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Children look cute enough when they’re small, but it’s difficult to know how stubborn they’ll be when they’re older. This is why it’s more convenient not to get mixed up in a relationship in the first place. One can pursue perfection without having to be worried about anyone else.” It was a life of freedom – with a minimum of worries and no need to spend time curring favour with others, allowing one to use the limited time available to cultivate one’s mind and maintain one’s purity of mind. When one’s mind is free of the hooks of external people or objects, it is better able to slip inwards towards inner experience. This is how Khun Yai managed to devote all her waking hours to practising the Dhamma throughout her life. Although she sometimes came across those who either didn’t understand her intentions or flattered her for them, she was unmoved by them because her mind was already firmly established inside. Birthdays were always a popular celebration and Khun Yai’s birthday was no exception. Her students would organize a celebration on the anniversary according to the lunar calendar. In 1968 her birthday coincided with the tenth of January. After about 10-15 of the students meditated with Khun Yai, spruced up her kuti and heard a Dhamma talk by her. She taught them: “I love all of you like my own children. All of you are so virtuous, strive in your meditation and do everything in earnest. Your meditation is progressing — but, you know, I’d love you even more if you gave up smoking!”