9 Days In A Thai Temple.......

[Neeranam]

The head monk is firmly of the position that chanting is a waste of time. He says that Buddha knows what he said, there's no point repeating it back to him.

A brutally simplistic logic, but correct. Repetition can be taught to monkeys ........we are human. We need to understand.

I have done chanting and can still remember some after 20 years. I was told that chanting is not praying/talking to Buddha, it is a way of concentrating by keeping your mind from scattering thoughts. It also helps one remember the Sutra.

Did you do any prayer? I have many thoughts on that.

[theblether]

The head monk is firmly of the position that chanting is a waste of time. He says that Buddha knows what he said, there's no point repeating it back to him.

A brutally simplistic logic, but correct. Repetition can be taught to monkeys ........we are human. We need to understand.

I have done chanting and can still remember some after 20 years. I was told that chanting is not praying/talking to Buddha, it is a way of concentrating by keeping your mind from scattering thoughts. It also helps one remember the Sutra.

Did you do any prayer? I have many thoughts on that.

No, none at all. I have no knowledge on many areas of Buddhism, praying being one. The comment I made above came direct from the Head Monk, I could see his point, however I was also told that the Head Monk did hold some beliefs that put him into conflict with many others. I was at a Temple where chanting was the basis of the "worship" and many people there seemed to be happy to do so and got a lot from it. I'm not in a position to judge.

[weegee]

Breath of fresh air mate....Thanks for the well received update and thoughts. Great to hear your well and getting on with it.....

[theblether]

OP- thank you for the narrative of your experience. Enjoyed the photos. I've thought about doing this also, I did TM back in the 70's but that was only 1/2 hour a session.

Could you answer two questions? Did you leave a donation? If yes, care to share how much,? Also, for meditation, if you need to sit on a cushion or a low chair, is

that allowed?

I made a donation when I arrived, and another when I met the Head Monk before leaving. Both were cash and both were sealed in envelopes, and left on a donation tray. I took advice as to how much to donate before going. A fellow TV member reckoned that he donated 10,000 baht for a monthly stay, and my Thai friends said that was plenty. So I went pro rata and donated accordingly. I decided that wasn't enough hence my further donation when leaving.

Through conversation with the Nun, Cee Yim I picked up on the fact that the Temple was indeed also a place of refuge. I had noticed a lady with two younger kids who stayed for a few days then left, she wasn't participating in the Meditation sessions. I got the impression that she was using the Temple as refuge. Ever mindful of sensitivities I didn't ask anyone about her circumstances. I did see other people floating around who again were not participating in the Meditation, and again appeared to be using the Temple as a place of refuge. That struck a cord with me.

I did press Cee Yim on what type of donation the Temple preferred. I knew I was on dodgy ground even asking that and she was very recalcitrant about answering. In the end she did say that cash would be better as Luang Pah had a massive food bill among other things.

A point of note.....there are very few monks at this Temple, I think there are four including Luang Pah. They didn't go out in the morning collecting alms, the "assistant" monks were at virtually all of the Meditation sessions. All the food, which I would estimate would be for 50 people twice a day, was bought in by Luang Pah. While I was there, the Nun's and Monk's were preparing the charitable donations to be made during the 3 month visit to Shan State. I could see where the money was going.

Anyway, Cee Yim also pointed out that the power bill for the Temple, and construction all had to be paid for too, so cash was appreciated. It was during this conversation that she mentioned that the Temple was a refuge, and many people had no money at all. They would never be turned away, they would always be fed and sheltered. When I was there a new female dormitory was completed. I would say that ladies outnumbered men by about 6 to 1. I'm personally confident that this Temple is run correctly, and the money is put to good use.

Anyway, as I said I took advice and 10,000 a month appeared to be a very acceptable figure. I'd like to know what other people that have been through this experience think on that subject.

Chairs and cushions are provided. I noticed one elderly lady that couldn't sit on the floor and she wandered about with a small chair in her hand. I was the only farang there. as such people would seek me out to ask me why I was at the Temple and they were delighted to hear I was there to learn. Really delighted. There was no way I could sit on the floor for 8 hours a day either so as I mentioned I had a chair given to me. I've got to say though it was still a painful experience.

So yes, they will accommodate for people that have infirmities or in the case of many of us farang, that just can't sit cross legged for that long. I do recommend though that you visit any Temple you are thinking of staying at and have a look at the facilities and talk to the people there about any issues you have. Going unprepared will add to your discomfort.

