Hurry on

You are young. You are strong. Row your boat as hard as you can. Hurry and continue to row on. don't be bothered if others slow down. For us, we must make the best of our own life.

This is our last life, our last existence. When we depart, we must take only the good things with us. Grab the victory flag. Never go backwards. Keep rowing forward. I say this is our last life because before this life we may have been deficient and inconsistent in our practice of good deeds. But in this life we must try harder and be more determined. We can no longer give in.

We must also make resolutions that encompass everything that is good. We will wish that we encounter only good things, maintain celibacy in every lifetime until we reach Nibbana10, and never cross paths with bad people- -people who lack morality and truthfulness. In the end, what is left of this world is only merit and demerit. Humans are "puppets" played by merit and demerit.

September 5, 1979