Pleek Wiwek Dharma Center

Hey everybody its Karenna!

I’m writing to ya’ll from home base in Chiang Mai as we spend our final rest days in this now familiar city. THe past week has been filled with daily meditation and morning and evening chanting, as we enjoyed the company of the novice and full monks at the Pleek Wiwek Dharma Center located just a few minuets from the Burmese boarder. While there our days would begin at 5:30 in the morning- Well at least for those of us who could get up that early anyways- with chanting and a small amount of mediation, that the novices would lead us in. In the mornings there would be about 30min of chanting that most of us would sit placidly through not understanding a word, but simply enjoying the nice cadence, rhythm and serenity of the voices. We would follow with a short 5-ish minutes of silent meditation. Afterwards we would help the novices in their daily morning chores- mostly just sweeping, which is symbolic of brushing the dust away to make way for a new day. In the later morning we would practice a full hour of meditation with our favorite monk; Prah Ong. We worked on sitting, standing, laying, and walking meditation. As we quickly learned each has its perks and its distractions- for example it is very hard not to fall asleep on a hot dry day while lying down focusing on your breathing, as was lying down meditation. However, the other types of meditation usually rang in more success. As thoughts and images race through you mind the idea behind meditation is to acknowledge them, but always return to focusing on your breathing and maintaining mindfulness. In the afternoon we would enjoy discussions about Buddhism with the monks and our trusty Australian guide and translator Laurie (Lawrence). THe subjects of theses “lessons” varied, but what did become abundantly clear is the complexity and intricacies of Buddhism and the Dharma.

On Friday we celebrated Emma’s 20th Birthday in true style with cake for breakfast ( so the novices could enjoy it as well- as they aren’t allowed to eat after midday)! And then proceeded to shower her in snacks from the most abundant store around; 7-11. The monks also pitched in and blessed her as well as gave her some bracelets as presents.

On this previous Monday we all took part in a day of silence. Obviously this time took different meanings for each one of us- but overall it was geared toward self reflection, and pondering the Dharma. Most of us struggled at times throughout the day with the inability to communicate, and express oneself- but we also definitely learned the power of words and sounds.

We had a wonderful ceremony this morning as we departed the Dharma center. It was like many we’ve had before when we leave one place, including the tying of white bracelets to ensure good luck. WE also all received blessing and many good thoughts from the monks and novices. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the Dharma center, but of course it is accompanied with mounting excitement for what is to come next.