Last night I was speaking to Bhante Samita, and he commented that he read yesterdays post about being heedful.
He mentioned that I used the word Appamada, and I said yes I did. Bhante said, “you know, that means don’t be late”. I got very nervous when he said that, because I thought I had perhaps conveyed incorrect information to my readers here. Then he asked me if I understood. And I said, well… I think so. (I was lying, I didn’t understand)
He must have sensed that because he then clarified by saying, “Don’t be late, you’re gonna be dead pretty soon”.
Aha, now I think I understand! This was the deeper meaning of what Buddha taught with his final words. Being heedful, mindful, is not something you want to wait to do. The time is now.
In the Dhammapada, Verse 29, Buddha said “Mindful amongst the negligent, highly vigilant amongst the drowsy, the man of wisdom advances like a race-horse, leaving the jade behind”.
I take these words as the same type of encouragement from the Buddha. A call to take action now in your mindfulness. Don’t wait for your next lifetime to do this.
Again I want to remind you, I am not the teacher here. (Dhammapada Verse 158) I am merely a student who is learning, and wishes to share what I am learning. I do this with love and good intention for you.
In closing, I once again say thank you. Thank you Bhante Samita, thank you my readers, thank you my Family.
Thank you to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
And remember, don’t be late! :)
