Today we returned to Wat Chedi Luang to participate in a Monkchat. We sat at a picnic table under a shade tree with Sun, an ordained monk. He was patient in answering our questions about Buddhism and the life he lives as a monk. The benefit for the monks who participate in this program is that it gives them a chance to practice their language and listening skills with people from other countries.
Sun is exceptional. He has studied in Thailand and in India, has a Ph.D. in Linguistics, and he has met the Dalai Lama. He is 38 years old and on the faculty of the Mahanakut Buddhist University. When we asked him how he finds inner peace, he told us that he meditates at least two hours per day. He stressed to us that one should always live in the present moment and that everything changes – nothing in this universe is constant.
We feel fortunate that we had a chance to chat with such an interesting monk.
We asked many questions and learned a lot. One question he answered was about the significance of the bells at the corners of the temple. Sun told us that when the bells “ding” it’s a reminder to focus on the present moment! The closeup below shows the small bells hanging from the temple roof. They make the most wonderful tinkling sound!
The experience was a trip highlight! We’ll need some time to process all that we learned. After our experience, we soothed our souls with a slice of creamy coconut cake. One more reminder that nothing lasts forever.
We encountered these chickens when we took a shortcut through another temple complex. They’re not afraid to mingle with the fake blue flamingos.
For the first time since we arrived, the temperature hit 90 degrees but happily, once the sun goes down, it cools down quickly. The air quality is not so great today, one of the downsides of visiting this area. Still, we’re content, learning new things, eating well and looking forward to catching up with friends and family when we return!
