Luang Pu's Sermon
Table of Contents
Script 1
“On this earth, if one possesses Punna (merit), one will meet with success and material wealth whatever one chooses to do for a living.
Without Punna, one’s path will be plagued by obstacles. It is the reason why I encourage all of you to accumulate Punna so that you can be done with hardship.”
Script 2
“Precepts observation is the foundation of moral values. It is better to part with money than to part with your moral values, for moral values are the sources of material wealth. A person who earnestly observes the Precepts can be called a morally good person. And as such, he will attract material wealth to him.
Script 3
“Keep your mind on your accumulated Punna (merit) and on nothing else whenever you are having problems in your life. If you are a tradesman, whenever you are buying or selling, keep your mind on your merit and you will achieve unexpected gain.
Script 4
“The physical body of Prince Siddhattha is not the Buddha Gem. Prince Siddhattha had endeavored to search for the way to put an end to suffering for a total of six years before he discovered the Buddha Gem or Dhammakaya inside His person. Dhammakaya is the crystal clear Buddha with a lotus bud atop His raised crown. Dhammakaya can be found at the seventh base in the center of the human body.
Meditation practice is something one must endeavor to do at all times whether one is sitting, lying down, walking or standing. One must persist in one’s endeavor. And one day, one will experience for himself the fruit of one’s endeavor.”
Script 5
It is good to offer food to the Buddhist monks, for Sammasambuddha says,
“Bhojanan bhikkhave dadamano dayako”: The giver of food.
“Patiggahakanan panca thanani deti”: can be said to be giving five benefits to the receiver. “Patiggahakanan panca thanani deti”:
“Katamani panca thanani”: What are these 5 benefits?
“Ayan deti”: The first benefit is longevity.
“Vannan deti”: The second benefit is complexion.
“Sukhan deti”: The third benefit is happiness.
“Balan deti”: The fourth benefit is energy and strength.
“Patibhanan deti”: The fifth benefit is sagacity.
Script 6
Having earned Punna (merit), how is one to take care of it when one cannot yet see it?
One must keep one’s mind in the center of the Dhamma Sphere which gives rise to one’s human body. One is to keep one’s mind still and quiet there. And when the condition is just right, one will be able to see one’s Punna Sphere clearly. And the joy of seeing it will be beyond compare.
Script 7
“Dana Practice” or alms-giving has been an important practice of all wise men. A person of wisdom knows to practice Dana. A stupid person deems Dana practice to be a waste; but a wise person deems Dana practice to be a gain, a huge gain.
Dana practice is the source of success provided that one knows how to practice it correctly. When practiced incorrectly, it can rob the practitioner of material wealth. When practiced correctly, it can bless the practitioner with great material wealth. Dana practice must be practiced wisely and regularly. “Dananca” means giving.
Script 8
Cultivate truthful and endearing speech here and now so that in future existences, what one says will bring about one’s success. The use of offensive speech is like using words to cut oneself down. And the result will be manifested even here and now in that one’s word will carry no weight. A person who had cultivated truthful speech in his previous existences, his word would be paid attention to and carry real weight here and now. Therefore, it would behoove every person to cultivate truthful and endearing speech here and now.
Script 9
Now that you have learnt that the core of Buddhism consists of the Buddha Gem, the Dhamma Gem, and the Sangha Gem dwelling inside you, it remains for you to keep your mind still and quiet in the center of your body. Once everything is just right, you will attain the Path and Fruit of Nibbana and follow Sammsambuddha to Nibbana. The still and quiet mind moving through the Inner Middle Way leads to Sila, Samadhi, Panna, Vimutti, and Vimuttinanadassana.
Script 10
When one has truly penetrated the fact that birth brings about suffering and not happiness, one will grow tired of suffering. When one has grown tired of suffering, one will no longer crave the Five Aggregates. When one has let go of the craving for the Five Aggregates, that is when one can be emancipated from suffering.
