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bottom of his life's ocean due to the ravages of the crashing waves of lokadhamma, the 'way of the world', the vicissitudes of life.
Looking back on the lifetime journey Sayadaw has traveled, one can see his strengths. From his words, "I believe in my own strength," one realizes his full faith in himself.
"Âpdâsu thâmo veditabbo- When someone is faced with difficulties, crises, and dangers can one see their strengths." When life is easy peoples' capacities mostly lie low. Only in crisis do they rise to the surface. When Sayadaw met the normal waves of lokadhamma, one time he tested his strength and prevailed. The next time he encountered them, he tried his strength again, and again he prevailed. After that, each time he met them again, he was able to triumph. Time and again he ran into them. Over and over, he tried his strength. Again and again he prevailed. Thus, Sayadaw's faith in his own abilities became stronger.
Another time, he encountered some more intense waves of lokadhamma. He had to be even stronger, but he was able to triumph. Over and over, he applied his strength. Again and again he prevailed. Thus, Sayadaw's faith in his own abilities became stronger and stronger.
It is because of his great fortitude even in the face of waves of lokadhamma which threaten his very life that the words, "I believe in my own strength," came from lips. Doubtless, Sayadaw has tested his abilities many times. When the vicissitudes of life have tried him, time and again Sayadaw has passed the test. Seeing his strength, the author can't help but feel admiration.
Sayadaw is capable in both the theory (pariyatti) and the practice (patipatti) of Dhamma. He is strong not only in pariyatti, the study of the Buddhist scriptures, but also in that of worldly literature. Strength in patipatti, on the other hand, is endowment in sila (morality), samâdhi (concentration), and panña (wisdom). To say it another way, it is the faculties of saddha (faith), vîriya (energy), sati (mindfulness), samâdhi (concentration), and panña (wisdom). Yet another description is the powers of metta (lovingkindness), karunâ (compassion), khanti (patience), and sacca (resolution).
Seeing Sayadaw apply these strengths, I appreciated his self-confidence. I concluded that the more of this strength he has, the stronger his winning momentum will continue to be. This is true not just of Sayadaw but of anyone possessed of these strengths on their life's journey; the more of this strength they have, the more they will be decorated with the garlands of victory. If one has a bit of ability, one will be decorated with just a few victory garlands. If one has many capabilities, one will be decorated with many victory garlands. If one is full of strength, one will be bedecked from head to toe with victory garlands. If one has enough to say, "I believe in my own strength," one must be very strong indeed.
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