Aug 22, 2019

The 9 Jhanas of Buddha

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

What is Jhana?
The story goes that in Buddha's quest for enlightenment, he reached up to the 8th Jhana but still came short of liberation. This word Jhana kept coming up in my readings. What the heck is Jhana? Curious, I devoted quality reading-time to learn more about this esoteric word.

In a nutshell, Jhana is an altered state of consciousness while in meditative absorption. It is one of the 8 paths in the Eightfold Path way to enlightenment - Right Concentration. It comes in 9 states although it's not very clear where one state ends and the next begins. While there is not even an official label for these altered states, some conventions have been established. Some say only 8 Jhanas exist. The higher Jhanas are far more subtle, it's even hard to explain into words. Others contend that they simply have to be experienced to be understood. It may take years of devoted practice before the 1st state of Jhana is realized. You cannot summon Jhana. Just do the proper meditation with no expectation, nor having Jhana as a goal. Jhana may or may not happen.

Jhana vs. Vipassana
My meditation background is Vipassana (as taught by SN Goenka), and there was no mention of Jhana, even though Vipassana and the Jhanas stem from Buddha. Both are powerful meditation methods but distinct from the other. Jhana is geared toward single-pointed concentration - samatha...like concentrating on an object, the breath, picture of a guru, etc. until everything else disappears or becomes imperceptible, except for that object. Vipassana, on the other hand, scans the entire body for any sensation with a calm and equanimous mind. While the first 3 days of a Vipassana course focuses on the breath, it is not yet Vipassana but Anapana Breathing Meditation. So we can say that a 10-day Vipassana meditation course includes the practice of samatha for the first 3 days.

Same Experience but Different Labels
Further scrutiny reveals that even though the approach is different, the meditative states achieved are the same. Vipassana simply doesn't put labels on the Jhanic states or uses a different name. Example, Vipassana calls the state where the physical body is no longer present and what's left is a mass of vibrations, Bhanga-ñana. This is simply called the 5th Jhana: Infinity of Space - a state of consciousness where there is no perception of a form or body.

Disclosure: I'm discussing Bhanga and Infinity of Space as I understand them from my readings. I have not experienced them...yet.

Superpowers
It is said that as a meditator goes through the Jhanic phases, superpowers inevitably develop. Yes, it is involuntary. I've met serious meditators who developed these powers in the course of practising meditation. The powers vary from person to person. You simply cannot know what powers develop - they just happen. But because there is great risk of inflating the ego and losing focus on the path when you openly exhibit or talk about these powers, it is considered taboo to even talk about them, let alone show it off.

What exactly are these powers? To the newbie, it could be seeing elementals, ghosts or spirits - much to their chagrin. To the seasoned meditators, it could be traveling to other unearthly places or leaving the physical body. To the very advanced ones, they could see their past lives or will to terminate their existence.

It is interesting to note that in Hindu Yoga, superpowers are developed when prana (life energy) goes through the central nadi (energy channel), the Sushumna, and travels up, touching-up the rest of the chakras (energy centers) all the way up to the highest chakra, the Sahasrara on the top of the head.

9 Jhanas

1st Jhana: Pleasant Sensations
With a single-pointed concentration of the mind on a subject (there are 40 established subjects for the choosing, one of which could be the breath), you could start feeling a pleasant physical sensation which could explode into a state of ecstasy (piti) - this is not a calm and peaceful state. The sensation could start from a specific body part like the hands or heart center. While observing the pleasant sensation without clinging to them and keeping the stillness of the mind, the physical rapture morphs into an emotional joy (sukha). I have met meditators who cling to this pleasant sensation and meditate for the purpose of arriving at this joy - like a junkie in search of his 'fix'. He has lost the balance of his mind. Thus it is important to observe this joy without attachment. At this point, it is important to shift the observation from the breath to the pleasant sensation - observing the meditation subject has already served its purpose by bringing about the rapture. While piti and sukha are in high gear, there is still thinking and analysis lurking in the background.

2nd Jhana: Stilling the Analytical Mind
While immersed in rapture, the meditator stills his analytical mind. Thinking and evaluation cease. There is now pure awareness, free of conceptualization.

3rd Jhana: Contentment
As you let go of the peaceful joy, you transition into a quiet, placid state of contentment with an alert and vigilant mind.

4th Jhana: Peacefulness
As the mind remains equanimous without feeling anything positive or negative in the body or mind, a deep sense of peace prevails. The joyful sensations are no longer present.

5th Jhana: Infinity of Space
From hereon, the altered states of Jhana are said to be "absorption without form". The perception of the body disappears. There is a transformation into the heavenly realms where form is abstract. From feeling peaceful, you shift your attention to your physical boundaries which seem to be getting bigger and bigger until you feel everywhere.

