After a long day of marveling yesterday, I feel depleted, maybe because the past few days I’ve been waking up, 4am in the wee hours. I might have a sleep deprivation problem. The morning chanting is soothing and harmonious even though I’m not able to appreciate completely till to my drowsy state.
6am, when the breeze is cool and the sun is rising. I really do appreciate walking barefoot on the road, begging for food, grateful for the food that the people are offering. At the same time, doubting their intention whether it’s to gain lots of good merits in their afterlife or sincerely wishes that the monks will gain enlightenment soon. Well, whether or not the monks can gain enlightenment that’s another story. I believe I’m in no place to be judgmental. Nonetheless, Generosity is always a good virtue.
After the alms offering, I’ve come to a conclusion that the monks will never die in hunger. Seriously, it’s lavish to certain extent. The amount of food is plenty and dare I say delicious! No wonder some monks take monkhood as an occupation and others not able to gain enlightenment till to their attachment of Thai local delicacies.
Khun Paul picks me up after the alms offering, to University Rachapat for my first English class of the many days to come. The students greeted the teacher, and in a surprising manner looking at this total stranger. As usual, everyone thought I’m Thai. I introduce myself, and that’s where they know I’m “farang” some asked if I’m a singer in Singapore, mainly because Khun Paul wanted to trigger their interest in learning English, chose an English song to sing along, kind of using the lyrics to comprehend the English language. I was asked by Khun Paul to sing, Right here waiting by Bryan Adams. That’s where the students have their jaws dropped. What can I say? I’m a born singer ;) Khun Paul then instructed the students to ask me questions in English, about me and my life in Singapore. They also initiated to give me a Thai name. I can’t wait to see what Thai name they have given me. Something starting with K perhaps?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Ahram Boy - 6/07 Tue
Early in the morning, I left the apartment to Suvarnabhumi airport, flying to Ubon Ratchathani by Air asia. Before I board on the plane, Paul, a representative from the temple called me, saying he’ll be picking me from the airport to Wat Thung Si Mueang. It’s assuring to hear that they are expecting me, even though a few emails and phone calls had been exchanged. Sometime Thai people do have the attitude of taking things to easy. It’s a short flight compared to the 14 hours train ride. I’m glad I made the decision to fly.
Khun Paul, A English teacher and temple volunteer pick me up, even though he has mistaken me for a white Caucasian man. I reach the temple with a strange excitement, hoping I’ll meet the man whom invited me to stay in the temple. But much to my dismay, the monk, Phra Panya InLee had already disrobed. Expect the unexpected flashes through my mind. Without showing my disappointment, I met the abbot of the temple, Luang Por Sirirattanaporn, together with Khun Pal as my translator, to a meeting room to discuss my intention of staying in the temple. It seems like they already have made plans for me. I have made it clear that I will live, eat and sleep like the monks did. No food after 12pm noon, Pali Chanting and mediation in every morning & evening, and last but not least sleep on hard surface. These are all the requirements I’ve anticipated. I truly want to experience what monkhood is.
After our conversation, I get to know that I’ll be teaching English in a university instead to the monks I have actually planned. Since Phra Panya In Lee is not around, a lot of my subconscious expectation no longer exists. I dropped my bag in the Luang Por “residency”, a nice and modern place, not as rustic or rural as I thought.
Khun Paul brings me to a nearby vegetarian place for lunch. I seriously thought I will have broken my nearly to 3 years diet as a vegetarian but it seems that Luang Por and Khun Paul is so accommodating. I begin to feel like a guest rather than a monk. Initially, I’ve to detach myself not to eat meat and now I’ve to detach myself not to be a vegetarian. I discover all along I’ve been grasping the concept or ideas on food. Any detachment I have so far seems to be attachment. Come what may, I deliberate; I’ll eat anything as it comes. If I’m spending my own money on food, I’ll be a vegetarian, if someone offers me non-vegetarian food. I’ll eat that too.
In the late afternoon, I went with Luang Por to attend “No consumption of alcohol” conference. I’m surprise that the impression we have on Theravada Buddhism in Arahantship is totally wrong. They do participate in community development and provide dharma teaching as a solution for the welfare of the people. I sat with Khun Paul and he patiently explains to me that alcohol consumption among the teenagers and farmers (Rural area) has escalated to an unruly social problem. Alcohol abuse, drink-driving, underage sex and many more have been rising till to heavy drinking. I didn’t know monk now has a part-time job as a social worker.