[theblether]

For anyone that's thinking about going into a retreat such as this, here's a run down of what to expect in this Temple and some tips.

When you arrive it is normal and polite to go see the Head Monk and pay respect, he will advise you on some of the Meditative practice and enquire about your living quarters. You will also be expected to bid him farewell before leaving.

I had a private room with mosquito screens. The room also had power, many don't, so keep that in mind.

I know it might be cheating but take a yoga mat or similar with you, the tiled floors can be brutally uncomfortable and cold. At least use it for the first few nights till you get used to sleeping on the floor.

Make sure you take plenty of mosquito repellant with you, and also a can of mossie spray. You'll find that no matter how careful you are the mossies will still find a way in. If you end up in a shared dorm that's even more important.

Many people also take mossie tents with them, a wise idea. Some have them in both their room and in the Temple. If you are in a shared dorm someone could get up through the night to go to the toilet and let mossies in.

Ear plugs are a must, these Temples can be noisy places. The noise of the Jungle can be deafening.

Drinking water is provided, in my case there was a drinking water tank next to the canteen, so fill your boots. There was boiling drinking water provided all day too, you could wander down, fill your cup up and have a tea or coffee at any time. It might be an idea to arrive with a 1.5 litre bottle of water so you have a decent sized bottle to refill.

Breakfast was served at 6.00am, I only went on the final day as I thought I was leaving early. The food was perfectly adequate. Lunch was at 11.00'ish, possibly a bit earlier and that was the last food served for the day. I stuck to eating once a day and it was at lunchtime. I found the food to be excellent, however other Temples may struggle in this regard as they are reliant on food donation. As one Thai friend put it, "The food is up to people, if they not give, you do not eat".

Some people did eat snacks in the afternoon. There were noodles and the like provided, as well as fruit, so you could leave some in your room for later. Again, I didn't bother. I found the once a day regime to be quite easy.

Bring a small pack of detergent with you. There are washing facilities for your clothes. Most people washed their clothes and rinsed them in buckets, an easy thing to do, and takes about 15 minutes. There were plenty of coat hangers and pegs at this Temple, so drying clothes was easy.

White clothes are "required". They should be modest, full length trouser or skirts, though plenty of people wore white T shirts, including me. It may be better to have long sleeve shirts though, again acting as a mossie repellant. If you don't have white trousers, then plain coloured one's are acceptable. Khaki, beige, that kind of idea. No gaudy colours.

Bring socks, two pairs of flip flops minimum, and T-shirts/ jogging trousers or whatever for sleeping in. Remember it can get cold at night. You'll need one pair of flip flops for wandering about, another for the toilet and shower facilities. You don't know what kind of skin infections others have that are using the same facilities. Obviously bring soap.

You'll also need a decent torch and spare batteries, an alarm clock of some sort as well as the usual medical supplies such as elastoplast, Immodium, paracetomol and an anti sting stick.

If your room has power bring your laptop, you won't normally get wifi in the Temple but it's handy for writing, taking notes and uploading your photos.

I wouldn't worry if you can't speak Thai, the English speakers will approach you. I found everyone to be very helpful and conscientious. You can ask one of the English speakers to take you through the Temple etiquette if you are not sure. You don't need to wai everything that moves but you certainly have to be respectful of the Monks and Head Monk.

The Monks and Nuns eat first, it is etiquette to wait until they have taken their food before joining the queue for food. In other Temples you may be able to help serve the Monks their food. This is an interesting experience and to be able to hand the food to the Monks is regarded as a privilege. The English speakers will guide you through. Everyone will make allowances for your not knowing, don't get overly anxious about things. If in doubt, ask. In other Temples the food is laid out then passed to the Monks, and returned........

Those photos were taken at Wat Tam Muang Ngat, it's not far from Wat Tam Mua and has an easier regime so to speak. I posted this video before but if you missed it here it is again.......I was at this Temple for three days a couple of months ago.

http://youtu.be/hcC1XkapVrc

The food that is returned is available for the devotees to eat.

If you have a problem sitting on the floor you will be invited to take a seat, usually just out of the "Monk zone" so to speak. The devotees pay respect and eat in font of the Monks. We are not supposed to have our heads higher than the Monks ( I believe) and that's the reason why you will be seated just a bit out of area. I managed to eat in front of the Monks one day but it wasn't easy trying to remember where my feet were pointing, trying not to fracture my back and eat at the same time. So I then retired to a seat at the side of the room.

