The True Refuge - Luangpor Pramote

You want to rely on something, but you cannot find anything to rely on. At such times, consider this teaching from Luangpor (Pramote).

As you continue your practice, you will clearly understand that what is truly important is not anywhere else. If your happiness is based on other people or other things, your mind will not be at peace.

Positions of responsibility, money, property, and family—even with these, you cannot find peace. You cannot even rely on your own body. It is the kind of thing that could collapse at any moment.

Luangpor once met someone like this. Even though he had just met them a moment ago, that person passed away. Food got stuck in their throat, they couldn't breathe, and it happened in less than five minutes. Some people die after being hit by a car.

In this world, acquaintances, status, money, property, and family—including yourself—cannot be your true refuge.

So, what is a true refuge? Can you answer that?

We have Kamma (karma). This is our true refuge. You cannot rely on anything else.

Accumulate good Kamma. Good Kamma becomes our refuge and creates the causes for the mind to be happy.

People in the world crave happiness, but they are not wise. They think that if they have a lot of money, they will obtain happiness. However, even if they have a lot of money, they do not look happy. Even if they become very famous, they must wear down their nerves and remain in a state of constant tension. Nothing good comes of it.

What is important is good Kamma. Direct your mind toward keeping the Five Precepts seriously.

Every time you remember that, a sense of fulfillment and joy arises. This is good food for the mind—the food of merit. And then, you feel happy.

Do not rely on others; rely on yourself. Rely on your own Kamma. Kamma is nothing other than your own actions.

What you can do today Today, do just one small act of kindness for someone. Or, quietly keep one of the Five Precepts. That will become your own certain refuge.