Thanks. I had long ago written about this scene as being the answer to the movie's title theme which...

Thanks. I had long ago written about this scene as being the answer to the movie’s title theme which asks “What is beautiful?” and that most people incorrectly believe it was family. A person who was editing my writing found this link and I was grateful that I remembered it correctly and that someone else felt it was good enough to post on YouTube. The most beautiful thing God talking to me American Beauty

Where We Chant

[![IMG_20150627_132010](/images/IMG_20150627_132010.webp" >}}](/images/2015/08/IMG_20150627_132010.webp" >}} [![IMG_20150627_131127~2](/images/IMG_20150627_13112721.webp" >}}](/images/2015/08/IMG_20150627_13112721.webp" >}} Where we chant and where I often meditate at “The Sanctuary” grounds where we live in Kauai. This was posted on Google+

Ven dewananda by his temporary lodging and some pics of "The Sanctuary", the name of the place where...

Ven dewananda by his temporary lodging and some pics of “The Sanctuary”, the name of the place where we will have a cottage one July 1rst. The cottage that is very visible is not ours. It is the none that is hidden. We looked inside today. It is really nice. More pics later. This was posted on Google+

Kauai place

Kauai place This was posted on Google+

+Bikkhu Pannagavesaka just arrived to Yangon from Pa-Auk Main on a bus that says "Aloha". Very Auspicious...

+Bikkhu Pannagavesaka just arrived to Yangon from Pa-Auk Main on a bus that says “Aloha”. Very Auspicious???? This was posted on Google+

A nice story about a man who chooses a different kind of view, and sees the world in a better way. Please...

A nice story about a man who chooses a different kind of view, and sees the world in a better way. Please help! Only two more stories left. Everybody has a story or should do something to write one. A Different Kind of View A Different Kind of View Several years ago, I was working with a client (I am a psychotherapist). He was a man in his late 50’s who was working with me around a number of issues including dealing …

If you have metal in your mouth and are concerned, you can read this page to feel better. It is mostly...

If you have metal in your mouth and are concerned, you can read this page to feel better. It is mostly hype that causes fear and the dentist who restarted much of this had his license revoked. If you eat seafood one time per week, you are around 2-8 times the level of amalgam fillings. Dental amalgam controversy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This was posted on Google+

????Thanks to my brother, our tickets are confirmed for June 22 to December 8th Yangon to Honolulu round...

????Thanks to my brother, our tickets are confirmed for June 22 to December 8th Yangon to Honolulu round trip. Amazing price at $852. Then we fly to Kauai the same day. Getting to hnl will take 33 hours, with two stops in China. My kind brother told me to give him three itineraries so I would not feel worried about the price, but I only gave him one. Ven Devananda, my monastic companion, is now the holder of a multi entry USA visa valid until 2020!

????Soooo. A while back, I said I had Hawaii on my mind and that a string of flowers was starting to look...

????Soooo. A while back, I said I had Hawaii on my mind and that a string of flowers was starting to look different. Today, the door just opened up. The USA visa was approved for my friend who will be my monastic companion. A “good friend” is a good friend in-deed. I smile when I hear or say the word Kauai. Soon we will walk and meditate inside that world. It is something I had dreamed of doing as a monk, long before I ever ordained.

32 parts, The Path Of Purification and The Grateful Dead

32 parts, The Path Of Purification and The Grateful Dead If anyone would like to guess what 32 parts meditation looks like to the practitioner, it does not look like this, but it gives a good idea able about what is seen without any practice or hallucinogens. This website has several pictures in addition to the one shown. http://www.buzzfeed.com/natashaumer/fascinating-x-rays-that-will-change-the-way-you-look-at-t#.yywpr4maQ It should be noted that The Grateful Dead has dancing skeletons, and other skeleton motifs including the “Steal Your Face” taken from a classic narcotic song called “He’s Gone”

About two weeks ago, on my way to Yangon, I had a chance to see Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) since...

About two weeks ago, on my way to Yangon, I had a chance to see Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) since my ride was going there. It is a major tourist attraction, yet after eight years total, it was my very first time to visit. I was very happy to be there. It is a very… This was posted on Google+

Getting Ahead in 3D

Getting Ahead in 3D Lately, I have been interested in the Free Open Source Software package called Blender. The software had a reputation for being difficult to learn and not so good. While it is still difficult to learn, the capabilities have grown in the past few years. I eventually want to make some stuff to explain Abhidhamma. Recently, this post came up. It is so real, you wonder if it is a real person pretending to be fake…at least until the end of the 20 second flick.

