2. “In light of the Buddha’s realization of the Middle Way (neither self-mortification nor indulgence) and similarly Ajahn Karunadhammo’s reflection on not holding to fixed views about success, how can one make sense of Ajahn Mun’s ascetic path that was called one of deprivation or even Ajahn Chah’s training that extended one’s limits of little food or sleep? On the faith that we’re all capable of enlightenment, how can we skillfully understand the role and necessity of austerities? How can we skillfully practice these in order to develop clarifying release as opposed to further becoming or non-becoming? And how necessary are they in light of the need for a sense of positive well-being?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Middle Path] [Ascetic practices] [Ajahn Mun] [Ajahn Chah] [Liberation] [Becoming] // [Spiritual urgency] [Relinquishment] [Fear]
Story: Ajahn Chah vows not to look up for a Rains Retreat. [Sense restraint] [Determination] [Rains retreat]
Story: Ajahn Chah and his monks sit for 12 hours every night for a month. [Sitter's practice]
2. “What were the interesting practices you used so that you would get up as soon as you woke up?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Devotion to wakefulness ] // [Mindfulness of body] [Continuity of mindfulness] [Sitter's practice]
4. “In your long monastic life, have there been times that called for particular qualities to be developed?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Monastic life] [Long-term practice] // [Perfections] [Not-self] [Personality] [Energy ] [Posture/Walking] [Sitter's practice]
3. “Was there a Winter Retreat where Ajahn Chah had the community practice midnight vigils every night? Were you there at that time?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Chah] [Devotion to wakefulness] [Ajahn Pasanno] // [Rains retreat] [Sitter's practice]
Quote: “Ajahn Chah fired up. That’s pretty scary.”
14. Reflection by Ajahn Pasanno: His leadership and his teaching came from his example. [Leadership] [Teaching Dhamma] [Ajahn Chah] // [Lunar observance days] [Devotion to wakefulness]
Recollection: Ajahn Chah sits until midnight despite having malaria. [Sickness] [Posture/Sitting] [Sitter's practice]