The Sacred Formulas of Luang Phaw Wat Paknam : หน้า 187/207

For example, if there were statements about constructing a Dhamma Hall or a monk's shelter soon, then this must happen. In short, the temple must produce results as soon as it can. Thus, the first sacred formula is cleanliness; in other words, "The Sacred Formula for Treasures" of Luang Phaw Wat Paknam. 2) The second sacred formula is diligence in teaching. Luang Phaw Wat Paknam explained that those with faith in Buddhism and the determination to establish and assist a temple must be diligent in studying and teaching Dhamma. Laypeople offer meals to monks at the temple on a daily basis; if the monks do not teach them Dhamma in return, they would feel that they gain nothing when they visit the temple. It is even worse if the monks take the offerings for granted and do not respond. This would raise the question in people's minds of why they are there (at the temple). It is easy to find an appropriate topic to teach. Clues can be found on people's faces. Typically, people experience a variety of problems in their lives, and often, their suffering appears on their faces. So, the monks must choose the right topic in Dhamma to teach them until they understand and are able to solve their own problems. The monk must instill this right topic of Dhamma into the listener's mind in order to end his misery, like curing an infection with the right medication. When instilled with the teachings of the Lord Buddha, people will develop faith and be willing to help the monks and novices at the temple. They will then be able think of their contributions to the temple as 'worldly wealth,' while what they are given in return is much more than that. They are given 'noble wealth,' (Dhamma teachings) which can remedy their suffering throughout their lives. This 'noble wealth' of Dhamma teachings is incomparable. Therefore, the second sacred formula of diligence in teaching is called "The Sacred Formula for Mobilization" of Luang Phaw Wat Paknam. 3) The third sacred formula is frequency of meditation practice. Luang Phaw Wat Paknam explained that the purpose of ordination is an effort to attain Nibbana." Attainment of Nibbana is achieved through frequent meditation practice. He further expounded that the essence of all of the Lord Buddha's teachings emphasize meditation. As a result, monks must practice it regularly and frequently, in order to bring an end to their defilements. This can only happen when they can see their defilements. They can only see their defilements when they are able to see their own minds. And they can see their 10 The Warm Hearted Family 372 Abandoned Temples and Prosperous Temples The extinction of all deflements and suffering. Supreme happiness The Warm Hearted Family 373 Abandoned Temples and Prosperous Temples