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118. EFFECTIVE WAY TO MAKE RESOLUTIONS Luang Por Wat Paknam taught me that the most effective way to make fruitful resolutions was to make them while focusing between their blessings. When they begin a blessing chant from the first word, 'Yadtha', I focus your mind to the center of the body and visualize a clear Buddha image. Then begin making your resolutions. Luang Por explained that this will make our resolutions become a part of their blessings, which will be heard all the way to Nibbana. So make your resolutions with care. Face time you do it, it will get easier and easier until it becomes second nature to you. January 26, 1975 119. REJECT SLOVENLINESS We know that the most important aspect of life is the practice of meditation. But that doesn't mean we can neglect our other duties. Cleanliness is important, and whoever makes a mess should take care of it. I will scold anyone who neglects their responsibility for tidiness. I make the resolution that actions which bring discomfort to others or to me will never be a part of me, mentally, verbally or physically. October 1, 1976 120. MAKE ALL-ENCOMPASSING RESOLUTIONS I always teach that this is our last life; make wise resolutions that will encompass everything that is good. Resolve to have a healthy body free of illness, complete with the thirty-two faculties; to be born a human being of a male gender who is pure; not to be attracted to the opposite sex; and not to find pleasure in the sight, sound, taste, touch, scent, and sentiment of the opposite sex. Before we die, may we achieve self-awareness; build up great merit and Perfections in every lifetime; meet only virtuous people, and be receptive and amenable to good advice. When planting a tree, make a resolution for this tree to flourish and produce a pleasant shade; anyone who sits beneath it to see enlightened wisdom; to be protected by the divine; and to be a resting place for birds. At bed time, make a resolution to take sanctuary within our inner Buddha; may the Buddha give us protection and free us from danger. July 17, 1977