The Power of Seriousness in Meditation : หน้า 93/135

144. WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT SERIOUSLY Since I arrived at the temple, many people looked down at me and mistreated me, but I did not allow myself to be affected by them. Instead, I focused my attention on meditation and on finding the right answers for Luang Por (Wat Paknam). I reached a high level of success because whatever I did, I did it with seriousness and intensity. I considered it a waste of time to engage in jealousy and competition. Those who deem themselves superior are often engaged in petty competition and struggles. As for me, I don’t waste my time with petty politics. I’d rather spend it on meditation. September 17, 1980 145. NOT RESPONDING IN KIND When I find myself in a stressful situation, I keep my mind in Dhamma. The more I stay with Dhamma, the more radiant my mind becomes and the more subtle knowledge I gain. I feel no anger towards those who are angry with me. Instead I look beyond the surface to find the causes that bring about these negative behaviors. People scorned me even before I entered the temple. After I was ordained and admitted in the super advanced meditation group, I received all sorts of mistreatments from others. I was labeled a low class person, a servant, an uneducated person, one who was infected with tuberculosis, etc. I was given the worst quarters to stay in. When food was served, it was “dumped” onto my plate with disdain. To this day, I have been tormented by Mara every step of the way. But this is the final lifetime that Mara can harass me. I know its bag of tricks and I know how to defeat it now.