3D Buddha

3D Buddha I borrowed this Buddha from a friend’s kuti for a little while. The Buddha you see is actually a mold of a Buddha. The eyes create this 3D effect with the inverted statue that will always stare at you no matter how you look at it. This was posted on Google+

New Pa-Auk Thailand Monastery

New Pa-Auk Thailand Monastery Picture of location in An-ton 2 hours from Bangkok. The sima was officially completed (by vinaya transaction) about 6 months ago. To complete a legal vinaya transaction, one needs the permission of the residing monks in the village. This could be a problem because monks often do not like newcomers on their own block, especially from Burma. To avoid such technicalities, the Thai donors who arranged this, picked a site in a village with only one monastery, which is abandoned.

Knowledge of Microphones, Knowledge of Meaning

Knowledge of Microphones, Knowledge of Meaning The last two patimokkha recitations have been clear sounding without feedback (except when they were playing with the controls). All is due to my recent arrangement for a proper microphone. This makes me very happy and I can rejoice in my efforts when we have our meeting on the new and full moons. I learned about microphones from a monk at my Amaravati visit last year and a professional DJ/ambient music composer who visited Pa-Auk last April.

Alter States of Mind

Alter States of Mind ♥♥♥ If you look at the center of the picture, you will see a transparent pink heart! I did not notice this until I prepared this post. Very cool! ♥♥♥ This was going to be the post below: Alter States of Mind Chanting and setting up my alter is a good excuse to be beautiful. Beautiful is a group of mental ingredients (sobhanacetasika) contained in every wholesome mind.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas – Excerpt from Going For Broke from “Walkman Karaoke” (2004) Rainy Season is luckily my favorite. I love all five months of it. It is the perfect temperature also, not too hot, not too cold. It’s quiet and the noises around me get white washed out from the rain striking the metal corrugated roofing. We had over 350 Bhikkhus and a total of more than 600 residents this past Rainy Season.

Little Wing Strikes Again

Little Wing Strikes Again My cardboard paper sign that goes around my 20L water bottle for refill identification was soggy from the rain, and so I threw it away a few days ago. I thought internally to myself, “Maybe I could ask the sangha computer room for a laminated sign before the next refill?”. However, that would be complex because it would be done with communal property for a private use.

News: I have been working on some old projects which need some detail but they are nearly finished. ...

News: I have been working on some old projects which need some detail but they are nearly finished. 1.Samadhi Chapter will be released in the next few days. Around..15pages 2.Paauk Chanting Book (already) translated by Ven Anandajoti has been 96% finished for almost a year! I hope to release it before 2015. Mahanamakara is already on his website ancient-buddhist-texts.net That will show the line by line style of the new book.

This free software is awesome for making audio books from text files.

This free software is awesome for making audio books from text files. Balabolka Balabolka is a text-to-speech program (freeware). This was posted on Google+

Hepatitis Vaccination

Hepatitis Vaccination The whole monastery has been offered a Hepetitus-B vaccine (nuns and yogis included). I recently had my second dose. According to wikipedia, after the third dose, I won’t need any booster and I will protected for life. I could have gotten this when I worked at Bayer on the Advia blood meter, but it seemed like it would take too long and it was said at that time to only last a few years.

Water Cooling Tea

Water Cooling Tea A common ineffective way to cool tea is to pour the tea back and forth into two cups. A better way is to use the thermal mass of water to cool your tea. By placing it in a bowl of water that is deep enough to submerge 80% of the cup, the tea can be cool very fast. If you stir the tea with a spoon while sliding the cup in a circular motion inside the water, you will add another exponential cooling factor.

Cats really really really love nori seaweed

Cats really really really love nori seaweed We were served a huge bag of nori today (now a few days ago) which was impossible to finish. I gave the cats half. They really really really loved it. It looks like two out of four of her newest children (not shown) will survive. The elder daughter is eating with her mother. This was posted on Google+

She's Got A Ticket To Ride

She’s Got A Ticket To Ride I remember when I was in Colombo, Sri Lanka taking a bus in order to renew my visa at the immigration office. In Sri Lanka, they have special coupons for monks to ride on the government “red buses” for free. However, the local buses in Colombo are rarely rarely government buses. A friend told me that if you walk on the first few steps before boarding and say that you do not use money, the conductor will usually let you on.

