พระอาจารย์อธิบายว่าสรรพสัตว์ล้วนถูกธรรมชาติสามฝ่ายครอบงำเหมือนกันหมด การมองทุกคนเหมือนเพื่อนร่วมทุกข์เกิดแก่เจ็บตายจะทำให้ใจเบาสบาย พร้อมขยายความเรื่องการนั่งสมาธิแบบ "เห็นได้ก็ดี ไม่เห็นก็ไม่เป็นไร" และการวางใจเป็นอุเบกขาเพื่อให้มลทินเบาบางลงPra Ajarn explains that all beings are equally governed by the three natures, and seeing everyone as a fellow-sufferer in birth, aging, illness, and death lightens the heart. He also unpacks the meditation instruction 'seeing is fine, not seeing is fine too' and how resting in equanimity lets defilements settle so old merit can reconnect with new.
Someone asked: Luang Phor's teaching to see everyone as a friend — whether spouse, parents, relatives, or coworkers — does it carry a further meaning, such as loosening our attachment to family?
Why We Should See Everyone as a Friend
Pra Ajarn explained that the whole world and all beings are equally governed by the three natures. Sometimes the mind is wholesome, sometimes cruel; often we cannot control ourselves, because these three natures force us into actions we shouldn't take, in order to draw in the energy of unwholesome karma. Everyone is equally deserving of compassion. When we see through to each person's true nature — the pure -body present in every being — we come to dwell in the pure world of dhamma. The Triple Gem shines bright within us. When we speak with or act toward others, let it flow from the dhamma-body within us to the dhamma-body within them. Boundless streams of merit arise, letting us live continuously on the pure path of dhamma. The heart becomes at ease, no longer quick to irritation, because the defilements that cause irritability are cleared away.
Sitting Still: 'Seeing Is Fine, Not Seeing Is Fine Too'
Another questioner asked Pra Ajarn to elaborate on the instruction: 'seeing is fine, seeing however much is fine, not seeing is fine too — just stay still, soft, and at ease.' Pra Ajarn explained that all we need is for the sphere of knowing to arise. Since defilements — the elements that veil and obscure — are still present, they will do their job regardless. Whatever we get, we should be content with for now. If we become pleased or displeased with the result, the mind wavers, and unwholesomeness slips back in. We must rest the mind in equanimity and keep it balanced, just as the Buddha taught: contemplate the body, feelings, mind, and dhamma in order to eliminate craving and aversion toward the world. When we abide this way in system, the pure energy of merit purifies the defilements, and the mind naturally gathers, opens up, and becomes light and at ease.
Why Sitting Still Lets Old Merit Reconnect with New
A further question asked about the teaching on 'connecting with old merit.' Pra Ajarn explained that when we maintain constant, unwavering awareness, the sphere of knowing draws in pure energy that purifies defilements step by step — first the coarse ones, then the middling ones, then the subtle ones. As new merit flows in continuously and purifies defilements enough to sustain the wholesome system, the old merit we already possess — which previously had no chance to bear fruit because side held the mind captive — finally gets its opportunity to lend its support. This is why we need to keep creating new merit continuously in daily life, whether through giving, keeping precepts, or meditation.