After a long and cramped van ride, we arived at Pliek Wewiek Dharma Center. We spent the next four days learning the dharma from the novice monks and our new favorite Australian, Laurie. Besides waking up at 5 am, our time here was very relaxing and contemplative. We walked down to the sala in the morning and sat/slept while the monks recited their prayers in thai and Pali (the origional language of Buddhism). When the chanting was over, the sun had risen and we got to see the beautiful view looking over the northern Thai hills. We befriended lots of new dogs as well as some monks and got to ask them lots of questions about buddhism, the Burma border conflict and the presence HIV/Aids in Thailand. After practicing sitting, walking, standing and reclined postures of meditation we would reflect on the teachings of the Dharmma. Our day of silence came and went, a time for independant reflection and mindfulness. Our last night we performed a ceremony with the monks and released big flying lanterns and echanged gifts and cards with the novice monks. This is all just practice however for the more strenuous retreat at the Thich Nhat Han center that we start in a few days. I personally loved this part of the trip and while it was extremely difficult to meditate and quiet my mind I think I have improved and am excited to learn more. Bangkok is tomorrow and we will be the Mega Disco to give our minds a break and make fools out of ourselves for Halloween.
Until next time,
Amby ( and kind of some loser named cole)