If anyone is interested in reading up on great organization. This one seems to be very good. I have ...

If anyone is interested in reading up on great organization. This one seems to be very good. I have read their newsletters for quite a while. There were some things I ethically opposed to and do not recommend, but for disaster relief (and that is my focus of praise), they are quite high. They are in Nepal now and often at every place where disaster strikes. I am most impressed in their way they deliver goods to victims.

Aren't photo editors great? I remember when we used film and paper and had to pay for pictures!

Aren’t photo editors great? I remember when we used film and paper and had to pay for pictures! This was posted on Google+

Gravity Payments founder Dan Price cuts his salary from $US1m to $US70k, doubles staff wages

Gravity Payments founder Dan Price cuts his salary from $US1m to $US70k, doubles staff wages This was posted on Google+

Thumbs Up For Hitchhiking

Thumbs Up For Hitchhiking Here is a story about receiving Metta when I was hitchhiking for the first time at age fourteen. We have only two more stories left in the queue to be published. Your stories may be short and simple and you may submit in unlimited quantity. Metta has no limits. Your stories help perpetuate the withmetta.net website. Thumbs Up For Hitchhiking Thumbs Up For Hitchhiking I remember when I was fourteen or so, some time in the mid eighties, when I started to test the realm beyond my parents’ advice.

Text posted by imron yousuf. At https://plus.google.com/117415869687509148486 "Very little has been ...

Text posted by imron yousuf. At https://plus.google.com/117415869687509148486 “Very little has been said about this…..On December 2, Basque athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was competing in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarre. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai - bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics. As they entered the finishing straight, he saw the Kenyan runner - the certain winner of the race - mistakenly pull up about 10 meters before the finish, thinking he had already crossed the line.

I am feeling really happy..like my feet are not really touching the ground today! My dream to be a monk...

I am feeling really happy..like my feet are not really touching the ground today! My dream to be a monk and live in Hawaii, which specifically changed to Kauai, that started in 1999 might come true. I got the green light for air tickets and other things. I just need to get the visa for my Sri Lankan monastic friend who agreed to come. If this visa gets approved, I will be even more happy!

They might be Giants

Original picture lost, but this one from Thailand will do. They might be Giants During this time, called, “The Water Festival” many “young and old” take robes temporarily. It is the “summer” equivalent like we have in the West. No School. Recently, a foreigner friend disrobed a few days ago. I think he was on his second or third year. He was the ideal monk, quite passive, talks only when you need him to, quiet most of the time and fairly progressed in meditation too (with pa-auk standards).

Before and After Water Filter

Before and After Water Filter I have been using this water filter for about a month or so now. It is working well and I have not had brown water days yet! I was going to leave because of the water and my ear problems which has now turned into Tinnitus. That is not fun when you meditate as your main gig. I asked a friend of mine, U Jotika who had offered a filter for me long ago when he showed me around his new kuti which also had a filter.

Trying second time to get picture.. I think this worked.

Trying second time to get picture.. I think this worked. Wide And Shining Eyes Wide And Shining Eyes It was in 2011 when I came with my ex-wife to Myanmar. In Yangon, there are many begging children that sell postcards on the streets and near the tourist areas. Knowing this… This was posted on Google+

Withmetta.net is back

Withmetta.net is back with a new interface! Only two stories left and I wrote one of those two! Here is a simple story about giving. I encourage you to write many stories. There is no limit and they can be simple in content or length. As you wish. http://withmetta.net/wide-and-shining-eyes Wide And Shining Eyes | With Metta Wide And Shining Eyes. It was in 2011 when I came with my ex-wife to Myanmar.

The Old Fashion Fire-Line Method

The Old Fashion Fire-Line Method Without a concrete truck, you need many volunteers to work in a concrete fire-line to pour concrete. Bucket by bucket, the task gets completed. I have never seen or heard of any other method used for any of the buildings at Pa-auk. This project is for Sayadawkyi’s new meeting room which will be attached to his newest kuti at Pa-Auk Tawya. His first kuti, made from bamboo has been torn down and replaced with a new three story 80 room dormitory.

