18. For those who want something good

In early September, 1983, the Housewives Association of the Interior Ministry, led by Mrs. Juap Jirarote, came to the Northeast to do some charity work. One evening they took the opportunity to stop by and pay their respects to Luang Pu at 6:20 p.m.

After they had paid their respects and asked after his health, they received some amulets from him. Seeing that he wasn’t feeling well, though, they quickly left. But there was one lady who stayed behind and took this special opportunity to ask Luang Pu, “I’d like something good [a euphemism for an amulet] from Luang Pu, too.”

Luang Pu replied, “You have to meditate to get something good. When you meditate, your mind will be at peace. Your words and deeds will be at peace. Your words and deeds will be good. When you live in a good way like this, you’ll be happy.”

The lady replied, “I have lots of duties, and no time to meditate. My government work has me all tied up, so where am I going to find any time to meditate?”

Luang Pu explained,

“If you have time to breathe, you have time to meditate.”