My best advice though is go research the Temple first. Introduce yourself and look at the facilities. Arrange to go back for three days and that will be enough. If you decide that you can hack it, you can stay longer. The one thing I hope you experience is how helpful and kind all the people in the Temple were to me. That alone was worth the trip, to see human nature at it's best.

[krisb]

Sorry to spoil the party.

It just seems like a bunch of holiday snaps.

Along with I did,I did,Idid.

Hardly inspirational.

Sorry the Sky News crew let me down. I'm pretty sure there was a bit of information there about others too. Or would you have preferred me to write about what you did?

Naughty boy.

Nice reply.

Maybe your meditation techniques will improve in business class.

Whilst flying home.

After a couple of g&tees,of course.

.

Hi Hedgehog, just wondering, cause I'm from Australia and we don't have them here, aren't hedgehogs those spiney rodents that scurry along the ground eating ants? Basically a bottom feeding rodent of sorts?

[harrry]

Not saying that you should give what you feel is right. It may help others though that to know that although another monestry in the south does something I personally do not like...it makes a charge rather than relying on donations but that charge is about 60 baht a day

.
Although Suan Mokkh prefers not to make rules, it is much appreciated when visitors dress and behave within the rather conservative traditions of Thai forest wats. Laypeople observe 5 precepts. A daily charge of 50 baht (US $2) covers food and accommodation expenses during and between retreats.

Just in case the amount of your donation would put someone off going.

[theblether]

Not saying that you should give what you feel is right. It may help others though that to know that although another monestry in the south does something I personally do not like...it makes a charge rather than relying on donations but that charge is about 60 baht a day

.

Although Suan Mokkh prefers not to make rules, it is much appreciated when visitors dress and behave within the rather conservative traditions of Thai forest wats. Laypeople observe 5 precepts. A daily charge of 50 baht (US $2) covers food and accommodation expenses during and between retreats.

Just in case the amount of your donation would put someone off going.

One of my Thai friends told me that she donated 200 baht at the start of her 10 day stay and 200 baht at the end. By her own words, she didn't have a lot of money and that was all she could afford. She also said that she worked hard within the Temple to keep it clean etc and in her mind that made up for the small donation made.

Cee Yim was firm in saying that there was no expectation of a donation. Don't let the figure of 10,000 baht a month put you off, or even a pro rata of that. If you can't afford it don't pay it, the Temple will still be happy to take you in and show you/ teach you about Meditation and other aspects of Temple life.

[harrry]

Not saying that you should give what you feel is right. It may help others though that to know that although another monestry in the south does something I personally do not like...it makes a charge rather than relying on donations but that charge is about 60 baht a day

.

Although Suan Mokkh prefers not to make rules, it is much appreciated when visitors dress and behave within the rather conservative traditions of Thai forest wats. Laypeople observe 5 precepts. A daily charge of 50 baht (US $2) covers food and accommodation expenses during and between retreats.

Just in case the amount of your donation would put someone off going.

One of my Thai friends told me that she donated 200 baht at the start of her 10 day stay and 200 baht at the end. By her own words, she didn't have a lot of money and that was all she could afford. She also said that she worked hard within the Temple to keep it clean etc and in her mind that made up for the small donation made.

Cee Yim was firm in saying that there was no expectation of a donation. Don't let the figure of 10,000 baht a month put you off, or even a pro rata of that. If you can't afford it don't pay it, the Temple will still be happy to take you in and show you/ teach you about Meditation and other aspects of Temple life.

Thanks theBlether. Just wanted to emphasise it should be what you can afford to give and it sound as if it is a good place.

I still remember the one I attended for a couple of weeks 30 years ago in Nakorn Sri Thamarat and know there are many good ones not just the money hungry ones that look on tourists as a money source.

[theblether]

Thanks for the great thread! Very interesting.

If you don't mind, I have a few questions.

During your stay, how were the meditation techniques taught to you? In English, or Thai?

How did you decide where to go? Was it recommended by someone to you?

Was this happening on specific dates, or is it something that is done all the time?

Once again, thanks for sharing.

There was an English speaking Nun, Cee Yim, and she relayed advice to me from the Head Monk i English.

I went to visit the Temple with a friend a couple of months ago, I was shown around the facilities and told the programme, so you could say it was a friends recommendation. Probably the best place for us all to start.

This Temple runs a 9 day course every month I believe, however you can turn up at any time and be welcomed.

