Chapter Thirteen: On the Order 17

The Founding Master often showed particularly loving care for the celibate men and women, saying, “Even if you pass just this one lifetime splendidly and correctly, discarding wealth, sex, fame, and gain for the sake of the world and the order, it will be far better than passing several lifetimes in the secular world for the sake of one’s own household. With one lifetime’s worth of merit you will attain many future lifetimes of blessings, joy, honor, and reputation that are free from the outflows, and ultimately realize the great fruition of achieving buddhahood. But if one leads the life of a celibate man or woman as a formality, without making any real achievement, then that, too, would be futile. You must be sure to practice conscientiously.”