The only thing I expected to see is Wat Nong Bua, a breathtaking 56m high replica of the Great Chedi of Buddhagaya in India. (Buddhagaya is one of the holy sites in India where Buddha gains enlightenment under the Boddhi Tree) but what I never anticipated is the invitation from a monk to be a temple boy for one month so as to teach him English. At least, that’s what I negotiated; He was kind of urging me to stay for one month as a temporary monk.
Since it’s too late to visit Wat Nong Bua as the temple usually closes at 6pm, I decided to wander around my guest house neighborhood. I stumbled upon a temple besides the Thung Si Muang Park that looks insignificant until I saw the wooden scripture hall raised by the pier in the centre of a pool and an old Buddha’s footprint bot. It’s Wat Thun Si Muang, built during the reign of Rama the Third.
I did the same old routine by paying my respect to the Buddha. I don’t usually ask for anything except this time with an inexplicable feeling, I ask the Buddha to guide my heart and bestow my mum with good blessing, excellent health and happiness. I’m already happy and suffice to have my needs fulfilled. You can have many “wants” but my needs are adequate.
Just when I’m about to leave the temple, a monk call out on me and with his hand gesturing to sit with him on the bench, I was a bit apprehensive as I’m worried that I might have done something wrong. That’s when he ask me where am I from? So he knows I’m a tourist. It turns out that his name is Phra (monk) Panya, forty-something, and has been a monk in the temple for about a year. He has been learning English for quite sometime and wishes to practice his English with me; I teach him a few words and talk about what’s life in Singapore, my profession and if I’ve a girlfriend. He also asked if I would like to come back on the next day at 6am to partake the daily alms offering, perhaps as a temple boy. So when he asked in doubt, “Surely?” I answer “Absolutely”.
The next day, I turn up punctually for my appointment, the air is fresh and I’m not feeling any tiredness. I’m not too sure is it because I’m excited or just the surrounding of the temple is too enchanting. I was sitting on the same bench waiting for Phra Panya and there came an old monk, asking me where I am from? (Thai people likes to ask “Where you come from?” all the time.) I said I’m from Singapore and he immediately reply that he has been in Singapore once, since I’ve been volunteering as a temple guide for various temple and museum so I ask by any chance if he stay in Wat Ananda, one of the oldest Thai temple in Singapore. He said yes. We chatted for a while before I met Phra Panya again. Little that I know that the old monk I’ve been talking to is the Abott of the temple, Luang Por Siriphattana. I feel so ashamed and ignorance because I fail to give him a proper wai earlier.
The monks begin to line up in order by their seniority before they marched out to the street to receive the offering by the locals. I was told to carry a basket and pick up any overloaded food from the monk’s alms. We cross over a few streets and you can hear the monks chant bestowing their blessing for the locals after offering their food.
Back to the temple, we collected all the food and divided into different portions. Of course the Abbott has the royal feast while the novices have a slightly simple meal. Luang Por Siriphattana offer me the remaining of his royalty feast which includes, Fruits, Chicken drumstick, Porridge, some Thai finger foods and dessert. Oh lastly, a packet of Chocolate Soya Milk. Seriously, the porridge is exceedingly delectable that I can’t even use words to describe except for oohhhh, arrrrrrgh and yummmmmmmmmy! The porridge taste so good that I can eat it on its own without any side dish except for some green lovely garnishes.
After the appetizing breakfast, I get in touch with Phra Panya again. We chatted together with the Abbott. Before I leave, he asked again if I would like to become a monk for one month, maybe tomorrow. I was not prepared but I decline his offer nicely, saying that it’s too sudden even though I’ve plan to do it at the age of 30. I’ve to let my mum knows first. So instead of rejecting his offer, I ask if I could be a temple boy to prepare myself first this November before I come back again to ordain as a monk. He said, yes, of Course. You can live here in the temple and teach English while he can teach me mediation and speak Thai.. He thinks my English is good; maybe because I’m good in articulating English with exaggerated expression.
Then he stood up and brushed off his hand, like: That’s settled. I said, “If you’re serious, your honor, I’m serious.” Thus, I promise I’ll be back this November for a month to be a temple boy to learn mediation and Thai from him in exchange I teach him English. The reason why November is because that is the month I was born and besides I can celebrate Loy Krathong in that period of time.
Now, I’m the kind of person who, when a monk show up from nowhere under the tree ask you to partake the alms offering and invites you to stay in the temple and teach him English, I think I should make every effort to fulfill that incitement. “Surely?” He asked another time, “Absolutely”, I answered.
In here, I would like to express my gratitude to Khun Gon, the temple boy that is ordaining next month, August, the temple housekeeper that used to be a teacher. Phra WouThiKai, who shows me around Wat Nong Phong, Luang Por Siriphattana for sharing his food with me and last but not least Phra PanYa for the best invitation and the beautiful necklace anyone can ever receive. I’m deeply grateful with all your kindness and by then I shall hope to introduce the Buddha, Dharma & Sangha for the sentient beings.
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