[theblether]

And thank you for sharing this with us. I have a question though. During your meditation sessions sessions, the chanting. We're they in Pali? If so, how did you approach this. Did U join in? If so, how.

It was very challenging for me. I had a translation book that I would read out loud as we went through the various chants. Probably the hardest part of my days actually. As I desperately wanted to add to the beauty of the ritual and not detract from it.

I sometimes think maybe if I had done this in a more Farang oriented temple I may have learned a lot more. I am fascinated to learn more about your experience Blether.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

This one was a silent retreat. The last temple I went to chanting was the order of the day. They gave me a phonetic translation of the chant so I could follow. Easy to pick up after a couple of days.

[Hedghog]

Krisb.

Unfortunately you are way of the mark.

Please note spelling.

My TV user name,was given me as a nickname.

It relates to a previous profession and mode of conveyance.

But as you said you are Australian.

I wouldn't expect you to understand.

Please stay on topic.

[Dancealot]

Krisb.

Unfortunately you are way of the mark.

Please note spelling.

My TV user name,was given me as a nickname.

It relates to a previous profession and mode of conveyance.

But as you said you are Australian.

I wouldn't expect you to understand.

Please stay on topic.

Isn't every name given. Pointless arguments and opinions are token, i guess.

[chris1dna]

And thank you for sharing this with us. I have a question though. During your meditation sessions sessions, the chanting. We're they in Pali? If so, how did you approach this. Did U join in? If so, how.

It was very challenging for me. I had a translation book that I would read out loud as we went through the various chants. Probably the hardest part of my days actually. As I desperately wanted to add to the beauty of the ritual and not detract from it.

I sometimes think maybe if I had done this in a more Farang oriented temple I may have learned a lot more. I am fascinated to learn more about your experience Blether.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

This one was a silent retreat. The last temple I went to chanting was the order of the day. They gave me a phonetic translation of the chant so I could follow. Easy to pick up after a couple of days.

Thanks Blether. That make more sense to me now. I had used a phonetic translation as well. Picked up most of the daily chanting but the ones for different types of service were a bit more of a challenge. Some days the morning chanting was about 45 min, other days it was around 1 1/2 hours first thing. Then the meal time ones. Then the evening ones. Was fascinating doing the chants on the monks side and listening to the responses from any lay people who happen to arrive. Appreciate the response. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[brit1984]

i am still haunted by the pain of sitting cross legged (for about 30 mins) during my pre-wedding religious ceremony

serious respect to you

[cpofc]

Well done Blether, not much to add to what has already been posted.

A nice departure from the usual 'goto 10 loop' of all that is wrong in the Kingdom.

Feel free to send me an invitation to your 'Buat Phra' LOL

BTW. Should you ever pass by this way, feel free to drop in.

[MrMalarkey]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

[harrry]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

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You are so so wrong.

And what gives you the right to edit anyone's photo.

[daoyai]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

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You are so so wrong.

And what gives you the right to edit anyone's photo.

u fugga, bit of trolling but i'll bite, lotus position is a nono, can't show bottoms of feet (in wat), can sit crosslegged, or sit, walk, lay to meditate, and the "program" is 9 days.

[theblether]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

untitled.JPG

Well I did say I was going for 10 days, however it turns out that the program at the Temple I went to was 9 days. There's a monthly 9 day course which takes place at this Temple and you can feel free to join it. The next time Cee Yim emails me I'll find out the dates.

I also pointed out that it was impossible for me to sit in the cross legged or Lotus position as you put it. So I was given a plastic chair which was also extremely uncomfortable. Read the topic again and see if you can find anywhere where I claimed otherwise. While your at it, have a look and see if I constantly referred to Luang Pah and Cee Yim, who both supervised my course. Are you so arrogant as to state your opinion is more valid than there's? They set the scene so to speak, they knew that certain things would be impossible for me, and they have also stated that I am very welcome to go back as they can see I put the effort in.

As for the photo, it was taken discretely so as to not disturb. I am not and never pretend to be a photographer.

ps. You need to work on your trolling technique, I know who you are.

[David48]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

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Hi Joe ... welcome back.

BTW, I do agree with you about the photo from the perspective that it was special to me when I first viewed it.

.

[AYJAYDEE]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

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well I hate to break the news to YOU but meditation can most certainly be done in a chair. and meditation is not a religion.

[anto]

Great report .I enjoyed it .3 days would be more than enough for me though .

