The Importance of Meditation and Attaining Dhamma : หน้า 54/135

58. THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTY Our perseverance in meditation should grow stronger every single day of our lives. Before I attained Dhamma*, I kept myself mentally focused at all times, whether I was sitting, walking, or doing anything else. Soon my mind would become still and I achieved my attainment. Attaining Dhamma is our most important task. December 2, 1982 *Attaining Dhamma: meditative attainment; a state of absorption in meditation where the mind achieves super insight and knowledge; seeing one's inner body of enlightenment. ---------------------------------------------------------- 59. MEDITATION IS ESSENTIAL The practice of meditation is the most important thing in life, and attaining Dhamma is the ultimate life goal. Even as you walk, drive, or perform other everyday tasks, you need to contemplate on Dhamma at all times. Before I attained Dhamma, I meditated diligently until my mind could leave the physical body, sinking deeper and deeper into meditation until I finally disengaged from my physical surroundings completely and became purified and powerful with knowledge. I was able to progress because I was determined to do so. Meditation is the most important thing in life. If we do not seek true happiness in this lifetime, then we will not find it even in the next life. Resolve to find true happiness in this life! When I was younger I meditated six hours during the day and six more hours in the evening. Now that I am 84 years old, I cannot sit for long periods of time anymore, so I meditate while laying down. As young people, you don't know what it is like to be sore and to have backaches. When you are my age you will understand. May 10, 1992