At Wat Phra Dhammakaya, February 3rd of each year is known as the Great Master Day — an important and significant day commemorating the passing of the Great Master Phramongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), the re-discoverer of the Dhammakaya Knowledge; the passing of Master Nun Thongsook Samdaengpan, the first meditation teacher of Master Nun Chand Khonnokyoong; and the day Master Nun Chand Khonnokyoong was cremated.
All three Great Masters are like the brightness that guides us in leading wholesome lives. They are exemplary models of the pursuers of Perfections who showed us the correct way to accumulate merit and pursue Perfections. They taught us about the truth of life and the Law of Karma so that we can live in this world safely. Although everyone is born into this world to accumulate merit, pursue Perfections and attain Nibbana, these Great Masters did so much more. They aimed to eliminate the source of all defilements, vanquish Mara, and bring all living beings to the Utmost Dhamma. And with boundless compassion and unwavering minds, they were willing to spend as many lifetimes as it took to pursue Perfections and reach the Utmost Dhamma.
Their minds were always focused on the primary objectives– eliminate the source of all defilements, vanquish Mara, and take all beings to Nibbana – even if it meant that they were the last persons to enter Nibbana. Their brave and resilient hearts and benevolence continue to impress and inspire us to this day.
In the life of a true Perfections pursuer, the words “let’s pause” or “let’s rest” do not exist. The thought of enjoying the fruits of our merit or resting since we have accumulate tremendous amount of merit is something that cannot occupy the hearts and minds of Dhamma soldiers. We have to pursue Perfections continually every day, day and night, and at all times. We must understand that this world is not the place to relish in the fruits of our past merit but rather a place to earnestly pursue Perfections. As we continue to accumulate our Perfections to the highest degree, the attainment of Nibbana will be that much easier. Our Great Masters came into this world and fiercely pursued Perfections by putting their lives on the line. We should look to them as our models for the pursuit of Perfections in order to reach the Utmost Dhamma.
