December 2018 Blogs

2018: A Year In Review

(Dec 31, 2018) In mid-March 2018, I left Loboc (Philippines) to start traveling again. I haven't been back since. 9 1/2 months of continuous travel with no end in sight as of this writing. The adventure has taken me to Malaysia, Nepal, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. For the most part of my travel this year, I was really just hovering on 'no cash'. I've arrived Bangkok twice with just less than $100 but had to survive 30 days. Strangely, not once have I missed a meal or slept on a sidewalk...more »»

Arahattamagga Arahattaphala - the path to Aranhantship

(Dec 30, 2018) A monk narrates his meditation journey that ultimately led to an arahantship. His personal tale is compelling for a seeker like me because it puts flesh and blood and human struggle into the difficult path of deepening a meditative practice that transcends textbook descriptions and definitions...more »»

Goenka and the Theravada Forest Monastery Vipassana Traditions

(Dec 25, 2018) Vipassana between the Goenka and Theravada Forest Monastery traditions are both anchored on the words of the Buddha and both have the same ultimate objective - enlightenment. They have many differences (from my limited lenses) but they are more similar than they are different.....more »»

The Knower

(Dec 24, 2018) A new and powerful concept introduced to me here at Wat Tam Wua's Vipassana course is the existence of the Knower. The monkey mind is the Thinker. But when you catch yourself thinking about painful events in the past or worries of the future, then the Thinker becomes The Knower. The Knower is aware of the body, the thoughts, the feelings in the here-and-now with the full understanding of impermanence.....more »»

10-Day Meditation at Wat Pa Tam Wua Forest Monastery

(Dec 12, 2018 - Jan 1, 2019) As a general rule, I do a Vipassana course once every 6 months. Meditating for 10 days brings me back on the rails, gives me a sense of bearing, calms my racing mind and reboots my entire system. This has been overdue. Meditation at Wat Pa Tam Wua is Vipassana in the Theravada tradition. This is different from the Goenka tradition. But Dhamma is dhamma - simply a different interpretation of Buddha's same words.....more »»

Bangkok with $19

(Dec 8-11, 2018) Arriving Bangkok from DaNang with just $19, first thing was to get free lodging and pawn my GPS. Now with $119, I could prepare for my trip north to a forest monastery for a 10-day meditation retreat....more »»

30-Day Mini-life in Danang, Goodbye and Thank You

(Dec 8, 2018) It was an unpredictable 30 days that awaited me in Danang. With just $78 in cash, my mandate was to survive and later on thrive. After 2 weeks, my cash came down to $0.32 (and some loose Thai Baht) after 2 weeks - not even enough for a meal!....more »»

The Universe Provides

(Dec 8, 2018) Whatever happens, wherever I end up, I fully accept with sound thinking that everything that happens needed to happen as part of my karmic process. Or, put it another way, whatever happens, heppened because I caused/allowed it to happen - that it was my doing. I alone am responsible for my lot - it's never 'them'.....more »»

Pampered Living at Sea Sand Apartment and Hotel

(Nov 14-Dec 8, 2018) Without a doubt, this hotel made life a luxurious existence for me during the 25 days I stayed here despite being low on cash, or even running out of money. At the end of the day, I had the assurance of a comfortable bed with all the ameneties of a fine hotel.....more »»

Thich Nhat Hanh in Hue, Vietnam

(Dec 7, 2018) I got word from friends that Plum Village founder, Thich Nhat Hanh is now back in Vietnam and residing in Hue, after decades of absence from his homeland. I speculate that now being 92 years old and sick, the government allowed him back to Vietnam for his final days. With Hue just 3 hours away, I planned for a visit to pay my respect.....more »»

Goodbye Xiaomi Redmi Note 3

(Dec 8, 2018) Two years ago, when I lost my LG phone, my universe handed me the exact amount I needed to buy that Xiaomi phone within 48 hours - 400 Ringgit (I was in Malaysia then). I have always regarded that phone as a special gift to me from my universe. I had a special bond with it. Now it's gone. What my universe gives, it takes away too....more »»

Beer, Burgers and Friends at CohibaR DaNang

(Nov 25 - Dec 6, 2018) CohibaR was an interesting find in DaNang. Havana (Cuba) comes alive in this trendy resto/bar - Salsa nights, Cuban theme (Fidel, Che, etc.), DJ music and yes, great burgers (Cuban or not!). As such, it's a perfect venue to meets friends to share insights and narratives....more »»

Friendship, Beer and Sausages at the German Deli

(Nov 20 - Dec 1, 2018) What are the odds that a German Deli is discreetly tucked-away in DaNang where a certified Master Butcher from Bavaria is actually making the sausages in the German tradition? This was the venue for me in celebrating new and looming friendships in Da Nang.....more »»

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