Script 11
As a true Buddhist and a believer of Sammasambuddha’s Teachings, one must whether one is sitting, lying down, standing or walking bring his mind to a standstill in the center of the Dhamma Sphere which gives rise to his human body. The still and quiet mind leads one to the path of Sammasambuddha and the Arahats which is the path of purity.
Script 12
One must abstain from Kammatanha (craving for existence in the Sense Sphere), Bhavatanha (craving for existence in the Form Sphere), and Vibhavatanha (craving for existence in the Non-Form Sphere). One does this by attaining Sila, Samadhi, Panna, Vimutti, and Vimuttinanadassana through the still and quiet mind. The still mind is the only means to abstain from Kammatanha, Bhavatanha, and Vibhavatanha. Once one’s mind can be brought to a standstill, Kammatanha, Bhavatanha, and Vibhavatanha will be extinguished.
Script 13
What is the path to purity? It involves the still and quiet mind from the beginning to the attainment of Arahatship. The path to purity is the path of Sammasambuddha and all the Arahats. Sammasambuddha says, Natthi santiparan sukhan: There is no happiness outside of the still and quiet mind.
Script 14
Whenever you contemplate the aging process taking place inside your body, you are doing yourself a lot of good because you are realizing the need to follow the path of purity as shown and led by Sammasambuddha and all the Arahats.
Script 15
Of the Five Precepts, the last Precept which has to do with no alcohol consumption is key. Likewise, of the three families of mental defilements (greed, anger, and delusion), delusion is key.
Whoever is not earnestly observing the Precepts cannot be called a practicing Buddhist, for he is still immersed in mental defilements. Therefore, take heed and observe the Five Precepts.
Script 16
Samadhi (mental concentration) as a theoretical concept cannot lead to Supernormal Insight. But, Samadhi as in the Inner Way Meditation Practice can. Samadhi enables the practitioner to see with his mind in the center of his body the Dhamma Sphere which gives rise to his human body. Such is the true goal of Buddhism.
Script 17
How is one to put an end to suffering? One must extinguish Kammatanha (craving for existence in the Sense Sphere), Bhavatanha (craving for existence in the Form Sphere), and Vibhavatanha (craving for existence in the Non-Form Sphere). The extinguishment of craving is called Nirodha. To extinguish Kammatanha, Bhavatanha, and Vibhavatanha, one must attain Magga which consists of Sila (Precepts observation), Samadhi (mental concentration), and Panna (insight) at the Supra-mundane level.
Script 18
As a practicing male or female Buddhist, at the basic level it means having unshakable faith in Sammasambuddha. It means having unshakable faith in Dhammakaya. It means that he or she would rather die than to abandon his or her faith.
Script 19
Restlessness and constant quest for things material is caused by the lack of the following four virtues. Whoever has cultivated these four virtues can find contentment in his life, for he has already found the greatest treasure trove. These four virtues include having faith in Sammasambuddha, observing the Precepts earnestly, having respect for the Sangha, and having Right View. If one does not wish to be a poor person, he will do well to cultivate these four virtues.
Script 20
To penetrate Sammasambuddha’s Teachings, all one has to do is to rest one’s mind softly and quietly at the seventh base in the center of one’s body. One must keep on practicing this. And when everything is just right, one will attain the Supernormal Insight which enables one to see the Truth as taught by Sammasambuddha.
Script 21
Wise Person
It is necessary to know how to distinguish between what is Papa (demerit) and what is Punna (merit); what is useful and what is not useful; what is noble and what is lowly; what is wholesome and what is unwholesome; what is right and what is wrong. An older person must regard younger persons with kindness. A younger person must regard older persons with respect. A person who knows how to regard people accordingly can be said to be a wise person.
Script 22
Vipassana means seeing with the Dhammakaya-Eye. When seeing with the Dhammakaya-Eye, it means achieving simultaneously sight, memory, thought, and cognizance. It is through the attainment of Dhammakaya that one can experience Nibbana, its tranquility, its peace, and its silence. The best things can be found only in Nibbana.
Script 23
Know that suffering is real. Birth causes suffering because it brings about aging, sickness, and death. Know that your entire body is the source of suffering.
