BusyB

That was you. Lucky you. I'm happy for you. This is her. Her story may be totally different and that needs investigating. It's not good enough to simply hand her back. Without even contacting the mother. Nobody has any idea what drove her to do that, and she's not likely to tell a bunch of strangers who are about to hand her back to her dad that she tried to leave behind.

When I saw that this obviously desperate kid was handed back over to her father without so much as a 'by your leave' or the bringing in of child psychology specialists I was absolutely gutted. And everything in the article only confirms my reaction. As if any father 'shows signs of being abusive'. Yet his first question is about homework, not joy that she's OK. That kid needs protecting, the mother bringing in, and an investigation. And if all is then found to be well, occasional follow up scrutiny. Any decent parent would be only too happy to cooperate. A child's needs are paramount.

If they insist that entry is conditional upon wearing a Burger King paper crown they are perfectly within their rights. If you try to get in in any other way it's a simple case of trespass. It''s their property, and as long as they don't contravene any laws they can lay down whatever conditions they feel like. You of course can always go elsewhere or come back later with a Burger King crown atop your head on which you have written the words 'Freedom Fighter'.

I'm glad I'm not the only one whose immediate thought was exactly the same LOL

I have just stumbled across a community called monklifeproject(dot)com. It seems to be pukka and above board but I thought I'd check back here first. They offer a week's lay introduction and then ordination for a total 30 days, 60 if you're gripped by it. The whole process takes place at 3 different sites in the north-west. I'm wondering if this is a good idea. Is it realistic? I suppose it is, since Thais ordain for a mere week sometimes and then disrobe. Is it trustworthy/effective? There is a fee of $500,-. Having said that the ambient and facilities seem a bit more welcoming than Suan Mokkh's austerity. Almost appealing. The Wat Pananachat forest monastery offers an attractive 6 week layman's experience, and I am seriously looking at that as well, besides a second retreat at Suan Mokkh. But Wat P is set up with long term ordination as a potential goal. The layman's period as a guest/visitor also appeals to me and would be available, but I have no plans to leave the laity permanently yet. (I think I'm too old for them at mid-60 anyway.) But what do you bhikkhus think? Is a 30 day ordination for 500 bucks a worthwhile goal? (By the way I came across my original Suan Mokkh post (from 2012) as I scanned the forum for any hints about monklifeproject. I realized I hadn't reported back. I'll catch up on that soon. Thanks for those who offered guidance - I could really relate to some of it in retrospect. But I am also at a completely different level of development now having found MY meditation position - unfortunately after 4 years more struggle 555.)