Month: November 2018

Kauai Monk Update 3

Kauai Update #3 I have moved from the Botanical Gardens recently.  I was able to stay there for 5 months and the majority of the time there was wonderful.  However things were changing and it was time for me to look for another place and now I am staying in a new long term location in Kilauea. It all happened after a wonderful person picked me up on the side of the road holding my signs the day my parents, brother and in-law dropped me off (I’ll get back to that family-visit part later).  So this guy I knew from […]

Free 10-Day Meditation Course

I often recommend a free 10-day vipassana meditation course found at https://dhamma.org .  Is it possible that there would be a 10-day meditation retreat that gives you food and lodging for free?  Not only that, but would they refuse to accept money prior to taking such a 10-day meditation course?  Is that possible?  Of course it is possible!  You see, they refuse to accept payments before you attend the course but allow you to donate for the next group after you finish.  You may donate any amount or nothing at all and still come back for another visit next time.  In […]

Vinaya Comparison of Monastery Allowances

Below is a chart comparing special allowances by tradition which is useful for making a decision on where to ordain.  If you need an explanation, read further.. Dhammayut Wat Pah Pong Wat Khao Sanamachai (Hua Hin) Pa-Auk Cigarettes Allowed No Smoking No Smoking No Smoking Betel Nut Allowed No Betel Chewing allowed No Betel Chewing allowed No Betel Chewing allowed Cheese 7 Day (medicine) Cheese 7 Day (medicine) Cheese allowed before Noon Cheese allowed before Noon Dark Chocolate 7 Day Dark Chocolate 7 Day Chocolate allowed  before Noon Chocolate allowed before Noon Bottled Juice 7 Day Bottled Juice 7 Day […]