I Got Kauai On My Mind

I Got Kauai On My Mind Monks have often lived in the King’s Parks during the time of the Buddha, yet few or maybe none actually do it these days. I have been thinking much about going to Kauai, Hawaii recently. Kauai ranks high on my list of “Beautiful Places” in the world. Next to relationships and my guitar, or maybe ahead of them, Kauai is my lost love in life and I can touch it too!

2015 Pa-Auk Retreat in a new Maymyo Section?

2015 Pa-Auk Retreat in a new Maymyo Section? A 2015 retreat is rumoured to happen in Maymyo, Pa-Auk Branch with Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadawkyi. There are 3 Pa-auk Maymyo monasteries right next to each other. 1.). Old section 2.). Middle section 3.). Newest section (completely separated and independent from the other two sections) Supposedly, only the newest branch will be used for the 2015 retreat and the other two will not be used.

It really does take a truck load of rice to feed Pa-Auk Yogis

It really does take a truck load of rice to feed Pa-Auk Yogis Two large cargo trucks deliver truck loads of rice to the Pa-Auk rice storage building. This was posted on Google+

My website account http://withmetta.net has been hacked and shutdown.

My website account http://withmetta.net has been hacked and shutdown. This was posted on Google+

A Counterfeit Mitsubishi Truck

From my oldest posts from GPlus in 2015, which are slowly being restored. A Counterfeit Mitsubishi Truck was found in Pa-Auk Forest Monastery. I had my doubts, so I asked the driver to open up the hood. It was in fact, a Toyota engine block. Consumers, please be careful! In the olden days there were very high taxes on cars. I think 200% tax which made used cars hold their value well.

Interesting

Interesting Tiny Bubble Shelters Evelyne Adam builds tiny lime and hemp bubble shelters in France. This was posted on Google+

Myanmar has only Two Syllables

Myanmar has only Two Syllables Myan-Mar. From Wikipedia: mjɑːnˌmɑr/ myahn-mar, /ˈmaɪænmɑr/ or/ˈmjænmɑr ???? People often mispronounce Myanmar with three syllables, so I decided to make this little notice. This was posted on Google+

Here is a story about a worker in an automobile assembly factory who was fearful about following through...

Here is a story about a worker in an automobile assembly factory who was fearful about following through with his plans to go to Myanmar until he was inspired by his newly made friend, Nay Myo who also worked at the factory. The support and gratitude exchange is worth noting although it is not so uncommon for Myanmar people to go out of their way to make guests feel warm and welcome.

Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadawkyi in America at Abhayagiri Monastery.

Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadawkyi in America at Abhayagiri Monastery. This was posted on Google+

This medicine was given to to the monks in the alms food line. I took it (to my kuti) just to make a...

This medicine was given to to the monks in the alms food line. I took it (to my kuti) just to make a picture of it. I will try to donate them to the clinic. I am just glad that Ken Kesey doesn’t donate…???? This was posted on Google+

This is Awesome! You should read this! I can't wait to sign him for our team!

This is Awesome! You should read this! I can’t wait to sign him for our team! Top MLB prospect lives by his own rules – in a van He throws 96. He’s the Jays’ No. 1 prospect. He signed for millions. And he lives in a VW camper. Meet Daniel Norris, the most interesting pitcher in baseball. This was posted on Google+

A small kuti on the way to the "learning center" where I keep my Sim.

A small kuti on the way to the “learning center” where I keep my Sim. This was posted on Google+

Here is a nice story to warm up your Winter.

Here is a nice story to warm up your Winter. Lending A Hand | With Metta A car in the snow. By Adam Glick. This winter Boston set a record for snow and cold. We had nearly 5 feet of snow in 3 weeks and the temperatures were frequently below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. We live in the residential part of the city, so parking is typically a challenge. This was posted on Google+

That Little Itch Might Be Telling You Something

That Little Itch Might Be Telling You Something A famous tagline when I grew up for the famous dandruff shampoo which can actually be a fungus. (The active ingredients of such shampoos are often antifungal) Albendazole is another remedy for itchiness at the other end of the body, usually at night, commonly called worms. The itchiness comes from the female worms who wriggle their way outside to lay their eggs.????

Here is a small storey on giving. Please send your stories! Everyone is very happy after they write ...

Here is a small storey on giving. Please send your stories! Everyone is very happy after they write and share. Sharing and Caring. | With Metta December 26, 2014. I want to share something that happened to me here this morning. I went to the dining hall as usual for breakfast. Lots of people today for tambun ( donating to the Sangha). I walked the lines of lay supporters getting rice and then got the rest of my food.

