to Kill Someone’s Faith the hell realms that they know of. They my power with quite a touching (although • Relative Worth of Souls – as Listed keep me entertained for lifetimes on end. unconscious) eagerness. on eBay’s Daily Auction Countdown As I sat here and watched, a scene f lick- As I watched their lives unfolding in • The Devil – A Christian Array of Forms ered on the screen. For a moment it was full this global village soap opera, I knew that • Shaitan – A Muslim Perspective of static and barely audible, then it slowly my armies had been busy there – adding • Gehenna – A Jewish Overview – With came into clear focus. I was receiving audio more to qualities of lust, discomfort, hunger Endless Commentaries and images from a place called Chelm (the and thirst, desire, sloth and drowsiness, • Shape Shifting – Basic Principles ‘ch’ is properly pronounced as if you were cowardice, doubt, hypocrisy, stupor, gain, • How to Invoke Kiboshes, Hexes, clearing your throat). Chelm is an actual fame, honor, exultation of self and the Casting the Evil Eye and Aspersions place in Poland that the Jewish people despising of others. As I was reflecting on • Devil-Satan-Lucifer-Grim Reaper-

14 • Fearless Mountain From Mara’s Desk (continued from page 14) From The Monastery (continued from page 3)

From Mara’s Desk Mara-Yama:–Differences & Similarities City of Ten Thousand Buddhas’ THE DEVIL MAY CARE – ELECTRONIC CONNECTIONS – • Mara’s Armies and Their Daily 30th Anniversary celebrations on Applications July 5th. Ajahn Pasanno’s reflec- By Cindy Mettika Hoffman • How to Encourage Worldlings to Give tions were upon The City of Ten Up Human (Making Deals) Thousand Buddhas as being an • Tricks to Encourage Bad Karma outstanding ‘field of goodness’ in • Creating Obstructions to the Path to Liberation the world, while Ajahn Amaro’s • Strategies and Distractions to Impede Meditation recollections of his personal • Introduction to Media Channels that Numb connections with Master Hua, and the Northern Buddhist tradition, Ajahn Pasanno & his mother Rhoda, Mind and Body at his birthday celebrations • The Creation of Endless Desires were much appreciated by many present. • Paving the road to Hell – free bumper stickers for first 50 attendees: “Where Are We Going? Monastery Events And what is this thing called a handbasket?” The late spring and early summer is • Art Appreciation – A Pictorial Overview of a time of many particular Buddhist All Hell Realms, 500 BCE–2009 AD celebrations. On May 8th, ‘Visākha • Decision Making – Considerations as to Which Pūjā,’ the monastic residents and the Hell Realm People Are Condemned to, and extended lay community gathered to When & Why commemorate the Buddha’s birth, • Chelm-Realm – Guiding and Dumping enlightenment, and Parinibbāna Type ‘A’ Personalities & Multi-Taskers in this with Dhamma talks, circumambu- Post-Birth Location lation of the Buddha image, and a • Becoming a Devil’s Advocate – Nuts & Bolts, meditation vigil. June 17th marked and the Nitty-Gritty the anniversary of Ajahn Chah’s • The Enduring Delusive Power of Certainty birth. A shrine was assembled, Wrapping Up – staying in touch by: exchange of reflections were offered, and due e-mail-Skype-Twitter-Facebook-MySpace-cell reverence observed. On July 7th, phones-land phones-street addresses-business the community celebrated Āsālhā addresses-nicknames-user names-passwords-family Pūjā, in honor of the Buddha's first names-Christian Names-Buddhist names-next of offering of Dhamma. Again, devo- kin-secret handshakes-clubs-affiliations-antisocial Almsround at Ajahn tion was paid through listening to Pasanno’s birthday celebrations security… For any questions e-mail: mara@ the Teachings, candlelit circumam dukkhaville.org bulation, and a meditation vigil. In celebration of Ajahn Pasanno’s 60th birthday and 36th year as a monk PRESENTERS – World Renowned Authorities of Their Own Views and Opinions an Almsgiving Ceremony, organised by Joe Kulkhajornpant, was held on July 28th. The donations that were offered to the monastery were designated CREDIT – More status and credibility on the for helping construction of the Monks’ Utility Building. Anumodana! – both earthly/worldly plane for the venerable ajahn’s life and commitment to the Buddhist path, and for Yours Demonically, the abundant generosity shown that day. From your Ego’s Best Friend, Mara Work Projects Currently, the major work project at the monastery is the construction of the Monks’ Utility Building (MUB) and the adjacent bathroom block. The bathroom block will provide a much needed convenience for guests Fearless Mountain Production Team coming to the monastery to participate in summer services and ordinations held at the upper meditation platform and, in the future, at the We would like to express Hall planned for that area. The work crews have made significant progress our heartfelt gratitude to since the end of the Winter Retreat. The foundation has been laid, the floor’s Jebbie Lavoie for design I-beams have been set, and the walls have started to go up. Construction and layout, along with will continue through the end of the calendar year. Anyone wishing to editorial assistance view the progress of construction can see a photo gallery on the web, at: by Kristy Arbon and http://zen.abhayagiri.org. Elizabeth Matovinovic.

FALL 2009 • 15 Sanghapala Foundation ABHAYAGIRI NON PROFIT ORG. BUDDHIST MONASTERY U.S. POSTAGE 16201 Tomki Road, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 PAID AUTOZIP

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Led by: Ajahn Amaro 2009 Ajahn Ānandabodhī and Thanksgiving Ajahn Mettā Retreat “FULLNESS OF BEING” Nov. 20, Fri – Nov. 29, Sun, 2009, Angela Center in Santa Rosa, California. Abhayagiri Monastery in Redwood Valley, California and the The retreat will be offered solely on dana (freewill donations); Sanghapala Foundation invite you to join us for a 10-day retreat there is no set fee. A refundable registration deposit of $100 over the Thanksgiving holiday. The theme of this year’s retreat is now required to register for this retreat due increasing late cancellations. Out of respect for others, please register only is Fullness of Being. We will create a monastery environment when you can make a clear and wholehearted commitment to attend. Space at the Angela Center is limited to 70 retreatants. during our time together, and we offer you this opportunity to explore the Dhamma in a setting that differs somewhat from a To get more information about the retreat: typical meditation retreat. We will all live the monastery life, Anna Moore following the Eight Precepts, taking only what is offered, and PHONE: 541-997-5123 attempting to reflect on our every activity as part of our practice. EMAIL: [email protected] This will include noble silence, morning and evening chanting, WEB: www.abhayagiri.org. sitting and walking meditation, a work period, and daily MAIL: 84326 Alder Drive, Florence, OR 97439 Dhamma talks and teachings.