A List Of The Foreigner Yogis

A List Of The Foreigner Yogis Someone recently asked how many foreigners are here at Pa-Auk and could not find my old post. This is the list from last month. There are probably some more added since all of the nuns were asked to break their Vassa at Maymyo branch to come back here. I would imagine Pa-Auk would have the most consistent largest concentration of foreigner residents in all of Myanmar.

This time I asked

This time I asked the lady who was giving out unlabeled pills in the alms food line what it was. “B12,” she said. I popped it in my mouth and woke up in the same Matrix just as before. This was posted on Google+

Chanting, Flowers and Possible Origins

Chanting, Flowers and Possible Origins I found what seems to be a perpetual flower source and have been doing chanting on a regular basis. I have been inviting other monks to join me in my kuti and it now looks as though I may have two regulars. One of the faults of Pa-Auk or Myanmar in general, according to most foreigners, is the chanting style. This is because they have a pronunciation scheme that is different from all other countries.

Tears Of Joy

Tears Of Joy I had arranged for a pedometer for Sayadaw U Revata as an idea to get him to walk more. As Sayadaws become more busy and famous, they get driven in a car to where they need to speak or interview and then they sit and listen to interviews or speak for several hours. After that, they go to the next place in the same fashion. They often have willing assistants to take care of their daily duties so they can spend more time teaching.

Yogi Gregory (previously Bhikkhu U Dhaminda) recently came to deliver a new Sure sm58 microphone that...

Yogi Gregory (previously Bhikkhu U Dhaminda) recently came to deliver a new Sure sm58 microphone that should not give feedback loops to the PA system during Patimokkha. It was recommended by a famous South African DJ that came here to practice after I pulled him aside to talk shop. I arranged this via my supporter who was once a monk with me at both Pa-Auk and Nauyana. Yogi Gregory also delivered some other items as well, driving 6.

It Is Never Too Late Part II

It Is Never Too Late Part II Venerable PannyaGavesaka was ordained at the age of 62 and is known as the Assistant Librarian and is often known as “everybody’s friend.” He went to Clifton College in the UK and did his postgraduate at New Castle University in England and was trained in Architecture. He got into Buddhist monastic life because his son ordained and eventually his two granddaughters became nuns too.

Flowers From Long Ago

Flowers From Long Ago I remember the one time in my lay life when a woman brought me flowers, and for no particular reason either. I had her over my place a few times to play guitar. She was just learning and I thought it would be fun to have her over to play guitar with her. We knew each other from an NGO that did some volunteer work with some kids at a housing project.

Early Morning Rounds

Early Morning Rounds A picture of another group of monks going on alms round during my own early morning alms in Intakkaw, Myanmar. November, 2013. One of my many reason for being a monk, besides Nibbana, was not touching money and collecting food with a monk’s bowl among other things. Life is good this way. I remember telling my grandfather that I wanted to become a monk and beg for food when he was in the hospital fighting cancer.

The Bhikkhuni Revival According To Orthodox Theravada

The Bhikkhuni Revival According To Orthodox Theravada Why Pick-shoo-me? Please see http://subhuti.net.tf/venaggacitta.html Here is a document I requested from Venerable Aggacitta of SBS in Malaysia. He wrote this long before things were starting to cook up back in 2004. I remember reading the original article long ago and felt that it addressed the issue of Theravada Bhikkhuni ordinations very well from a Theravada point of view. It is all according to the texts and covers all of the issues of why the Bhikkhuni Sangha is not accepted by most of the Theravada Communities.

The rain was falling hard this past evening. The electricity was out as usual. I was doing some chanting...

The rain was falling hard this past evening. The electricity was out as usual. I was doing some chanting in my kuti and this was what it looked like. This was posted on Google+

I saw a newly ordained bhikkhu near the "Pre-leftovers" table. I asked him how he was doing and he said...

I saw a newly ordained bhikkhu near the “Pre-leftovers” table. I asked him how he was doing and he said to me. “I am doing much better mentally, physically and energetically. No attainments for what I originally came here for, but things are good.” I told him, “You can be happy just radiating Loving-kindness all of the time. It will help with your meditation, but if you do not get any attainments, you still win.

