..续本文上一页 to strive on in our efforts. Even if we feel lazy, there”s a voice inside that constantly rouses our diligence. Stagnation at this point is impossible, because effort and progress have gathered an unstoppable momentum. Please check this out for yourself. You”ve been studying and leaning a long time. Now it”s time to study and learn about yourself.

　　In the beginning stages of Dhamma practice, physical seclusion is of vital importance. When you live alone in isolation you will recall the words of Venerable Sariputta: ”Physical seclusion is a cause and condition for the arising of mental seclusion, states of profound samadhi free from external sense contact. This seclusion of the mind is in turn a cause and condition for seclusion from mental defilements, Enlightenment.” And yet some people still say that seclusion is not important: ”If your heart is peaceful, it doesn”t matter where you are.” It”s true, but in the beginning stages we should remember that physical seclusion in a suitable environment comes first. Today or sometime soon, seek out a lonely cremation ground in a remote forest far from any habitation. Experiment with living all alone. Or seek out a fear-inspiring mountain peak. Go live alone, Okay

　　 You”ll have lots of fun all night long. Only then will you know for yourself. Even I once thought that physical seclusion wasn”t particularly important. That”s what I thought, but once I actually got out there and did it, I reflected on what the Buddha taught. The Blessed One encouraged his disciples to practice in remote locations far removed from society. In the beginning this builds a foundation for internal seclusion of the mind which then supports the unshakeable seclusion from defilements.

　　For example, say you”re a lay person with a home and a family. What seclusion do you get

　　 When you return home, as soon as you step inside the front door you get hit with chaos and complication. There”s no physical seclusion. So you slip away for a retreat in a remote environment and the atmosphere is completely different. It”s necessary to comprehend the importance of physical isolation and solitude in the initial stages of Dhamma practice. You then seek out a meditation master for instruction. He or she guides, advises and points out those areas where your understanding is wrong, because it”s precisely where you misunderstand that you think you are right. Right where you”re wrong, you”re sure you”re right. Once the teacher explains, you understand what is wrong, and right where the teacher says you”re wrong is precisely where you thought you were right.

　　From what I”ve heard, there are a number of Buddhist scholar monks who search and research in accordance with the scriptures. There”s no reason why we shouldn”t experiment. When it”s time to open our books and study, we learn in that style. But when it”s time to take up arms and engage in combat, we have to fight in a style that may not correspond with the theory. If a warrior enters battle and fights according to what he”s read, he”ll be no match for his opponent. When the warrior is sincere and the fight is real, he has to battle in a style that goes beyond theory. That”s how it is. The Buddha”s words in the scriptures are only guidelines and examples to follow, and studying can sometimes lead to carelessness.

　　The way of the Forest Masters is the way of renunciation. On this Path there”s only abandoning. We uproot views stemming from self-importance. We uproot the very essence of our sense of self. I assure you, this practice will challenge you to the core, but no matter how difficult it is don”t discard the Forest Masters and their teachings. Without proper guidance the mind and samadhi are potentially very deluding. Things which shouldn”t be possible begin to happen. I”ve alway…

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