“Layman Aiming for Nirvana”

A Layman living normally in society can reach each stage of the enlightenment respectively according to the purification of the mind. However, in order to achieve this, it is necessary to have a strong determination in practicing perseveringly. One must practice as a duty and live a life on the virtuous path. This is the grilling ground since a normal person can hardly observe the Five Precepts, and having excuses such as wanting to wait to practice when getting older and probably by that time, karma will be accumulating even more, and ending up rejecting dhamma for the whole life. Therefore, thinking that one is unable to achieve enlightenment is the cause from oneself not because it is impossible.

Another reason why a layman does not practice Vipassana meditation aiming for Nirvana is due to the fear from being lifeless, having to leave behind one’s home, sacrificing everything. These are not the right thoughts. The reason the Buddha had those aiming for Nirvana left homes to ordinate is because it’ll be easy for them to cultivate the virtuous path since living as a layman is difficult, but not impossible to be enlightened. This is because there are so many things luring to deceive a layman that one will lose self-restraint power. If one has a resolute and firm mind, a layman can be liberated, being free in the middle of a city. But before that, one needs to arduously practice.

If one has faith for liberation, do initiate by observing the Five Precepts, praying and paying humble respect to the Triple Gems and starting dhamma practice. As well as, finding the right Master and not wasting time in life only reading text books and practicing alone since there won’t be any progress. Find the suitable and right approach for oneself, then go to be a student and practice diligently in order for one to walk on the path of Nirvana then one can surely reach the stage of enlightenment respectively, as long as one practices as a duty with disciplines.

Master Acharavadee Wongsakon
Source: Selected from “An ordinary difficult living. Difficult lifestyle of a layman.” Breaking the Code Version 1

If one has faith for liberation, do initiate by observing the Five Precepts,
Praying and paying humble respect to the Triple Gems and starting dhamma practice.
Find the right Master, don’t waste time reading text books and practicing alone because there won’t be any progress.

Translation: Napassakorn Oveerawong