Cats Like To Eat Corn

Cats Like To Eat Corn Did you know that cats like corn? Try it, or let them try it. Dogs really like corn too (leave it on the cob). Dogs like just about anything and can survive well on a vegetarian diet of leftover rice and curry. The picture is of my neighbour’s cat’s daughter eating my leftover corn removed from the cob at his kuti. This was posted on Google+

Better Late Than Never

Better Late Than Never Some people believe they are too old to become a monk. Venerable Ashin Nandasara ordained at age 55 and has accumulated 30 Rains which is very special among monks who ordain at any age. Currently, he is the oldest bhikkhu practicing today at Pa-Auk Meditation Center (Main) at Aged 85. He is a native of Kawkareik Township and remembers staying with Ven. Pa-Auk Sayadaw during “The Early Days” when Sayadaw was staying in a bamboo kuti where the 3 story dorm is now.

Monks' Robes

Monks’ Robes This scene is easily recognizable to be the area close to the Upper Meditation Hall, located halfway up the mountain. Long ago, I camped out inside that hall for about two years with the “overflow bhikhus,” but that is another story. This was posted on Google+

My friend from Ukraine came for a short visit. This was a picture in India.

My friend from Ukraine came for a short visit. This was a picture in India. This was posted on Google+

Monasterynote5

Monasterynote5: Walkman Karaoke Here is an excerpt from Walkman Karaoke, a story from a collection I wrote from 1999 to 2006 entitled, Going For Broke. Often, these stories would be sent out to family and friends I had long ago whome most were not Buddhists. The stories were just stories and electronic cameras were not common then. In fact, we had a photographer down the street who would come here and take a photo to make our visa or passport photos when we needed one and the color would not be so good because the electricity was never stable for the chemical processing.

According to the Buddhist texts: After coming back from alms round, we should put the extra food we ...

According to the Buddhist texts: After coming back from alms round, we should put the extra food we will not eat aside for the bhikkhus who come later and need it. They too can take from or donate to this bowl. It is quite useful and is used everyday by many monks. It reduces much waste and makes pre-leftovers edible, allowable and shareable. Monks cannot eat food that has not been personally offered by a donor.

It is not just a job, it's Right Livelihood

It is not just a job, it’s Right Livelihood. A kitchen worker makes an aspiration after delivering the day’s meal to the Pa-Auk Upper Monastery, Myanmar. Photos by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

The line for a single day's meal at monks' alms hall at Pa-Auk Main Monastery, Myanmar. Photos by Yogi...

The line for a single day’s meal at monks’ alms hall at Pa-Auk Main Monastery, Myanmar. Photos by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

Future Posts

Future Posts I have been doing quite a bit of 3 finger pecking on my tablet lately. Enough pecking to finally borrow a Pa-Auk communal keyboard from the computer room, but only after completing 67+ pages of abhidhamma lessons! Wow, what a difference that makes. It is almost like having a laptop without the weight and trouble. And when I am done typing, I can give the keyboard back! Ubuntu is also possible due to “Complete Linux Installer,”

It really does take a truckload of food to feed the monks at the Upper Monastery. Pa-Auk Main Monastery...

It really does take a truckload of food to feed the monks at the Upper Monastery. Pa-Auk Main Monastery, Myanmar. (about 60 percent of the residents are at the Upper Monastery. The Lower Monastery monks and Nun’s from Nun section get their food right in front of the kitchen) Photos by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

One of the four rows of bowl washing sinks at the monk's eating hall at Pa-Auk Main Monastery, Myanmar...

One of the four rows of bowl washing sinks at the monk’s eating hall at Pa-Auk Main Monastery, Myanmar. Photos by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

Here are a few pictures of the wood and sawdust powered stoves used yo cook for 1000-2000 residents ...

Here are a few pictures of the wood and sawdust powered stoves used yo cook for 1000-2000 residents at Pa-Auk Monastery. Photos by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

The Whispers of Little Wing

The Whispers of Little Wing A few days ago, I read in Susan Blackmore’s book about how people believe that coincidental happenings are acts of gods, spirits, or even worse, something they themselves made happen. There were experiments cited to debunk this faith which were quite funny and I even repeated this information in reference to how cavemen became spiritual. (Consciousness: A very Short Introduction) The next day, I passed by some flowers growing on a bush on my way back to my kuti and thought to myself how wonderful it would be if I asked someone to pluck some flowers so I could have a flower offering to my Buddha in a Sri Lankan Style: on a plate like a Mandala.

