A member asked the teacher to answer two questions: how does resolving to meet the Lord Buddha differ from resolving to "reach the ultimate end of Dhamma," and what task must those seeking Nibbana perform within the special merit-group.

What is "the ultimate end of Dhamma"

Reaching Nibbana and meeting the Lord Buddha is possible by attaining the subtle arahat body and purifying it until it matches the sphere of Nibbana — this can happen even in this very life, simply by walking the middle path, reaching the inner sphere of Dhamma and all eighteen bodies. "The ultimate end of Dhamma," however, is the point where the three natures governing humanity can finally rest at peace — which happens only when the wholesome side wins completely. This is therefore not yet the final point, even after one can enter and leave the sphere of Nibbana at will, because the wholesome system must still achieve total victory.

The mission of those in the special merit-group

Those in the special merit-group carry an essential mission: to reclaim the elements and Dhamma, and to subdue Mara. Upon reaching the inner field of Dhamma, the eighteen bodies, and the inner Triple Gem, one is freed from defilement and comes to appreciate deeply the qualities of purity, wisdom, and great compassion. This is a privilege distinct from that of ordinary Buddhists — those in the special group need not fear falling into the lower realms the way others do, since they hold the special right to enter and leave the sphere of Nibbana at every present moment. The essential mission of being born is to lead the world to the inner Triple Gem, so that all may join in performing the vijja to subdue Mara together. Three elements are needed for this: the Great Dhammakaya Cetiya, a venue to gather a million people, and a corps of practitioners — all of which are now in place; only the right timing remains.

Why Mara must be subdued

Even though the human body feels it directs its own life, in truth it is governed entirely by the three natures. As one reaches progressively subtler bodies, each claims to be the true self, until reaching the arahat Dhamma body, which is the true self, endowed with the three great qualities. Our role is to learn and understand what is genuinely true, so as to bring about knowledge paired with happiness and purity. In daily life, the task is simply to fulfil one's role well, whatever that role may be — child, student, young adult, layperson, or monastic.

Everyone in the special merit-group is already oriented toward Nibbana

At every moment of stillness at the center of the center, the mind of one in the special merit-group turns automatically toward Nibbana, whether at 1% or 100% clarity. A bright path appears connecting to the Triple Gem and to Nibbana across countless beings, receiving protection and care. This is the essential mission that removes all need for worry while living out this cycle of birth and death. Subduing Mara means that all who have reached the inner Triple Gem join their strength to perform the sacred vijja together, clearing away every defilement of the unwholesome until purity and fullness are achieved.