The Original idea of monkhood is asceticism. You come because
you love a Master, you follow a Master and you go through anything
just to stay near. So, you eat whatever scraps leftover or whatever
from the people outside, who brought in and ate and left
it there; or you go begging for food, because you can't go to
work. You understand this? But I don't think that spirit continues
to live until now. Some still do. You know, there's too much
physical demanding on me, and I don't want to crowd my mind with
all these things anymore. Therefore, I say I don't need monastic
disciples. Not that I don't accept. It's not necessary. You could
do it yourself, yeah? If your heart is monastic, you are monastic.
There is no difference. Even I don't wear the monastic robe anymore
so that we look the same. We don't feel the difference anymore.
So, don't feel offended or hurt like being rejected or things
like that. It's not like that. You do not know all what I have
to work to keep their monastic vows and ideals in order. You
understand this? If you want to do it yourself, it's fine, okay,
like. the way I did. It would be better. You'll learn more when
you appreciate your life. You have to work for it. You'll appreciate
it better. Okay?