Script 24
When giving alms to the Buddhist monks, it is best for the lay Buddhist to give them to the Buddhist monks (the Sangha) as a whole and not to a specific monk, for the Sangha serves as the most fertile field of merit for the laypeople. Even if it is just one fish or one cup of rice, it is still best for the lay Buddhist to offer it to the Sangha.
Script 25
A Buddhist is truly fortunate to have the Buddhist monks or the Sangha as his fertile field of merit. Therefore, he should take advantage of the situation and make sure to accumulate as much merit as possible by supporting the Sangha to the fullest extent.
Script 26
One needs to exercise heedfulness by cultivating Right View. One needs to exercise heedfulness by cultivating truthfulness. Heedfulness is the core teaching of the Tipitaka which consists of the Vinayapitaka, the Suttantapitaka, and the Paramatthapitaka. Heedfulness is the source of every form of wholesomeness whereas recklessness is the source of every form of unwholesomeness.
Script 27
Alcohol consumption in any country will wither that country. Alcohol consumption in any person will wither that person. Alcohol consumption is not dissimilar to suicide. It makes a good person bad and insane. Alcohol consumption causes so much harm as to be unimaginable. Therefore, it would behoove everyone to abstain completely from alcohol consumption.
Script 28
A completely still and quiet mind is as bright and clear as a mirror. A person, who has attained that level of mental brightness and clarity, has no need to work hard at all to earn money, for such a mental state attracts great material wealth to him. Therefore, be sure to keep your mind bright and clear at all times and material wealth will automatically find its way to you.
Script 29
Whether you are a Buddhist monk or a novice monk, it is all the same in that if you have put your life on the line practicing meditation, you will succeed in your quest for the Inner Buddha or Dhammakaya. Pay no attention to the aches and pains and physical discomfort and continue with your meditation practice. And soon enough success will be yours.
Script 30
Sammasambuddha said to the Buddhist monk, Vakkali Bhikkhu, Apehi vakkali: Vakkali, get out of here…Iman putikayan dassanan: Why admiring this decaying body of mine?…Yo kho vakkali dhamman passati so man passati: Whoever sees the Dhamma sees me…Dhammakayo ahan itipi: For I am Dhammakaya, and Dhammakaya is me.
Script 31
Secular happiness can be attained with the still and quiet mind at the secular level.
Dhamma happiness can be attained with the still and quiet mind at the Dhamma level.
Sammasambuddha says, Natthi santiparan sukhan: There is no happiness outside of the still and quiet mind. The still and quiet mind is the key to success. Therefore, endeavor to keep your mind still and quiet.
Script 32
Be watchful. Be heedful. You cannot afford not to be watchful. You cannot afford not to be heedful, for death can come at any moment. Heedfulness gives rise to deathlessness whereas recklessness gives rise to lifelessness.
Script 33
When one’s Dhamma Sphere is bright and clear, one’s human body and all of one’s Inner Bodies will also be bright and clear.
When one’s Dhamma Sphere is gloomy, one’s human body becomes dull and gloomy.
The Dhamma Sphere makes life as a human being possible. Therefore, one’s Dhamma Sphere is one’s important refuge.
Script 34
The best and noblest is Sammasambuddha. The worst and evilest is Mara.
Mara send their powers to rule over human beings by making them slaves of greed, anger, and delusion. And the results are sickness and death.
Mara rule human beings by subjecting them to greed, anger, and delusion. Mara bring about sickness and death. Mara must be quelled in order for human beings to live in peace and happiness.
Script 35
Focus your mind on the sacred votive tablet and pray to Sammasambuddha.
If you are a tradesman, ask Him to help you grow your business. Ask Him to make it possible for your business to prosper, be highly lucrative, and expand nationwide.
Script 36
One is cheating one’s self if one does not observe the Five Precepts earnestly. One needs to feel ashamed of unwholesomeness and be fearful of its ill consequences.
Script 37
As a Buddhist monk, it is imperative that one adheres strictly to the Dhamma-Vinaya.
