This weekend we had a unique and incredible "temple experience" with Sam; she spent 3 months here, at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, before starting the Rotary Peace Fellow Program with us in Bangkok!! How lucky we were to go to one of the largest Buddhist temple in the world!! I couldn't get over that they had 80 acres of property. We were transported in (what Sam calls) "monk-mobiles;" The construction that was going on was incredible, yet there was a feeling of peace - a surrealistic peace. The temple in the background has the maximum capacity to hold 1,000,000 monks! And the top (a.k.a. the "chedi" which is golden in color and looks like a space ship) is actually made up of a million titanium and gold-coated Bhudda images, made of silicon bronze. A donation of 25,000 Baht (c. $840) will give you the right to dedicate the merit, from your donation, by having your name (or a loved one's name) put on one of the Buddhas. Of course, the Temple's size, appearance and commercialization has caused a bit of controvery, but check it out ... Wat Phra Dhammakaya http://www.dhammakaya.net/We had a brief tour from Luang Phi Pasura and then a lesson regarding the importance of meditation. Listen, as he relates our mind to a glass of water! (You know me and my love for visuals! ... very effective in teaching). He stressed the importance of keeping our mind "clear and bright" - especially before bedtime as to go to bed with a sort of "clean slate." Some pointers ... sit comfortably with your right hand cupped in your left hand. Breathe deeply and pretend to have swallowed a star, thinking "clear and bright ... clear and bright ... clear and bright."
Luang Phi Pasura and meditation
After we went to the Dhammakaya Chapel
And then we had the honor of visiting with the Vice Abbot, Luang Phaw Datta. Here, he was telling us that we need to take religion and culture into account when dealing with conflict. Although he spoke English well, here he is speaking Thai.
Vice Abbot Luang Phaw Datta
After almost two hours of Buddhist teaching from the Vice Abbot (Manisha and I sat on the floor the entire time) he gave us a bundle of books. When we took them from the abbot, I had to remember not to touch him!!! So I extended both of my arms, close together, and he dropped them onto my forearms.
He was very optimistic and hopeful, stating that "problems can be solved 'case by case.'" This reminded me of Governor Patrick's speeches of building upon a plan to stop crime "brick by brick." When I asked him how long he had been a monk, his response was 39 years! When I told him it was my age, he said (grinning and giggling) that I was his "Monk Father!" His mannerisms were so sincere; he was kind, calm, humble, reflective and had a great sense of humor above all. His grin is one that I truly won't forget either. It was an AWESOME day at the Temple - an amalgam of traditionalism and modernity!!!
