Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist monk who lived from 1918 till 1992.  So I’m older than him when he died.  Do I make as much difference in the world as he did?  No.

But so what?  I figure that when I die at 104, I’ll smile at the net positive effect I’ve had on people.  That’s good enough – more enhancing than diminishing.

Ajahn Chah said many marvelous things, some of which have guided me through the years.  Here are my favourites:

If you let go a little, you will have a little peace.  If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.  If you let go completely, you will have complete peace.

Looking for peace is like looking for a turtle with a mustache: You won’t be able to find it.  But when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you.

The heart is the only book worth reading.

Trying to run away from suffering is actually to run toward it.

We only rent this house.  Why not find out who really owns it?

Just try to keep your mind in the present.  Whatever arises in the mind, just watch it and let go of it.  Don’t even wish to be rid of thoughts.  Then the mind will return to its natural state. 

When you walk, there is no need to do anything special.  Simply walk and see what is there. 

(In response to a student’s problem)  It’s uncertain, isn’t it?

It’s very simple.  Hold on to nothing.

***

It’s beyond the words.  And yet all you see here is what Ajahn said.  Perhaps we can also feel the vibration in his voice, which holds the true transmission.

Ajahn Chah died 34 years ago

And he lives today