Quench dukkha right in the dukkha; quench fire right in the midst of fire. Do not separate them into different lives, for example, with dukkha in this life while hoping to end dukkha or realize Nibbāna in another life, maybe after hundreds or thousands of births. Such quenching will not be possible and becomes but a day dream. Everything must be quenched within it and in the moment of sense contact. When contact occurs, have satisampajañña instantaneously. That contact is dealt with immediately such that dukkha cannot arise and need not cease. Nowadays, people generally separate dukkha and its quenching into different lives or births.

phassa, when an experienced is objectified through one of the sense doors
satisampajañña, mindfulness with clear, immediate comprehension

– Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu –

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From “MAY WE LEAVE THIS LEGACY WITH YOU,” translated from the Thai by Santikaro.

SECTION II: Spiritual & Intellectual Legacies

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Foreword

I have no inheritance to leave behind for Buddhist friends, my comrades in birth, aging, illness, and death, except for what is spelled out in the following statements. My hope is that for however long these legacies are passed along the activity of Suan Mokkhabalārāma will continue and ‘Buddhadāsa’ will remain in that place for that long.

Please receive these legacies in your contemplation from this very moment which will create ease in passing them further along.

May you accept them as a Dhamma inheritance for all Dhamma Comrades who have offered body and life in service to the Buddha’s Dispensation for the benefit of human beings throughout the world without the least personal consideration.

Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu

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Translator’s Note

For his 80th ‘Age Teasing Day’ (birthday), Tan Ajahn prepared a souvenir book of Dhamma photos, proverbs, sayings, riddles, and legacies for his students.

One of the six sections was about the legacies he wished to leave behind. They comprise a concise summary of the main points of his teaching, beginning with certain practical matters (Section I) and ending with more abstract or spiritual legacies (Section II).

Santikaro