We chant only half of the reflection on the basic truths of life that our nature is to be born, age, fall ill, and die, and that we cannot escape such birth, aging, illness, and death. Yet, Buddha declared: “Relying upon me as kalayāṇamitta, sentient beings will go beyond birth, aging, illness, and death.” He further specified that practicing the ennobling eightfold path is to rely upon him as kalayāṇamitta. We recite the part of the message that spooks us, that meaninglessly and wastefully makes us afraid of birth, aging, illness, and death. This is the failure of Buddhist followers ourselves in how we uphold Buddhism.

kalayāṇamitta, noble, splendid friend (primarily refers to Buddha)

– 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