Whoever enters the monastic life in Buddhism — if one is to be a true monk, faithful to the original intention of one’s ordination — must be earnest and rigorous in training and disciplining oneself in strict accordance with the Dhamma and Vinaya.
For the most important work in the life of a monastic is none other than the work of clearing the defilements (kilesas) from the mind on the path toward Nibbāna. Only those who are truly earnest are able to clear the forest of defilements from the mind and thereby successfully open the way to Nibbāna for themselves.
Should one ask further — where, then, is Nibbana to be found? —Great Master Luang Pu Wat Paknam would reply with a gentle smile, “It is within you yourself. Close your eyes and you’ll see it.”
From the book Buat Mai Sia Pha Lueang, Suek Mai Plueang Pha Lai, page 9
