Never Give Up

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

It is because we have all created a great deal of good kamma in our past lives that we have been born into the human realm and come into contact with Buddhism. But whether or not we make the best of this precious human birth lies, above all else, in our making a steady long-term and unwavering effort to realise the truth of the Buddha’s teachings as a direct experience. A key principle of this effort is that when we feel enthusiastic and full of faith, we practice. When we feel low or lazy or discouraged, we practice.

On one occasion Ajahn Chā was asked to what causes and conditions he attributed his great achievements. He said, ‘Actually, when I was a young monk I had many defilements. If there was anything that distinguished me from other monks it was that I was patient, I endured through all my difficulties, I never gave up.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.