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It is true that, as one of those people, Shwe Taung Gon Sâsana Yeiktha Sayadaw was honored by the Mahasi Sayadaw. Perhaps he honored the Shwe Taung Gon Sâsana Yeiktha Sayadaw more than other intelligent people, or perhaps not. I'm not sure. In any case, I am sure that Sayadaw adds the extra little word 'Endless' over and above the others.
Most likely, the gifts the Mahasi Sayadaw bestowed upon the Shwe Taung Gon Sâsana Yeiktha Sayadaw are varied and diverse. No doubt, the Mahasi Sayadaw have honored him in varied ways, as well. There must be a full range of worldly honors and of Dhamma honors.
In accord with the words of the Buddha, "In nobility, Dhamma honors far surpass worldly honors", no doubt the Mahasi Sayadaw has bestowed more gifts of Dhamma than worldly ones on Sayadaw. Due to practicing Satipatthana daily, aided by the Mahasi Sayadaw's advice, no doubt he experiences each day the extraordinary taste which comes of this Dhamma practice. As this experience arises in his heart, the words probably come to his mind 'How incredibly grateful I am. How incredibly grateful I am', though they may not escape his lips. It has resonated through his heart so many times that when his heart cannot hold it any longer, it come bursting out in the form of that little word, 'Endless' which slips off Sayadaw's tongue.
The gifts bestowed upon the Shwe Taung Gon Sâsana Yeiktha Sayadaw by the Mahasi Sayadaw are great beyond measure. The Mahasi Sayadaw is like one who feeds a guest, and Sayadaw like the guest who enjoys the meal. Thus, Sayadaw has a very great debt of gratitude to the Mahasi Sayadaw. Apart from worldly honors, Sayadaw repays his debt of gratitude through Dhamma practice. Aside from repaying this debt by daily doing honor with his own practices of sîla, samâdhi, and panña, Sayadaw has the many yogis, locals and foreigners, monks, novices, and nuns, lay men and women, do honor with the practices of sîla, samâdhi, and pa?ña. Sayadaw does devotion not only with Dhamma practice, but with scriptural study, as well.
Mahasi Sayadaw appreciated honoring him with Dhamma practice more than worldly honors. If the Mahasi Sayadaw only knew of how Sayadaw does and has others do this kind of Dhamma honor, he would no doubt be very pleased. Sayadaw not only give thanks in his mind, but puts it to practical use, saying 'Endless Benefactor, Endless Benefactor' all the time. His students and successors appreciate the model he provides.
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