I know I am supposed to be writing an update on how my travels went, but to that, I will have to return.
My observations fresh in my mind, I just have to get it down into words.
I went ahead of Maria and Gaelle, who both have mopeds already, as to grab a bite to eat. Today I ran, stretched, did some yoga, and never got around to eating. That happens often these days.
I rode down Suthep Rd. with my red bike, made for small, teenage boys and not for tall farang women, the whole way hoping I do not get hit by a passing moped, or an opening car door, remembering why I think getting a moped would in the end be safer than riding my bike. I settled at the small, organic, vegetarian restaurant inside the temple, and tried the Gang Garee (yellow curry with tofu, mushrooms, and other veggies, coupled with organic, brown rice). Acknowledging I am quite biased toward any vegetarian restaurant due to the freedom to order anything that feels appealing, but this place was delicious in more than one way. The original mix of dozens of Thai spices and herbs, mixed in with the locally grown brown rice, was the perfect, socially and environmentally conscious meal.
Gaelle and Maria arrived just as I was finishing my meal, and we headed to the airy room assigned for 'monk chat.' There were about a dozen monks seated around round tables, joined by a few farangs, yearing for some knowledge into the Budhist world. We were joined by the chatty Zack whom Gaelle knows quite well, a very quiet monk whose presense was very calming, and Chunny, whom I enjoyed very much. The conversation was surely not what I expected. Zack shared all sorts of beliefs and worries with us, especially little quirky remarks about sneaking dinner after 12pm since monks cannot eat anything that is not clear after midday, and about sneaking a cigarette or two when he gets nervous and anxious about his studies. He shared his belief of what Budhism is to him; a system of belief, and not a religion, which even considers its own stories of miracles as problematic. The Budha himself said that everyone should question any belief, any authority, any religious leader, even himself, as only the self must decide what is right for it. Mindfulness. Full mindfullness is all one needs to follow.
Another reason why Budhism is not necessarily a religion, according to Zack, is because it changes, shapes according to time and societies. Though the teachings of the Budha are followed and thaught, all followers and teachers know that within a changing society and within these changing times, it is impossible to retain all lessons and guidelines too strictlly. Quite humbling to hear from men who have devoted 4 years of their lives to studying the words of the Budha, living a simple, humble life.
Chunny and I continued a conversation about values carrying accross societies, and his views were so simple and so clear to me. He opened up a new door to me; one of further intrigue into Budhism and the teachings of the Budha. I hope to attend the two day meditation retreat next week, and take a leap into getting to know my new home's basis of belief and value.
A non-religious soul, finding meaning into the teachngs of a religious figure whose legacy encourages his followers to question and disbelieve, before they believe.
