Moving Towards the Saffron Robe : หน้า 42/232

Moving Towards the Saffron Robe Later, young Chaiboon came to a clear realisation that the knowledge of the world could not truly keep humankind from suffering, or be able to attain true happiness; only the wisdom derived from meditation could help. He then decided to ask Khun Yay for permission to become ordained as a monk. Khun Yay not only refused his request for the ordination, but also urged him to finish his degree first. She reasoned that, “You have to be knowledgeable in the world, and be a scholar in Dhamma, too, so that you will be beneficial to Buddhism once you have ordained. You can't be dependent only on Buddhism.” He respectfully followed her recommendation. Through his recollection of Khun Yay’s benevolence for the kindness she bestowed with the teachings of Dhamma, along with an act to demonstrate his gratitude, on Khun Yay’s birthday in 1968, Chaiboon wanted to present a gift to her by making a vow of truthfulness and to remain celibate for the remainder of his life. This was considered the most precious gift because, for the person who wishes to advance consistently in his meditation, it is essential to have the highest degree of purity, pertaining to chastity, and remove all the burdens of the life of a householder. Khun Yay was very pleased and happy with his great determination. She felt that she hadn’t wasted her efforts in devoting herself to teaching and mentoring him.