Venerable Ajaan Khao Analayo
and decide quickly, for once we are dead, it will be too late. The virtue that we should expect to gain does not come simply from wearing the yellow robes, or from inviting Bhikkhus to chant the kusala-mãtikã and accept paÿsukýla robes at our funeral. It depends solely on us training ourselves to have kusala dhamma – which means to be skilled at removing all bad things from our hearts while we are still alive. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! “Please take note of this warning and remember it in your hearts; then always try to put it into practise by following the way of attã hi attano nãtho – always try to rely on yourself as you walk the path, allowing Dhamma to light the way. Then you won’t be an old-fashioned Bhikkhu or an old-fashioned lay person, behind the times in regard to goodness and virtue and the Path, Fruition and Nibbãna which the Lord Buddha taught in a fresh, contemporary manner with supreme mettã. “I myself am growing older and older every day, and it is no longer easy for me to lead and teach my followers. Meanwhile, Bhikkhus and novices keep flooding into the monastery in larger and larger numbers to receive training and teaching. When you come to study and train with me, you must commit yourselves to the practice with real determination. Don’t bring along a half-hearted attitude, damaging yourself and your friends who have set their hearts on the practice of Dhamma, for this will ruin both you and the others. “The kilesas do not spare anyone, no matter who they are. We Bhikkhus and novices must understand that the kilesas have always been our enemies. They are not afraid of anybody, even monks. You must not think that they will bow down and offer their services to you, attending on you and taking care 206