Razors and Switchblades

Razors and Switchblades These are the types of razors that most monks use in Myanmar. I used one of these for about eight years with one of the sides modified so it did not having the safety bar. We called the sides; “safety side” and “dangerous side.” With the dangerous side, one can wait a week or even 4 weeks before shaving. The safety bar is what causes the blade to clog and the “dangerous side” removes “clogging” from the formula.

My mother sent me this for Valentine's Day.

My mother sent me this for Valentine’s Day. This was posted on Google+

Dinner For One

Dinner For One A simple story where a donation to a beggar on a New York City subway turned into a lasting memory that touched his heart. While not all donations turn into lasting memories, some do. It may not be immediately easy to see why it was important, yet we all have a story where it means more to you than others, for reasons of personal interpretation and circumstance. This story reflects on the joy of giving, encourages giving, and the idea of relinquishment.

It Looks Like It Is Bronze

It Looks Like It Is Bronze The Ashoka pillar has become the Pa-Auk logo over time and it was originally initiated by U Dhamminda for one of Sayadawkyi’s books when he was a monk in the 90’s. The pillar at Pa-Auk was originally a white plaster color, but that has been changed by an artist monk. During a time near 2003 or 2004, I remember a French/Armenian Ven. Jaruvanna, who used to be an artist, decided to repair one of the lions which had a broken jaw.

With Metta Website

With Metta Website. http://withmetta.net New website. Do you have a Metta story? Please Reshare! With Metta Website With Metta Website. Personal Stories Containing Acts of Loving-kindness. This is a new website which is for posting personal stories containing acts of loving-kindness. Please send your personal stories which represent random acts of kindness to you or from you to the address in my Google Plus … This was posted on Google+

Today is my monk anniversary from February 7th, 2001. I reset my ordination in 2007. I am quite happy...

Today is my monk anniversary from February 7th, 2001. I reset my ordination in 2007. I am quite happy with my decision to ordain. This day is more important than my birthday. This was posted on Google+

Donation Day today at Pa-Auk. This is a time where all of the teachers come together from the 29 local...

Donation Day today at Pa-Auk. This is a time where all of the teachers come together from the 29 local Myanmar monasteries. There are 11monasteries abroad if you want to count the USA branch. This is also a time when large or huge amounts of donations are made. We filled 2.5 rice sacks with goods today! While most of it was superfluous goods, like washing powder, soap and notebooks, there are some special things as well.

Making the bowl black. I got mine recently done at the blacksmith shop! Pa-Auk Monastery, Mawlamyine...

Making the bowl black. I got mine recently done at the blacksmith shop! Pa-Auk Monastery, Mawlamyine, Myanmar This was posted on Google+

There are rumors that Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadawkyi will be coming to Pa-Auk Tawya main for the famous...

There are rumors that Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadawkyi will be coming to Pa-Auk Tawya main for the famous February meeting of teachers. Venerable Sayadawkyi is still in Vietnam and will continue to be in Vietnam until the Doctors say it is OK to leave. This information was confirmed today by Venerable Kumei Sayadaw, U Cando, and U Kumudha, directly to me. This picture is from 2004 and seems to be the Buddha that is housed in MettaVihari Female meditation Hall Pa-Auk Main, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar.

A Monk Working In The Umbrella Repair Shop

A Monk Working In The Umbrella Repair Shop Kuti #1, The Kuti Village Pa-Auk Forest Monastery Main, Mawlamyine, Mon State Myanmar Quote from “Going For Broke”. (Different monk in picture. Almost all reconditioned umbrellas are double deckers) From 2004 Umbrellas surely break, and we now have an umbrella repair service station at kuti #1. I call the monk in charge of this “U THEE,” which means “Venerable Umbrella.” You can actually use “I’m sorry I was late, my umbrella was in the shop” as an excuse in this monastery.

Rote in Action

Rote in Action The monk on the left was reciting while his friend checked to see if he was correct. Here, he made a mistake and his friend is pointing it out to him. Not only can the young monks read and memorize, but they do it at the same speed as the guy who reads the fine print at the end of a car lease commercial. Of course, in a third language.

I bet these flowers are expensive in the West!

I bet these flowers are expensive in the West! This was posted on Google+