Mass Dana - Dtun Ajahn, 23 May 2012

This is one of the happiest days of my life - preparing food and offering dana to the noble one Ajahn Dtun and his disciples.

Ajahn Dtun is a Thai forest monk, a direct disciple of the late Ajahn Chah whom most people believe is an Arahant (an enlightened one).  

Ajahn Dtun's radiance, energy, compassion, composure and grace captivates me instantly when I first met him during his talk on Monday. He has an aura that calms and uplifts at the same. This inspires me instantly like a stroke of lightning.

I noticed Ajahn Dtun sit with his legs folded elegantly beneath him. Most people would agree that this sitting posture is not comfortable at all. He sat without even once shifting while delivering the 2 hours talk! During Q&A, he answered all questions with equanimity and child-like enthusiasm.
After the talk, people were reluctant to go home. Being too polite to leave before us, Ajahn Dtun stayed around while people started taking pictures of him. He sat in what I would call perfect poise with a nourishing smile.

From the beginning to the end, I only experienced sustained radiance, energy, compassion, composure and grace from him. Touched by the energies, I experienced joy and rapture. I am so inspired that I have a strong urge to go forth. It is as if I was transformed. At his point, I know that he is a stream enterer (a noble one).

Later, knowing that he only takes 1 meal a day impresses me even further. Given this and the fact he is recovering from a major illness, I cannot believe the energy I saw that sustained till 10+pm (at least) on Monday night.

His translating Caucasian disciple who speaks Thai fluently is a rare gem too. 

Speaking Thai and English back and forth non-stop, taking 1 meal a day, taking not even a single sip of water during the 2 hours, I did not detect even the slightest drop in energy. 

I only see a child-like face radiating with compassion and calm.

So austere is their training, so disciplined is their conduct, so polished are their attainments!

Ajahn Dtun is indeed a worthy one, worthy of offerings. Never have I prepared and offered any food with such joy and energy.

This has an instant cleansing effect - an opening of the heart and clarity of the mind.
Later in the day, I notice people who tend to not treat me well, start to change too (and I would not call it coincidental)!
Even the simple act of dana with joy brings me such benefits, what remains to say of even more meritorious deeds?

I am inspired and so may I inspire.

Be a living example and pay it forward.
Let's sustain the good triple gem for as long as we all exist...

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu everyone!

Ajahn Dtun and his disciples visit Singapore for the 1st time from 21st - 23rd May 2012. 
A devoted lay Singaporean Buddhist went all the way to his monastery in Thailand to request for him 3 times and Ajahn Dtun accepted on the 3rd time.

Appendix: Qualities of Ariya (noble people - stream enterer)

[ Reference: "Ten Suttas from Digha Nikaya", Burma Pitaka Association, 1984]

Ten Samyojanas Fetters	Seven Anusayas Latent Defilements		ArahatEnlightened	AnagamiNon-Returner	SakadagamiOnce-Returner	SotapanStream Winner
Avijja Ignorance	Avijja Ignorance	IS	EXTINCT
Uddhacca Restlessness		IS	EXTINCT
Mana Conceit, Pride	Mana Conceit, Pride	IS	EXTINCT
Arupa-raga Formless Realm Craving		IS	EXTINCT
Rupa-raga Fine-material Realm Craving	Bhavaraga Existence Craving	IS	EXTINCT
Patigha Aversion, Hatred, Ill Will, Anger	Patigha Aversion, Hatred, Ill Will, Anger	IS	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	PARTIALLY EXTINCT
Kamaraga Sensuous Craving	Kamaraga Sensuous Craving	IS	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	PARTIALLY EXTINCT
Silabbata Paramassa After Rules & Rituals		IS	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	EXTINCT
Vicikiccha Sceptical Doubts	Vicikiccha Sceptical Doubts	IS	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	EXTINCT
Sakkaya Ditthi Personality Belief	Ditthi False View	IS	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	EXTINCT	EXTINCT
Ten Samyojanas Fetters	Seven Anusayas Latent Defilements		Arahat Enlightened	Anagami Non-Returner	Sakadagami Once-Returner	Sotapan Stream Winner