Pure & Simple: Selected Teachings

Introductory Note The book begins with a short note explaining that the translated passages come from a Thai collection of excerpts from Upasika Kee’s Dhamma talks, printed by the Khao Suan Luang community in June 1973 for her 72nd birthday. Main Teachings on Practice The opening teachings emphasize that practice requires love of truth and endurance. Without these qualities, the practitioner remains controlled by defilements and cravings. The text encourages direct contemplation of one’s own suffering and the suffering one causes others. Letting Go and Moral Training Upasika Kee teaches that letting go begins by seeing the drawbacks of attachment. The practitioner must cultivate contentment, shame toward wrongdoing, restraint in speech and action, and honesty about one’s own faults. Mindfulness of Breathing A central section explains breath meditation. The breath is used as the “post” to which the restless mind is tied. The practitioner is instructed to stay with the breath continuously in sitting, standing, walking, lying down, seeing, hearing, and daily activity. Looking Directly at the Mind The text then moves from breath awareness to direct observation of the mind. The practitioner learns to see the mind as a natural phenomenon, not as self. Sensory contact, thoughts, labels, and awareness itself are to be observed simply, without grasping. Insight into Inconstancy, Stress, and Not-self The later teachings focus on insight. The practitioner is urged to observe arising and passing away directly, not merely repeat doctrinal formulas. Genuine knowing leads to dismay, disenchantment, dispassion, and release from attachment.