cut off. The things that keep us busy are interminable, so why not simply throw away all worldly affairs? Plans also have no limit, so why not just cut off the thinking mind? Today never ceases to come, but in each “today” more karma is created. Tomorrow also comes without fail, but few “tomorrows” are given to good actions. This year never fails to come, but defilements are endless. Next year always arrives too, but still you do not seek Bodhi. Moment succeeds moment, and thus day and night are soon past. One day succeeds the next; months slip away. Month follow month — soon next year is here. Years pass rapidly, and you find yourself at death’s door. A broken vehicle cannot run; an old person cannot practice.
Lying down you are idle; sitting up, your mind is confused. For many lifetimes will you fail to practice, and waste away your days and nights? You spend your life without practice, but do you think you will be able to make this empty body ret its life? This body will inevitably come to its end. Then what will the next body be? Isn’t this matter urgent? Isn’t this a matter of the greatest importance for your mind?
So don’t make “simple,” OK? If you really want to become a monk one hundred percent, please send me another letter.
Before you choose whether to become a monk or not, first your practice must become strong. So | ask you, What are you? The ten thousand Dharmas return to the One; where does the One return? Tell me, tell me! If you do understand, please send a good answer to me.
I hope you only go straight — don’t know, which is clear like space, let your mind return to clear, get enlightenment, and save all being from suffering.
Yours in the Dharma, S.S.
9 February 1981 Dear Soen Sa Nim,
I received your letter and | am very happy. | hope you are well.