Monastic Experiential Program in Myanmar - Pure Intention with Ethical Disciplines

November 25th, 2019, was the concluding day of the Theravadan Monastic Experiential Program in Myanmar. This would also include a ceremony of “returning the vow”. When doing so, we must uphold sincere gratitude towards the Three Jewels and the Buddha for such an auspicious arising of the seven-day living with pure disciplines.

It is a miracle of life to be having the opportunity of monasticism. This is a chance to sow the conditions that’d help to ripen our seed of Buddha-nature. What a rare and precious account it is! We experienced the refreshing taste of Dharma throughout the program. This Dharmic nectar cleanses the karmic obscurations and obstacles that have been accumulated since the beginningless time. We have received purification during this time. 

Our lives are torn under suffering, emptiness, and impermanence. It is a pure and auspicious account of purification that we must cherish. Although we’ve returned the vows, we should persevere the aspiration in our minds. Should there be more opportunities in the future, we should engage in intensive training of ethical disciplines. Be sure to live a life of pure conduct that is filled with Dharmic bliss.

By receiving the teachings from Bhaddanta Kumara, Rector of State Pariyatti Sasana University, Yangon, I’m sure that your ignorance was skinned layer by layer. Your current state must be pure and less obscured. Our minds and conduct were rough and coarse in the beginning. Yet, that coarseness has been dignified with more tenderness and subtlety. Once again, the importance of receiving Dharmic teachings is demonstrated. Ashin Therasabha, the Director of Academics, gave us thorough and heartfelt teachings over and over again. This would allow us to transform our body and mind into a brand new state of being.

I hope that you don't forget this pure intention after returning the vow. Keep in mind that nirvana is the ultimate state for this life to attain in this universe. Nirvana is the source and root of life. Through this monastic experiential program, our chance of fast attaining nirvana is enhanced. Never forget this lifestyle of pure ethical disciplines. Carry them out even you’ve returned to your ordinary living.

Being a Buddhist, the five precepts of the laity must be kept. Furthermore, be sure to act with the ten virtues. The five precepts and the ten virtues are the tools for our life transformation. The ten virtues refrain our body from non-virtuous acts, our speech from ill words, and mind from harmful intentions. Be sure to carry out the physical virtues, speech virtues, and mental virtues. That way, we can live an energetic life that is healthy in an optimal state.