We have been practicing meditation in the Vijja Dhammakaya way — bringing the mind back to the center of the body, at the seventh base, two finger-widths above the navel.
In actual practice, this point can be adjusted for comfort. But the important principle remains the same: keep the mind inside the body.
After learning this method, today let us look more deeply at the teacher behind this knowledge — not only as a master of meditation, but as a master of giving.
Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro was not only a great meditation teacher.
He was a great giver.
1. He Gave Knowledge
When Luang Pu rediscovered the Dhammakaya meditation method, he did not keep it to himself.
He could have practiced alone.
He could have enjoyed inner peace quietly.
But he chose to teach.
He began with a small group. Slowly, the group grew larger. He taught every day. Even during the last period of his life, when he was sick, he continued teaching without stopping.
Why?
Because through his inner realization, he understood that living beings have wandered in samsara — the long cycle of birth and rebirth — for countless lifetimes due to ignorance.
He made a firm determination in his heart:
To help all beings — even the smallest ants and termites — to be freed from suffering.
Even if he had to leave this world, he resolved to return again and again until ignorance is destroyed and all beings are liberated.
After his passing, his teachings did not disappear.
The disciples, led by Luang Por Dhammajayo, have continued Luang Pu’s great determination.
They established Wat Phra Dhammakaya and have continued to spread the knowledge of Vijja Dhammakaya to the world.
The Dhammakaya knowledge continues until today. His followers consider it the original essence of Buddhism that had faded over time.
When one reaches this inner experience, many benefits arise:
- Clarity
- Wisdom
- Compassion
- Deep peace
Luang Pu gave the greatest gift —
He gave a path to inner peace.
2. He Shared Material Support
Luang Pu did not give only knowledge.
He also gave material support.
At Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, he organized the temple so that everyone could live well and practice fully. He established a kitchen to provide food daily for monks and novices, so they would not worry about survival and could focus on meditation.
This determination came from his own experience.
When he was newly ordained, he once went on alms round for two days and received no food. On the third day, he received only one spoon of rice and one banana.
At that moment, a hungry dog approached him.
Even though he was very hungry, he divided the food and gave half to the dog.
Then he made a wish in his heart:
“May I never experience this kind of hunger again.”
After that day, he received abundant food — enough not only for himself but to share with others.
Because he had experienced hunger, he did not want others to suffer in the same way.
He began by feeding 20–30 monks. Over time, the number grew to 600 monks. Including nuns and temple residents, around 1,200 people were provided with food every single day without interruption.
Even long after his passing, supporters still come daily to offer food at Wat Paknam. It is said that as long as his preserved body remains there, people will continue nourishing the temple.
This is generosity in action.
Giving that continues beyond one lifetime.
3. He Let Go of Negative Emotions
There is another form of giving that is even more difficult.
It is letting go of anger, resentment, and hurt.
As Luang Pu’s reputation grew, not everyone understood him. Some criticized him. Some insulted him. Some even attempted to harm him.
But he did not respond with hatred.
He did not seek revenge.
He did not hold anger.
Because of his strong moral discipline and deep meditation attainment, no harm could truly reach him. His inner purity protected him.
More importantly, because he let go of negative emotions, he never became discouraged. He continued teaching. He continued giving.
Letting go of anger is also generosity.
When we release anger, we give peace to ourselves.
When we forgive, we give freedom to our own heart.
What Can We Learn?
We may think, “Luang Pu was a great master. We are ordinary people.”
But we can follow his example in simple ways.
1. Give Knowledge
If we know something useful, we can share it.
If we understand meditation, we can guide others.
Knowledge shared becomes wisdom multiplied.
2. Share Resources
We may not build a large kitchen.
But we can support others.
We can donate.
We can volunteer.
We can give our time and energy.
Even preparing, organizing, or cleaning after an event is generosity.
3. Let Go of Negative Emotions
When someone criticizes us, can we stay calm?
When someone misunderstands us, can we forgive?
If we can let go, we become light inside.
And meditation becomes easier.
The Result of Giving
When we give, something beautiful happens.
Happiness arises.
Connection arises.
Trust arises.
Giving purifies the mind.
A generous mind is a soft mind.
A soft mind becomes still easily.
And when the mind becomes still, meditation becomes deep and natural.
If we are selfish, the mind becomes tight and narrow.
But when we practice generosity —
Giving knowledge,
Sharing resources,
Letting go of negative emotions —
Our heart expands.
And when the heart expands, meditation progresses faster.
Conclusion
Luang Pu Sodh showed us that giving is not only about money.
It is about knowledge.
It is about compassion.
It is about forgiveness.
Giving has power.
May we learn from his example.
May we become people who give.
And through giving, may we find true happiness and steady progress in meditation.
