Have you ever had the sense that you are just... browsing through various meditative styles? I’ve definitely been there—hopping from one meditation app to the next, seeking that elusive instant of spiritual breakthrough, but eventually finding your thoughts as chaotic as they were at the start. In a world that’s constantly yelling at us to move faster and promote the newest "quick solution" for mental tranquility, it can be profoundly fatiguing. We’re all so busy looking for a breakthrough that we forget to actually be here.
For this reason, the legacy of Sayadaw U Kundala feels particularly significant. He did not prioritize becoming a well-known spiritual figure or seeking widespread popularity. He was an authentic practitioner—a calm and unwavering figure who saw no necessity in using complex or decorative language. He was not the right choice for anyone in search of an easy spiritual bypass. Rooted securely in the classic Mahāsi Vipassanā system, his entire approach centered on a concept we often avoid: remaining present.
I love how simple his approach was, even if it sounds a bit daunting at first. He discouraged any attempt to "refine" or "glamorize" one's practice or pretend you were floating on a cloud when your legs were actually screaming in pain. It was just: rising, falling, walking, aching. He allowed for no superficiality and no means of evasion. He guided individuals saddhammaramsi sayadaw in the art of remaining with discomfort and confronting it squarely. There’s something so incredibly brave about that, don't you think? In certain ways, his quietude carried more weight than any inspiring lecture.
The thing is, we’re so used to "doing" things —adopting new systems and testing various rites— that we lose sight of the strength found in pure simplicity. The fundamental premise of Sayadaw U Kundala’s teaching was: stop trying to be "better" and start being more present. He used to say that wisdom matures slowly, kind of like fruit on a tree. It is impossible to accelerate the ripening of a peach through sheer will, isn't it? It follows its own organic timeline, just as meditation does. It calls for an unusual, striking mixture of persistent effort and profound humility.
Ultimately, it becomes clear that genuine spiritual commitment isn't about some dramatic life overhaul. It is much more understated and, in many respects, more challenging. It means opting for integrity even when the practice feels tedious. It’s choosing to look at your own messy thoughts rather than seeking a distraction through a digital device.
Though Sayadaw U Kundala did not create a "brand" or a high-profile legacy, but he left something much better: a reminder that the quiet path is often the one that actually leads somewhere. Each breath, each stride, and each small annoyance acts as a portal for realization. The process is not always pleasant, and it is certainly not rapid, yet there is true spiritual freedom in the choice to finally... end the constant striving.
I am interested to know, does the notion of "slow-growing" wisdom align with your present experience, or are you feeling the pressure of the modern demand for an immediate result?