Meditation Month - Part 2

Next meditation stop, Plum Village Lotus Pond Temple, Hong Kong in the tradition of Thích Nhất Hạnh.  I was fortunate enough to share this retreat with my lovely daughter Carrie. The retreat theme was the circle of life, from birth to death and rebirth, following one of Thays' teachings of no birth, no death and no fear.

The last time we had been to Ngong Ping Village together was in 2001 after 9/11, when we were stranded in Hong Kong, as no flights were able to fly to the USA. Then we ventured to Lantau Island by ferry boat to visit the “Big Buddha.”

The Hong Kong Big Buddha on Lantau Island is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. It stands at 34 meters high (112 feet) and is one of Hong Kong's most popular sights. Tian Tan, as the Big Buddha is known, is made of bronze and sits up high on a hill. There are 260 steps to reach the top and several areas in between where you can stop for a rest, take pictures, and just enjoy the views. 

This time we took the cable car which didn’t exist 13 years ago! The little village has changed and become a tourist attraction with many new attractions in addition to the Buddha who still presides magnificently over the island. Off the tourist path, down a small road, the meditation retreat center was almost invisibly tucked away. After walking through a small gate the beautiful Lotus Pond Temple appeared.

“I have arrived, I am home” let the mindfulness meditation, chanting and joyful singing begin. Each day, wake up bell at 5:15, followed by 6am meditation, then mindful movements, and a walking meditation before a vegan breakfast  at 8:30. Dharma talks were held after working meditation (like pot washing, cleaning or cutting vegetables). Next, the after lunch meditation time was a favourite… guided deep relaxation and the cacophony of discordant snoring sounds became music!  An enjoyable afternoon of sharing was followed by stick exercises using long bamboo poles. Then dinner, (yea, three vegan meals instead of two) and finally evening teaching, singing and meditation completed the amazing four days.

 

The retreat ended just in time for a quick visit to Kowloon to see my grandsons before the flight back to Bangkok and teaching again.

"Happiness is here and now, I have dropped my worries, somewhere to go, 

something to do, but no longer in a hurry."

Mindfulness is "the intentional, accepting and non-judgmental focus of one's attention on the emotions, thoughts and sensations occurring in the present moment", which can be trained by meditational practices.

May every moment be magically mindful. Blessings from Thailand. 

Meditation Month - Part 1

With the first school term ended, grades finished, and over 200 student reports written, I really welcomed a semester break! Some peace and quiet was calling me...

 

The first retreat was about 1 hour north of Bangkok at the POP House (Power of Peace) and the meditation taught was called the “middle way” meditation technique. Our schedule was meditation at 6am, breakfast, meditation at 10am, lunch, teaching and meditation at 2pm. Then late afternoon tea or juice as we would not eat again until breakfast the next day. Meditation again at 6pm and again before bed at 9pm (mandatory lights out at 10). Of course we had no internet or electronic devices to distract us from the task of quieting the chattering mind.

I got used to the silence and no dinner, but the sitting still seemed long sometimes. The POP House area was very beautiful and serene. It was connected to the famous Thai Temple, Wat Phra Dhammakaya which we visited twice.  I even met a young monk from America and we saw many young Thai novices practicing as school was out. The Wat designed with simplicity and elegance won the architecture of the Year award in 1998. Built entirely on international public contributions, it is also the embodiment of unity and love for mankind.

The dome-shaped Cetiya (stupa) is the hallmark of what has become the largest venue for mass meditation and prayers for Buddhists and peace-loving people of the world. The design has been likened to a sports stadium or even a UFO, rather than resembling a traditional Thai temple. I think it may be the worlds largest meditation area as it has capacity for 400,000 monks and 600,000 lay people all to meditate all at once. From one (me) to 1 million.

 

 May you enjoy a calm and peaceful heart and mind. 

Blessings from Thailand.