Otherwise, it makes one an unrighteous monk. And the result will be rebirth in the Hell Realm. Therefore, it would behoove every Buddhist monk to practice righteousness according to the Dhamma-Vinaya.
Script 38
Before doing something, consider first whether it will bring about trouble for yourself and others later on. If not, then go ahead and do it. The same principle applies to your words and your thoughts.
Script 39
The best way to repay your parents: Encourage them to have faith in Sammasambuddha and His Teachings, if they have none. Encourage them to observe the Five Precepts, if they have not done so. And help them to learn the difference between Papa (demerit) and Punna (merit). Every child, male or female, can repay his parent in this manner.
Script 40
Buddhism teaches that once a person has succeeded in bringing his mind to a standstill in the center of his body, material wealth and every good thing will come to him automatically. He could be deep in the forest or somewhere in the wilderness, these things would find their way to him. Therefore, the higher knowledge of Dhammakaya needs to be made known to every person on earth.
Script 41
When alms are given to a deserving person, one stands to earn an enormous amount of merit. Sammasambuddha and all the Arahats had all practiced Dana (alms-giving) to the fullest extent in their previous existences. And it was the merit accumulated from such wholesome deeds that enabled them to attain the Path and Fruit of Nibbana in their final rebirth. When a person gives generously towards the support of Buddhism, he is essentially giving himself untold prosperity.
Script 42
Buddhism would not have been here today had it not been for alms-giving. Should the lay Buddhists refuse to offer food to the Buddhist monks for just one month, there would be no Buddhist monks or novice monks left in the country, since all of them would have to leave the monkhood or the novicehood. Therefore, Dana practice or alms-giving is an extremely important practice. Without Dana practice, none of us would be here right now. Buddhism teaches that in offering food to a Buddhist monk, one is giving him longevity, complexion, happiness, strength and energy, and sagacity.
Script 43
Once an alms-giver, be it a child or an adult, has given something to and has been received by a Buddhist monk, that is the instant that the current of Punna (merit) flows into his Punna Sphere. The bright and clear Punna Sphere can be found inside his bright and clear Dhamma Sphere which is located in the center of his body.
When in trouble, all one needs to do is to keep his mind on his Punna Sphere dwelling inside his Dhamma Sphere in the center of his body and ask for its help.
Script 44
A person endowed with Punna (merit) and blessed with a large family and retinue wherever he lives needs to practice endearing speech in order to promote among them harmony and unity. Endearing speech is practiced by a person of good manners and politeness. Therefore, it is necessary that every person cultivates endearing speech.
Script 45
How does one go about behaving in such a way as to benefit every person around him? It does not do to think only of one’s own happiness. One must be considerate of others as well.
Parents need to give their children a good education so that they can earn a living and support themselves. Family members need to do what they can to support each other. Neighbors need to do things to benefit each other. If every person knew to live in such a way as to be of use to his fellowman, everyone would be able to live together in peace and prosperity.
Script 46
All the charitable endeavors on earth can be compared to the wedge latch of a car chassis which enables the wheels to turn easily. Happiness on earth depends on four virtues, namely, alms-giving, endearing speech, altruism, and the conduct appropriate to one’s different roles in life. A person who is in the habit of cultivating these virtues can get along with anyone and any group of people. He stands to gain many like-minded friends. A person who values altruism will receive authority and praise.
Script 47
Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacarin: Dhamma protects the person who practices it.
Dhamma means wholesomeness and the fruit of wholesomeness is goodness and happiness.
Sammasambuddha’s Dhamma lectures are lovely in the beginning, in the middle, and in the end. Loveliness in the beginning has to do with Sila practice (Precepts observation) which brings about physical, verbal, and mental purity. Loveliness in the middle has to do with Samadhi (mental concentration) and the Samadhi Sphere. Loveliness in the end has to do with Panna (Supernormal Insight) and the Panna Sphere.
Script 48
All human beings, male and female, householders and Buddhist monks, can be pure physically, verbally, and mentally when they follow in the footsteps of Sammasambuddha and all the Arahats by observing immaculately the Five Precepts, the Eight Precepts, the Ten Precepts, and the 227 Precepts respectively.
