Holding on to anger as a personal possession will cause suffering. If anger really belonged to us, it would have to obey us. If it doesn’t obey us, that means it’s only a deception.
AJAHN CHAHWe practice to learn how to let go, not how to increase our holding on to things. Enlightenment appears when you stop wanting anything.
More Ajahn Chah Quotes
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There’s no need to explain anything at length. Let go of love and hate and let things be. That’s all that I do in my own practice.
AJAHN CHAH -
Read yourself, not books. Truth isn’t outside, that’s only memory, not wisdom. Memory without wisdom is like an empty thermos bottle – if you don’t fill it, it’s useless.
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It is not found in a forest or on a hilltop, nor is it given by a teacher. Where you experience suffering, you can also find freedom from suffering.
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When sitting in meditation, say, “That’s not my business!” with every thought that comes by.
AJAHN CHAH -
The Dhamma is revealing itself in every moment, but only when the mind is quiet can we understand what it is saying, for the Dhamma teaches without words.
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If you are still following your likes and dislikes, you have not even begun to practise Dhamma.
AJAHN CHAH -
Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened.
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If you let go a lot you will have a lot of happiness. If you let go completely you will be free.
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Where does peace arise? Peace arises whenever we let something go.
AJAHN CHAH -
We protect virtue so that virtue will protect us.
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When coming out of sitting, don’t think that you’re coming out of meditation, but that you are only changing postures.
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All that I have said up to now has merely been words. When people come to see me, I have to say something. But it is best not to speak about these matters too much.
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You will have a steady awareness within yourself.
AJAHN CHAH -
Just know what is happening in your mind – not happy or sad about it, not attached. If you suffer see it, know it, and be empty. It’s like a letter – you have to open it before you can know what’s in it.
AJAHN CHAH -
Try to be mindful, and let things take their natural course. Then your mind will become still in any surroundings, like a clear forest pool.
AJAHN CHAH