Selfishness is the central reason for the lack of sīladhamma and paramatthadhamma. Consequently, people commit evil and unwholesome acts with certainty and determination, thinking that such actions are right and just in all ways. For this reason, every religion aims to teach the destruction of selfishness; if not it is not religion.

sīladhamma, Dhamma of ethics and virtue in line with natural truth
paramatthadhamma, Dhamma of supreme meaning and benefit
religion (sāsanā), system of spiritual teaching and practice

– Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu –

– – ❖ – –

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

SECTION II: Spiritual & Intellectual Legacies

– – ❖ – –

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

– – ❖ – –

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