6th Jhana: Infinity of Consciousness
When you realize that the expansive space you occupy includes your consciousness, you enter the 6th Jhana. As consciousness fills into infinity, you feel one with the universe. The one-pointedness of the mind remains. This is not yet enlightenment, even though it feels like it.

7th Jhana: No-thingness
With infinite consciousness, you realize there is nothing within this infinity that is permanent. Everything in it complies with the natural law of impermanence and is in a constant state of flux.

8th Jhana: Neither perception nor non-perception
This realm is very hard to grasp as it is so fine and subtle. It is at the highest pinnacle of concentration that the only way to describe it is to experience it. You let go of the nothingness of the 7th Jhana and into a natural and calm place where you have little recognition of what's happening even though you still have the awareness in you. You thread the world of perception and non-perception. Again, despite the permeating peace and calm, this is not enlightenment.

9th Jhana: Vipassana
According to SN Goenka, the Buddha found the 9th Jhana, and that is Vipassana - the development of insight that will take the meditator to the ultimate goal beyond the misery of sensory experience.

I find it interesting that other meditation teachers claim that Vipassana is a stepping stone in getting established in the practice of meditation. Stepping stone? When Buddha reached the 8th Jhana from the most learned teachers during his time, he was still short of enlightenment. There was no teacher alive who could liberate him. Thus he went deep within the physical structure of his body and gained wisdom which helped him develop Vipassana which opened up the gateway to enlightenment. So I have to strongly disagree that Vipassana is a beginner stepping stone.

This "stepping stone" claim was also uttered by a self-proclaimed "Vipassana teacher" in one of his sessions. When I asked him to clarify exactly what he meant by it, he recanted. I sat through his 1-hour "Vipassana class" and it was anything but Vipassana. Think about it. Authentic Vipassana in the Goenka tradition, in its most condensed form, takes 10 days. How could anyone claim to teach Vipassana in one hour?

Another Tibetan Yantra Yoga teacher I met in Dharamsala claimed the same thing - that Vipassana is a good start in meditation but that there are far more advanced forms of meditation. I'm not sure if he has ever done Vipassana (in the Goenka tradition) as he is steeped in his Tibetan Buddhism tradition. I'm familiar with Tibetan yoga retreats conducted in a cave or remote mountain highlands which lasts 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. Yes, I will agree it's more intense, longer and more consuming. But I disagree that Vipassana is just a good start for the more advanced meditation modalities.

I will say that you can start a meditation practice with Vipassana, but you can go deeper and deeper into Vipassana until you reach liberation. I don't think anyone can max-out Vipassana to prompt him to "move on" to other types of meditation. My analogy is Photoshop. This program is so user-friendly that a 5 year old can play with it. But Photoshop has so much complexity to it that even a 30-year veteran power-user cannot claim that he has exhausted Photoshop.

I'm not saying that Vipassana is the be-all and end-all of meditation. There are many out there. If Vipassana doesn't work for you, try something else until you find one that works. Simple as that. Just don't make a claim or imply that Vipassana is a beginner stepping stone in a meditation practice - that is simply wrong and misleading.

I digressed, but there are other interpretations of the 9th Jhana. Some posit it as:

Cessation
At this point, even consciousness stops. The heartbeat slows down to a faint beating and breathing is almost nil. It's like a deep state of sleep. This is as close as it gets to liberation.

Caution
Jhanic states are not something to pursue. The more it is pursued, the more it becomes elusive. It is best to stay focused on the goal and not be distracted by the sensations that happen along the journey. Talking about reaching Jhanic states is discouraged and frowned upon, but honestly, if that happens to me, I cannot resist the temptation of writing about it.

Ending Thoughts
There was a time in my early meditation days that my focus was experiencing bhanga-nana. It was a high I wanted to have. Of course, nothing happened. Now, it doesn't even appeal to me. If I can just find time to meditate and still my mind for a few moments, I'm already happy. To this date, I can easily still my mind in meditation, but I can't seem to go deeper as in dissolving my solidity and becoming a spec of consciousness. But again, I no longer aim for it. While meditating, being at peace with myself and the planet I live in is reward enough.

This pursuit of Jhanic states is simply intellectual adventurism for me...or a 'nice to have' at best. Perhaps it is best seen that way so it becomes part of a journey but not the destination. Jhana can best be viewed as a blueprint to enlightenment. Buddha confirms this when he said, "Jhana is the path to enlightenment". Experience of Jhana is a validation that you're on the right path - but you're not there yet.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

Reader Comments:

Grant

(Aug 22, 2019) I think your right Gigit. It's not to be thought of just experienced if that's what happens. But as we know being at peace with yourself enables you to be at peace with things that perhaps you would not otherwise. I've taken the position that it's just so personal but that the important thing is to continue to try and be as understanding and empathetic as one can manage and then to keep trying to improve on this.

