Q31. Are there any awakened people in the world at this time?

~ By Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu ~

This question can be answered by quoting the Buddha, ‘If bhikkhus live rightly, the world will not be empty of arahants (worthy, undefiled beings).’* He said this on the very day he died.

If doubts or questions arise as to whether there are any arahants nowadays, don’t go answering simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ This would be a serious mistake. You must answer by quoting the Buddha, ‘If bhikkhus live rightly, the world will not be empty of arahants.’

(*) Sace me bhikkhu sammā vihareyyum asunna loko arahanteti assa.

(From “Buddha-Dhamma for Inquiring Minds”)

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Buddha-Dhamma for Students (title of original translation) was composed of two talks given by Ajahn Buddhadāsa in January 1966 to students at Thammasat University, Bangkok. It was translated from the Thai by Rod Bucknell, and revised in 2018 by Santikaro Upasaka. To read/download as free ebook (pdf).

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For all English retreat talks, visit Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu.

For more information and free ebooks, visit Suan Mokkh – The Garden of Liberation.

Photo: Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives E-33