The rest of the day, I stay in the temple, mingling around, conversing with Luang Por and trying to meet new friends. The novice monk always seems to have an interest in “Farang”, Foreigners. They’ll laugh at anything you do or say. I have learned not to take myself too seriously and the best way to deal with it is to laugh together with them.
In the evening, I was told to move from Luang Por “Residency” to Viharn, Temple hall where I’m sleeping for the next 3 weeks…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhat
http://www.answers.com/topic/viharn
Khun Paul, A English teacher and temple volunteer pick me up, even though he has mistaken me for a white Caucasian man. I reach the temple with a strange excitement, hoping I’ll meet the man whom invited me to stay in the temple. But much to my dismay, the monk, Phra Panya InLee had already disrobed. Expect the unexpected flashes through my mind. Without showing my disappointment, I met the abbot of the temple, Luang Por Sirirattanaporn, together with Khun Pal as my translator, to a meeting room to discuss my intention of staying in the temple. It seems like they already have made plans for me. I have made it clear that I will live, eat and sleep like the monks did. No food after 12pm noon, Pali Chanting and mediation in every morning & evening, and last but not least sleep on hard surface. These are all the requirements I’ve anticipated. I truly want to experience what monkhood is.
After our conversation, I get to know that I’ll be teaching English in a university instead to the monks I have actually planned. Since Phra Panya In Lee is not around, a lot of my subconscious expectation no longer exists. I dropped my bag in the Luang Por “residency”, a nice and modern place, not as rustic or rural as I thought.
Khun Paul brings me to a nearby vegetarian place for lunch. I seriously thought I will have broken my nearly to 3 years diet as a vegetarian but it seems that Luang Por and Khun Paul is so accommodating. I begin to feel like a guest rather than a monk. Initially, I’ve to detach myself not to eat meat and now I’ve to detach myself not to be a vegetarian. I discover all along I’ve been grasping the concept or ideas on food. Any detachment I have so far seems to be attachment. Come what may, I deliberate; I’ll eat anything as it comes. If I’m spending my own money on food, I’ll be a vegetarian, if someone offers me non-vegetarian food. I’ll eat that too.
In the late afternoon, I went with Luang Por to attend “No consumption of alcohol” conference. I’m surprise that the impression we have on Theravada Buddhism in Arahantship is totally wrong. They do participate in community development and provide dharma teaching as a solution for the welfare of the people. I sat with Khun Paul and he patiently explains to me that alcohol consumption among the teenagers and farmers (Rural area) has escalated to an unruly social problem. Alcohol abuse, drink-driving, underage sex and many more have been rising till to heavy drinking. I didn’t know monk now has a part-time job as a social worker.
The rest of the day, I stay in the temple, mingling around, conversing with Luang Por and trying to meet new friends. The novice monk always seems to have an interest in “Farang”, Foreigners. They’ll laugh at anything you do or say. I have learned not to take myself too seriously and the best way to deal with it is to laugh together with them.
In the evening, I was told to move from Luang Por “Residency” to Viharn, Temple hall where I’m sleeping for the next 3 weeks…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhat
http://www.answers.com/topic/viharn
Ahram Boy - 5/07 Mon
I went to a nearby barber in the neighborhood, to cut my hair really short, apparently, it’s not short enough but I still love how it contours with my head. I can’t really describe the feeling I have as I don’t know what to expect, there is definitely some trepidation and a little excitement but just not knowing what to expect is truly intimidating. I’m a control freak by nature so it’s hard not to anticipate. I guess I have to let go and focus on the present step by step.
I catch up with my Thai friends, Beam and Gan, we had dinner and of course as sardonic as we are, lots of laughter and teasing in our repartee, to an extent, they even joke If I’m serious that tomorrow, I’ll be living in the temple as a temple boy. That kind of put my mind into another zone, not thinking about what is to come tomorrow. It feels a little too surreal!
Ahram Boy - 4/7 Sun
After leaving Taiwan to Bangkok, I get in touch with Millie & Gel who kindly offer to let me stay in their apartment, located in Sukhuvit soi 65 before flying to Ubon Ratchantani the day after tomorrow. It’s good to be in Bangkok once again, just the language, street vendors and the occasionally appearance of He-She is delightful to be surrounded with.