Delivery to Pa-Auk Kitchen. Photo by Yogi Bram (Belgium)

Delivery to Pa-Auk Kitchen. Photo by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

Often, different types of unlabelled pills land on our bowl cover plates while we are passing through...

Often, different types of unlabelled pills land on our bowl cover plates while we are passing through the alms food line. Some are obvious like Flax Seed or Fish Oil, but this one has me stumped. This was posted on Google+

During the kitchen preparation time, the females were meditating in their separate three story meditation...

During the kitchen preparation time, the females were meditating in their separate three story meditation hall. Work is optional and may need special permission to do so. 10 Precept Nuns can ordain here as monastics. Nauyana, Sri Lanka has a similar arrangement with Dhammika Ashram. This was only the first or second time that I have been in this hall during a meditation session. Pa-Auk Meditation Center, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar.

Can water be felt? An Introduction To Material Realities And The Sense Of Touch

Can water be felt? An Introduction To Material Realities And The Sense Of Touch. You can try to read this post cold, or you may read the previous three posts at my page. http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/abhidhamma.pdf Temporary Nature p 318 Atomic Theory History, p. 318 Four elements plus color taste, smell and nutriment pgs. 319-320 Top of page 330 mentions that flowing (apo) can not be felt and is inferred. Page 330 has a mention if cardio theory (mind in the heart).

The famous Tree House at Pa-Auk. Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Photo by Yogi Bram (Belgium)

The famous Tree House at Pa-Auk. Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Photo by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

Rice for Pa-Auk Forest Monastery

Rice for Pa-Auk Forest Monastery. 2 steam generators for 4 steamers. Wood powered. The first two are door opened. The second two are hoisted by rope and pulley to open. Last picture is washing more rice (for another round?) Mawlamyine Mon State, Myanmar Yogi Bram and my photos too. This was posted on Google+

I had quite a bit of coconut oil on my robes after an Ayurveda Massage on the last day of my 10 night...

I had quite a bit of coconut oil on my robes after an Ayurveda Massage on the last day of my 10 night fast. About half of the robe was discolored Detergent and hot water did not remove the oil and it was still discolored. I asked a Sinhala monk if he knew a way and he told me to smear clay all over the robe and then let it completely dry in the hot sun.

The women doing prep work outside the Pa-Auk kitchen. Different groups, different minds. Mawlamyine,...

The women doing prep work outside the Pa-Auk kitchen. Different groups, different minds. Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Photos by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

Some more worker portraits from the Pa-Auk kitchen. In general, the guys are paid workers and the women...

Some more worker portraits from the Pa-Auk kitchen. In general, the guys are paid workers and the women are volunteers. Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar Photos by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

Meet the Happy Cook ! Pa-Auk Forest Monastery Kitchen, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Photo by Yogi...

Meet the Happy Cook ! Pa-Auk Forest Monastery Kitchen, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Photo by Yogi Bram (Belgium) This was posted on Google+

A few nuns sorting through the rice. (Probably to remove stones). Photos by yogi Bram (Belgium).

A few nuns sorting through the rice. (Probably to remove stones). Photos by yogi Bram (Belgium). This was posted on Google+

Kitchen for 1,000 to 2,000 Residents Overview

Kitchen for 1,000 to 2,000 Residents Overview A layperson and myself took a trip to the lower monastery to take some pictures of the kitchen process. I will be sharing several posts from time to time featuring this kitchen experience which was amazing, at least in person. The central wood fired oven stove (yes, that’s right, wood) is seen in this picture. Another stove on the side was in operation too.

Although I do not see myself posting anymore on the Buddhist and Spiritual Communities

Although I do not see myself posting anymore on the Buddhist and Spiritual Communities, you are welcome to reshare my posts in your communities or your gplus pages yourself. These will be posted on my gplus circles and made public with sharing enabled. The first Abhidhamma Post has been shared to several groups except Buddhism and Meditation and it was tiring to do. The second Abhidhamma post on the singular mind with an example on mercy killing has not been shared to any Buddhist and Spiritual communities to date.

Kuti portrait at Pa-Auk Forest Monastery, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar

Kuti portrait at Pa-Auk Forest Monastery, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar This was posted on Google+