Winnie's Whereabouts

Thailand retreat (17-25apr)

Photos : (1) Lotus (2) Mainhall (where an ordination ceremony was happening) (3) Middlehall (where we did afternoon meditation) (4) Monks on alms round, about 7am (5) Breakfast preparations (6) Our guardian dog (7) Makan time (8) Middlehall, sitting pose (9) My kuti room (small hut) (10) Forest path leading to kuti
* Thanks MengHaw for some of these photos!

I had e opportunity to visit a forest monastery, n spent a week in all peacefulness ! well... apart fr e many mozzies n giant geckos !

This was certainly a wonderful chance to observe e way of e forest monks, who practised with e same simplicity of monks during e buddha's time.
Two main things i noticed, e alms rounds, e renouncement of material possessions, & e emphasis on meditation.

Well... meditation for a beginner like me, even e most basic .. just counting the breath was pretty much elusive. The monastery is a very condusive place, plenty of greens and little distractions.
No great meditation insights but noticed my eyes felt so relaxed.

The group was total 5, with 3 experienced meditators. Sophia n i were newbies, a bit lost about what exactly to do, & spent time trying trying.. n also listening to dharma audio cd.

The chief monk was very kind, and obliged us a couple of Q&A sessions, we didnt quite have any high level questions for him ;) . A helpful western monk would help us with translations (since the ajahn spoke thai). This place is most suited for someone who is an already an experienced meditator.

Food & Alms..
A bit more about the alms culture, this tradition is a very mutual arrangement with the surrounding villagers, lay people who find joy & generosity in supporting the monk community. Each day, the monks take their bowl and walk on alms round, and would eat anyfood that is placed inside. One meal a day, for only reason of sustainance.
It was very interesting to see alms round, the simplicity & grace of it.

On the weekends, it is very festive. Many lay people visit with families, bringing lots of home cooked specialties, local thai cuisine. Cars of folks from bangkok and other villagers arrive in the mornings, sometimes to visit their children or relatives who are novices or monks. It is like a huge picnic ground :)
We foreign visitors also got to enjoy the hospitality & generosity of the local thais !

My takeaways, "Annica, Dukkha, Annata".. Samathi, Panna..
The nature of most worldly things, can be observed as such - change, pain, non-self, and it is through awareness & inner wisdom that these phenomena can be truly understood & overcome.
Oh gosh, everything seems painful, but when i see the serene golden faces of buddha & his 2 key disciples in the hall, they are happy and i have hope :)

posted by cloudz1 @ 3:39 PM