There was nothing flash about this place. It was very run down, in a melancholy yet very original way. No one seems to care much about your presence, the monks seem lazy, even slothful, and touristsRead more
There was nothing flash about this place. It was very run down, in a melancholy yet very original way. No one seems to care much about your presence, the monks seem lazy, even slothful, and touristsRead more
It was quite the adventure being plunged into solitude and self-exploration. Also rather freeing in a way, to be rid of all external stimuli and influencing factors. Not knowing the people around meRead more
There were moments when it felt like being back in boarding school again. Dettached from society and my retreat companions as company. I didn't find the intermittent fasting difficult at all as it wasRead more
I was lucky to form a relationship with the nun (Meshi) who volunteers to do our Pali chanting in the evenings.
She is a small person, half my size literally, very humble, shy and seems like sheRead more
I managed a little illegal outing to visit nearby temple Wat Ram Poeng, much more opulent and with stricter retreat rules than at our temple. Quite the different atmosphere ...
Having established I'm liking the retreat experience I was inspired by some of my companions to move on up north towards a Temple far up in the mountain forests of Mae Son Hong.
After lots ofRead more
I roamed around the night market of Pai. The town is characterised for its laid-back and drug-friendly atmosphere. Lots of marijuana vendors and shroom themed t-shirts. Also many 20 year olds lookingRead more
2.5h of local bus riding around many bends with boxes and food stuff between our legs. We had a mishap on the way and lost some boxes which we had to retrieve.
We stopped at some markets to leave offRead more
First day, first impressions... Nestled between mountains in Mae Hong Son in a river valley, this temple seems more of a resort than a temple. Much bigger and busier than the previous temple. AroundRead more