[MrMalarkey]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

untitled.JPG

Well I did say I was going for 10 days, however it turns out that the program at the Temple I went to was 9 days. There's a monthly 9 day course which takes place at this Temple and you can feel free to join it. The next time Cee Yim emails me I'll find out the dates.

I also pointed out that it was impossible for me to sit in the cross legged or Lotus position as you put it. So I was given a plastic chair which was also extremely uncomfortable. Read the topic again and see if you can find anywhere where I claimed otherwise. While your at it, have a look and see if I constantly referred to Luang Pah and Cee Yim, who both supervised my course. Are you so arrogant as to state your opinion is more valid than there's? They set the scene so to speak, they knew that certain things would be impossible for me, and they have also stated that I am very welcome to go back as they can see I put the effort in.

As for the photo, it was taken discretely so as to not disturb. I am not and never pretend to be a photographer.

ps. You need to work on your trolling technique, I know who you are.

So there you have it, you did do the full time that was allowed then, don't think I saw where you mentioned there was a set period that you were allowed to do, as in 9 days and not 10. So good for you.

I have no opinion that can be more valid than theirs as I know nawt about meditation in Temples and such. But sitting really is just sitting. I do a bit of Yoga and I am sure the team of Pah and Yim could have helped you into the lotus as some people used to help me before I could do it for myself.

Basically you lie on your back, your team crosses your legs and tucks them in tight under your buttocks and then they grab a shoulder each from behind and push you up into position.

As for the photo, I know you are not a photographic genius, nor am I, I saw some of your photos in the photo forum. However, you have improved a lot from the first efforts and your eye has come in to work. That was why I was surprised to see the lack of any effort in that photo that had outstanding possibilities to be an intriguing and somewhat mystical piece. You mentioned I think Chinese tourists pouring through, they are not the quietest lot, I am sure you could have snuck off a few more discrete clicks and adjustments and not disturbed a soul, maybe some mosquitoes though.

Everyone's opinion on trolling is as different as chalk and cheese. I like a good vintage, many a plastic wrapped processed cheddar sandwich slice. But chalk is all the same to some.

Apologies for any confusion in my member name, seems fugadug upset too many souls and I was ordered to change.

[MrMalarkey]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

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Hi Joe ... welcome back.

BTW, I do agree with you about the photo from the perspective that it was special to me when I first viewed it.

.

I know of average Joe and a cup of Joe, but know not a Joe of whom you speak.

The photo's possibilities oozed potential, maybe next time he goes back for 30 days, he'll find time to do it again.

[MrMalarkey]

I read elsewhere that you were going for 10 days, serious lack of self control if you lasted 9 and had to pull out before the goal.

Also you mentioned they gave you a chair to meditate on, not the lotus position. Well I hate to break the news, but that is sitting, not meditating. Anyone can sit for 2 hours or more, many do it on a plane or a car.

I do not think I would ever do it, religion of any type is not my thing, I would get so bored with it in that context I could not handle a day I think. The sleeping on the floor would not be an issue, slept rougher for years. The small shed is nothing, slept in a steel shed same size or smaller for a year in the tropics also. Food twice a day should be ok too, but I like me dinner.

I edited this photo, hope you don't mind, you had a great shot there to work with, should have spent the time evaluating it, plenty of time to have done that and taken a much better shot.

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You are so so wrong.

And what gives you the right to edit anyone's photo.

u fugga, bit of trolling but i'll bite, lotus position is a nono, can't show bottoms of feet (in wat), can sit crosslegged, or sit, walk, lay to meditate, and the "program" is 9 days.

So you are to blame for the subconscious trolling input.

You can sit in the lotus possi and not show your feet.

Walking would have been good for him, but that is called exercise and as for laying down to do it, well I do that for 8 hours every night.

[fabianfred]

Sitting in the lotus position is the best for meditation... It is certainly not a nono! It's what nearly all the Buddha images are in... The fact that the soles of the feet are pointing up is of no consequence...

Sent from my GT-N8000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[MrMalarkey]

Sitting in the lotus position is the best for meditation... It is certainly not a nono! It's what nearly all the Buddha images are in... The fact that the soles of the feet are pointing up is of no consequence...

Sent from my GT-N8000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Oh he meant that lotus position, not my lotus position.

Souls can be hidden any way with loose clothing or such, so not an issue regardless.

[Morakot]

Mr theblether has departed?

Will it ever be the same again?

[krisb]

I for 1 will miss you mate. It's a sad day

Big loss to this forum.