After
a 4.5-hours drive along Highway 2, we finally arrived (830am)
at Jewel Monastery (branch of Wat Pah Nanachat), Khorat
Province (northeast Thailand), just in time for the opening
ceremony. Apart from the Thais, there was a sizeable of
visitors from Malaysia, Australia and Singapore (which is
where we were from).
We met up with the abbot (Ajahn Nyanadhammo) and he spoke
about encountering and overcoming difficulties in life.
What caught my attention in particular was how simple he
brought his point across using a simple analogy: when one
encounters criticism and disapproval, it is as though as
one is a piece of metal going through fire (i.e. criticism)
and hammering (i.e. disapproval) so that it can become a
good sword. In this way, one will not get disheartened easily
and will strive to look ahead in life. Such is the true
wisdom that learning the Dharma can provide (Forgive me
if you think I am preaching)!
After
lunch, we took a walk around the monastery. Upon entering
into the premises proper, we understood that this location
was chosen because there are three large trees positioned
in a triangular formation and it seems that they signify
the Triple Gem in Buddhism (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha)!
The surroundings were refreshing and cooling as large trees
nearby shaded us away from the heat and the air was unbelievably
fresh.
As there was a flight
to catch, we got back to Bangkok at 1pm. Along the journey,
we saw an accident which several cars collided. At least
1 was dead and paramedics were trying to rescue someone
who was still stuck in the car. Saw blood on the body. Such
was the impermance of life: it can end anytime.
Tales from the Beerless Me.
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A
sneak peak into the main hall of the Jewel Monastery, a
forest monastery beside Khao Yai National Park. |
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The Buddha.
The Dharma. The Sangha. |
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This
is Ajahn Nyanadhammo, abbot of Wat
Pah Nanachat. It was particularly inspiring when he spoke. |
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Believe
me, it was a good lunch. We even had folks cooking noodles
soup on the spot! |
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This is
used for walking meditation. It is sometimes necessary to
light candles (notice the yellowish sticks on either sides
of the path) so that the monks will not banged into the
poles because it can get real dark at night. |
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Mum under
a dead log. We took a walk around the forest. |
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A picture
for memory. The signboard was all in Thai and I don't know
what it means. I assumed it was something assoicated with
the temple (notice the Buddhist flag beside the Thailand
flag). |
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In the
back of the van along Highway Route 2. Got nothing to do.
It seems like an advertisement for the giant beer producer.
Singha is not all about beer, it does produce drinking water
as well. It looks like it's going to rain soon. |
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Outskirts
of Bangkok. The driver drove us to a large wholesaler market
where they sell tons of stuff. Picture shows the market
that sells mandrain oranges. There was other markets for
meat, vegetables and other fruits. We got a carton of Jambu
(rose apples) for 200B. A kilogram of mangos is roughly
S$0.80. |
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Elections
in Thailand, 2006. In the evening streets of Don Muang Town.
I observed and mostly see elections posters for "2"
(Thai Rak Thai party). Main opposition parties boycotted
this elections.
Afternote: Thai Rak Thai party won the elcetions at
slightly less than 60%. Thaksin consulted the King and promised
to step down after the new government is set up. Future
remains unknown.
Life still goes on for ordinary Thais. Nothing changed.
Forever changes. |
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