A Majestic Tree of Merit Biography of The American Bhikkhu Kovida

A Majestic Tree of Merit - CoverUnlike in the case of a novel, when a biography comes out in its complete form, its real author is no longer  among the living. The author, in this case, sacrifices even his very life to provide the lessons, variety and coherence to his narrative.

Venerable Kovida too, brought his exemplary biographical narrative to completion with dedication and self-sacrifice, using a ‘terse’ style. The accompanying biographical sketch is but an attempt made by a bhikkhu practising meditation at the Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya, to recapture his terse but meaningful style of life, for the benefit of the future generation keen on the righteous path.

I am my pupil, I am my teacher too’. These are not whimsical utterances. They are indeed meaningful and are in keeping with the sayings of the  Buddha such as: ‘One is one’s own saviour’; ‘Live, being an island unto yourself’; ‘You yourself should make the effort’.

We should proceed on our procession towards inward peace being both a pupil and teacher to ourselves, at the same time. The light we get from the Buddha’s dispensation, is a search-light that enables us to see ourselves, and to recognise ourselves. In other words, a light to see our inner selves. This is an aspect that cannot be seen by ordinary light. There is an ‘inner self’ in everything. The magnitude of miracles accomplished by that inherent power staggers one’s imagination.

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