As it’s a late flight, almost 10pm when I arrived at their apartment, Millie cook a packet of instant noodles before I dozes off on her Thai Tatami mattress...
As it’s a late flight, almost 10pm when I arrived at their apartment, Millie cook a packet of instant noodles before I dozes off on her Thai Tatami mattress...
Foreword
Before I can fully absorb and reflect my travel experiences in Taiwan. I'm already jumping into my next destination, Ubon Rachathani in Thailand. The end is indeed the begining. This year is pretty special for me, at the grand old age of 29, coming to 30. I can’t help but to compare my life with the Buddha, it’s at this age when he chose to leave the palace and seek for the enlightenment. The notion of finding a way out of death, sickness and unsatisfactory in life is liberating, thus this year, I decided to be a temple boy for a month. It’s a promise I’ve made to a monk during the Buddhist Lent 2 years ago. I’m given my words to him for this inimitable undertaking, followed by September, a pilgrimage in India to unravel the Buddha’s footstep…
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Day 22 - Goodbye is the hardest thing to do
Leaving when you begin to know a little more about the country is harder than arriving in a country when you first step into the unknown. It is one of the most emotional experiences I have as a traveler
I reach Taipei in a late afternoon. The bus journey is comforting and nostalgic. Looking back and reflecting on the places I've been and people I've met. It's indeed a rewarding and fruitful trip.
Even though I'm not leaving straight back to home, I still feel a little apprehensive. There is no beginning and ending, just the way you live your life in between…
Day 21 - Disturbance & Relief
I challenge myself by visiting 2 different counties in one day. First, Zhang Hua where I meet the huge copper Buddha and then the hot spring in Lu Shan that I soak till I wahhhh.
Zhang Hua is a cool town to hang out but the weather is incredibly hot, 41 degrees Celsius. There have everything a city needs but not as overcrowded. The BaGuaSan Big Buddha is incredible, It’s actually a building itself where Buddha life story is depicted. However, the narration is misrepresented and –verb like admonish is used in the story by the Buddha. There are also other things that disturb me during the visit. The free distribution book that attacks Tibetan Buddhism and other unorthodox Buddhism school of thoughts is such a blasphemy. It’s beyond my comprehension why they choose to write a book rather than confront the group itself.
The temple behind the Buddha is not as remarkable as what it seems. The first and second floor hoses the Taoist deities and the third floor houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. It seems messy to me, apparently, triple gems is not there. It feels more like a tourist site than a spiritual place.
While I try not to get disturb by how I feel, I keep track of my time so I can visit the hot spring, I really need to soak myself as it is part of my top 3 things to do in Taiwan. The first 2 is night market and temple visiting.
The hot spring didn’t disappoint me even though it’s a one and a half hours bus ride, it’s time worth spending. I changed into my swimming trunks and of course no pictures of my nipples will be exposed in this blog when I got into the pool, the guard actually lends me his swimming cap, saying it’s a mandatory to wear it in the pool. I thank him gratefully, knowing I might be a tourist thus no information of swimming cap is informed. It’s really warm, the pool has a slight copper taste and smell, but the water massage therapy at each spot is such a relief.
I got out of the pool and preparing myself back to Taipei where my journey is coming to an end.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Day 20 - Disappointment when I don't expect it
Sun Moon Lake is such a disappointment. One after another, at first, I thought I could do a 3 ways tour around SML since the NT299 package I bought includes a cable car, ferry and bus rides. Not to mention, my two left feet could contribute into the 4th way. It turns out my main transportation is my undying personal part of my body, legs.
I first took the Ferry across Xuang Guang Si, which turns out overcrowded with mainland tourists and the temple itself is tiny and unsightly (First disappointment, actually the ferry ride, looking at the SML is the first) Then, I took the trail from Xuang guang Si, Xuang Zhuang Si and Ci En Pagoda. Second disappointment coming, who knows after completing the trail, the shuttle bus has a wide interval of 3 hours before the next bus. Instead of waiting, I decided to walk, after walking for 3 hours, it turns out to a dead end and I’ve to walk back and catch the bus instead.
Finally, when I manage to catch the bus to get to the cable car station, the last ride of the day is gone, forever, at 4pm sharp. I couldn't believe I miss the cable car ride. Now, anyone whom is interested to visit SML, let me know, I've a free cable ride coupon, it expire at the end of this year, just make sure you get there on time!
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