No.348 - The Teachings of Ajahn Golf
( Mon, 24 March 2025)
The Teachings of Ajahn Golf
Mon, 24 March 2025
(Translated Text)
《How to Make a Powerful Vow?》
Devotee: How do we make a vow in a way that is correct and effective?
Ajahn Golf: What makes a vow truly work? This is how Ajahn makes a vow:
"May all the perfections (paramis) and good karma I have accumulated help me reach Nibbana as quickly as possible."
The vows we make shall come from our hearts. If our vows are not connected to Nibbana, we may remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth, experiencing endless suffering.
That’s why great masters teach that a strong and focused vow can help us reach Nibbana faster. When we follow the path to Nibbana in practising, our vow to Nibbana will realize.
Ajahn jokes that he is “selfish” and vows that:
"May I attain Nibbana as soon as possible, I will chose the method whichever can help me to reach Nibbana faster."
Even if eventually not being able to teach or guide others, dead, or whatever, it doesn’t matter but as long as attaining liberation. (laughs)
Even if nobody offering food or facing any hardships, the only wish is to reach Nibbana quickly. With the vow during the time, even no food is taken, Nibbana is still attained. (laughs). Ajahn characterizes himself as “selfish” (laughs) Ajahn will not worry and attach to anybody (laughs).
However, when we are thinking of our loved ones—our spouse, children, parents, or even pets, it can be described as we are sinking into deep water. In that moment, the most important thing is to save ourselves first and swim to shore.If we try to save others, we might all sink together.
That’s why the Lord Buddha and the Arahants, they had attained liberation. They could use the tools to save all beings who are still struggling in the water. Therefore, Ajahn vows that to attain Nibbana quickly will help us staying on the right path and free from distractions.
Ajahn joked that he did not mention to teach others when he was making his vow. That’s why, he had the sore throat and lost his voice. (laughs)
Make a vow as you wish.
Wish for whatever you want. If you want to be an emperor or queen, make a vow for it. If you want to reach heavenly realms, you can do the same — as long as we cultivate good karma through dana, upholding precepts, and practicing meditation.
So go ahead, make any vow you desire.
But be remembered — no matter what you desire, suffering will always follow.
---Ajahn Golf 阿贊高爾夫 อาจารย์กอล์ฟ
09/12/2023 @Penang Bodhi Heart Sanctuary, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
摘錄自 Excerpted from： <56：21
https://www.facebook.com/100087367309533/videos/1313526372653195
more about Ajahn Golf:
https://www.knownsee.com/%E5%A4%A7%E5%B8%AB%E7%88%B6-masters/%E6%B3%B0%E5%9C%8B-thailand/ajahn-golf
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