After the evening chanting/meditation session (6pm to 8.30pm), there was some personal time for everybody to perform their personal errands (be it bathing, washing clothes or writing their diaries) before lights off at 9.30pm. Although we were heavily encouraged to keep our valuables (i.e. hand phone, camera, laptop & IPod) in the safe, I did not somehow (perhaps I was not willing to let go of my attachments). I "secretly" called Mum and Sally just to tell them I was ok.

Much to my amazement, I was looking forward to bed-time (wondered when did I last slept at 9pm) and crawled into my mosquito net enthusiastically. When the lights were off, all I could hear was the sounds made by bugs, crickets, beetles, spiders (large) and toads. Each sound was so crispy clear and unique. It helps when the rains came and drove all the summer heat away. As I fell asleep in the company of the sounds made by branches that fell on the dormitory roof, the urban dweller in me would had expected fear; but all it exists was just pure bliss with the surroundings.

Wake-up calls were simply the strikes on the gong at 3am. It seems that the Anagarika (or lay attendant) have had plenty of practices as the pauses between the gongs were so precised. I struggled to drag myself up to the toilet; for an owl like me, this time of the morning is usually reserved for sleeping or playing computer games. By the time I get into the main sila, the chanting would have already started. All of us would also meditate (for me I would be perfecting the art of sleeping while in a seated position) for an hour before we prepare for the daily alms round (males only). A team would consist of 3 monks and a lay practitioner (i.e. to help carry the food once it gets too heavy for the monks). It was a very humbling experience for the barefooted me (who has never "begged" for food) to be on an alms round. As we walked through the village, villagers dutifully offered glutinous rice, cakes and other food items. It would take 45mins to finish the alms round before we went back to the monastery. There was some short chanting before we ate the ONLY meal of the day; was again surprised my body could go with no food for so many hours.

As it was a designated work day, everybody were assigned with specific tasks such as cleaning roof gutters and oiling the kuti beams to prevent (not to kill) the infestation of termites. There was an additional tea session so as to replenish the energy spent on doing physical work.

I obtained special permission from the guest monk to go to town as I needed to source for accommodation (when the next group comes). It was astonishing to be able to feel the difference between the city (filled with noise, pollution & headaches) and the forest (surrounded by peace & tranquillity). No points for guessing the option that I would prefer. Got back to the monastery feeling at ease since I know the mundane world is behind me; for another 12 hours at least.

It had been an eye-opening stay in Wat Pah Nanachat, even though it was really short. If not for the lack of photographs (I wish I could had taken more!), I could had gone on and on about my time spent here. Never did I would ever expect this experience to plant such a large seed in my mind; perhaps improving myself spiritually was not a distant possibility after all.