Sabbapapassa akaranan: Abstain completely in body, speech, and mind from unwholesomeness.
Kusalassupasampada: Perform wholesome deeds in body, speech, and mind to the fullest extent.
Sucittapariyodapanan: Keep the mind bright and clear.
Script 49
It is one thing to understand in theory how to keep one’s body, word, and mind pure. But it is another to achieve it through meditation practice. Physical, verbal, and mental purity can be achieved through the attainment of the Dhamma Sphere, the bright and clear crystal sphere which gives rise to one’s human body and can be found at the seventh base in the center of one’s body.
Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacarin: Dhamma protects those who practice it.
Script 50
Danan deto: Dana means giving. Every human being must practice Dana (alms-giving). It means giving to others without expecting anything in return. Without Dana practice, everyone stands to lose. A wise person knows to practice Dana. The more one practices Dana, the happier one will be physically, verbally, and mentally.
Script 51
Silan rakkhati: In a community, from two persons upward, the Five Precepts must be observed by everyone. It means that one must not kill. One must not steal. One must not commit sexual misconduct. One must not practice false speech. And one must not consume alcohol or other addictive substances. When every person in the family or community observes the Five Precepts immaculately, then there will be peace and happiness in the family or community. But if one wishes to be even happier and cleverer, one must also practice meditation.
Script 52
Bhavanan bhaveti: Practice meditation earnestly until one’s mind can be brought to a standstill. When that happens, one will know peace and tranquility. One will know happiness whatever one’s environment may be. One will know success and prosperity whatever one chooses to undertake. To be a perfect human being, one must attain Dhammakaya or the Inner Buddha so that one can practice Vipassana Meditation. And when one also practices Dana daily (alms-giving), one will receive every good thing one wishes for.
Script 53
Punna or merit is real and can be seen as a bright and clear Punna Sphere in the center of one’s body through meditation practice. Punna can be earned, for example, by giving alms to the Buddhist monks. And as soon as the alms are received by them, the current of Punna will flow immediately into one’s Punna Sphere.
Script 54
If one possesses Punna (merit), one will meet with success whatever one chooses to do for a living.
Without Punna, one’s path will be plagued by obstacles. It is the reason why I encourage all of you to accumulate Punna so that you can finally be done with hardship.”
Script 55
One accumulates Punna (merit) and pursues Parami (Perfections) by practicing regularly Dana (alms-giving), Sila (Precepts observation), and Bhavana (meditation). It is then up to one to keep one’s mind on one’s earned Punna. In times of trouble, one needs only to keep one’s mind on one’s Punna. And when buying and selling, one will achieve unexpected gain if one can keep one’s mind on one’s Punna.
Script 56
Having given alms, having observed the Precepts, and having practiced meditation, if one can see the result of one’s practices in the center of one’s body, then one will know to continue practicing alms-giving, observing the Precepts, and practicing meditation earnestly and regularly. This way, one will receive happiness here and now as well as in one’s future existences.
Script 57
Practicing the Dhamma means keeping one’s body, speech, and mind pure.
As a householder, one must be sure to observe the Five Precepts immaculately. Precepts observation when carried out earnestly is the source of material wealth.
Script 58
“Dana Practice” or alms-giving has been practiced by all wise persons. A person of wisdom knows to practice Dana. A stupid person deems Dana practice to be a waste, but a wise person deems Dana practice to be a gain, a huge gain.
Dana practice is the source of success and material wealth when it is practiced accordingly. The more one practices Dana, the more material wealth one will receive.
Dana practice can be practiced only by a human being in the Human Realm. It cannot be practiced by living beings in other realms of existence.
Script 59
Cultivate truthful and endearing speech here and now so that in future existences, one’s words will bring about one’s success. Practicing offensive speech is like using words to cut oneself down. And the result will be manifested even here and now in that one’s word will carry no weight. A person who had cultivated truthful speech in his previous existences, his word will be paid attention to and carry real weight here and now. Therefore, every person should cultivate truthful and endearing speech.
