It proved to be a defining moment for me when Ajahn Brahm kick-started the 8-precept retreat by chanting the 8-precepts. Without all the people and its noise, participants would finally be able to do some serious meditation. While I previously had no luck in any meditation (during my university days, meditation was about forcing oneself to count 10 breaths without getting distracted), it seems that all the hard work I put in resulted in a small (but significant) breakthrough. As I relaxing and enjoying the peace and stillness around me (the meditation hall was so quiet), I "accidentally" noticed that my mind was actually observing my breaths. After all the efforts these years in forcing my mind to count the breaths, the way to do it is actually to let the desire (of counting the breaths) go. In fact, I was so excited and almost cried that I jump straight out of it!

Dhamma talks given by Ajahn Brahm to help us understand on the various aspects of meditation. While there are no short cuts to success (PRACTISE is key), he gave several tips on how we could meditate successfully. It is not about the results that one should be striving for (i.e. with the desire to achieve results, there would be craving); it is the "letting go" of desires that should be the ultimate aim. Another point (which is often overlooked) to take note of is about "being kind to oneself". While one focuses on fulfilling the desires of the modern world, one tends not to be kind to oneself (either physically or mentally). When this happens, desire (which results in suffering) to have changes would arise.

As a conclusion, the past 10 days in Thailand could not have been more amazing or fruitful (especially when I did not even expect it to be so). With the stay in Wat Pah Nanachat followed by the retreat in Hua Hin, I learned so much more as compared to what I could have learned in other trips. However, when I think I know more about the true meaning in life, I would realise that there are actually alot more which needs to be learn. In short, the more I learn, the more I need to learn. Such is the paradox, and perhaps, such is the life.

Anyway, truly inspired (and positively agitated) by Ajahn Chah's teaching, just before I left Thailand, I started this little experiment where I observe and determine how long my body can withstand without alcohol. It has been 3 months since (i.e. 6 Jun 09) my lips last tasted alcohol. Quoting directly from the great meditation master, "If you are still following your likes and dislikes, you haven't even begun to practise Buddhism!"