Marina

Brazen Travel Thoughts
(Aug 22, 2019) Gigit yes!! Thank you for this explanation!! Very interesting.

Chiang Mai INFORMATION

Chiang Mai Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

IMPORTANT PLACES

Bus Station

Train Station

Chiang Mai International Airport

Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

HOTEL

Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening

Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe

Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location

Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

RESTAURANT

La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee

Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

WELLNESS

ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school

Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod

Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

MOTORBIKE RENTAL

Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Chiang Mai FYI / Tips

crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km² with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.

Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai

North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band

Chiang Mai Cost Index

B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)

Transportation

B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B50 red taxi fare from point to point
B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city

Tours

B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
B1500 mountain biking scenic ride

Chiang Mai Trains by Train36.com

Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -

Chiang Mai to Bangkok Trains

source: railway.co.th

Check Train Schedule & Fares
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".

note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.

note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
daily train schedule:
- 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
- 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
- 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
- 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
- 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck

Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus

From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).

Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider

Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019 - Oct 10, 2022
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
Siamaya Chocolates Oct 2, 2022
September Snapshots Sep 30, 2022
Carrot Cake Sep 12, 2022
Making Coconut Bread Sep 3, 2022
August Snapshots Aug 31, 2022
Yoga Nidra with Chunyah and Tom Aug 18, 2022
Coconut Pancake Aug 11, 2022
July Snapshots Jul 31, 2022
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
Jason, Max and Elizabeth Pizza Nite Jul 28, 2022
Yakiniku Dinner with Max and Jason Jul 25, 2022
Icebath at Nawa Saraan Jul 6 - Oct 5, 2022
June Snapshots Jun 30, 2022
Tom, Chunyah and Simona Pizza Nite Jun 23, 2022
Yoga Class Pizza Nite Jun 15, 2022
Pranayama with Nicha Jun 14, 2022
May Snapshots May 31, 2022
Lover's Quarrel May 26, 2022
Getting Lost on a Hike May 25, 2022
Biohacker Meetup at 'Living with The Spirit' May 22, 2022
Music and Magic at Paapu House May 5, 2022
Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai II Apr 20, 2022
April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
Tombstone Epitaph Apr 29, 2022
Kayaking along the Ping River with the BioHackers Apr 24, 2022
Pizza Nite with Jerry, Paolo and Abby Apr 9, 2022
Tom Maher's Muay Thai Fight Apr 8, 2022
Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai Apr 6, 2022
Yoga with Leo Apr 5, 2022
March Chronicles 2022 Mar 31, 2022
Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
Peoplescape Mar 31, 2022
Chiang Mai's Recovering Music Scene Mar 31, 2022
Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
Yoga and Fitness Mar 26, 2022
Friday Bitcoin Meetups Mar 18, 2022
Pizza Nite with Aida and Sophie Mar 14, 2022
Pizza Nite with Kevin, Jamie and Kris Mar 10, 2022
In Search of Genetic Immortality Mar 5, 2022
February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
Palm-Feeding Wild Birds Feb 26, 2022
Cuckoo Feb 16, 2022
Tell John Feb 16, 2022
Pizza Nite with Kris, Simona and Mary Feb 15, 2022
Pizza Nite with the Chiang Mai Boyz Feb 6, 2022
Welcoming the New Year Jan 31, 2022
January Snapshots Jan 31, 2022
ABS Fitness Challenge Jan 16 - Apr 16, 2022
Pumpkin Tahini Recipe Jan 3, 2022
2021: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2021
Pizza Nite with Simona and Lisa Dec 28, 2021
Tahini Salad Dressing Dec 27, 2021
Baba Ganoush Recipe Dec 23, 2021
7 Universal Laws Dec 20, 2021
Sacred Circuitry Dec 18, 2021
Cave-Living in a Boutique Hotel in Chiang Mai Dec 14, 2021
Tummo Yoga + Wim Hof Breathing + Full-Body Muscle Contraction Dec 13, 2021
Monk Chat Dec 10, 2021
Making Tahini and Hummus Dec 8, 2021
Watering the Plants Hands-Free Dec 2, 2021
Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Dec 2, 2021
Tummo Yoga Dec 1, 2021
The Bliss of Inner Fire: Book Summary/Review Dec 1, 2021
The Bliss of Inner Fire: Heart Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa Dec 1, 2021
'Must Experience' Cafés of Chiang Mai Nov 30, 2021
British Hobnob Cookies Nov 22, 2021
New York Cheese Cake Nov 22, 2021
Dham's Poetry Nov 14, 2021
Pizza Nite with Simona and Nat Nov 11, 2021
Stepping Forward / Reaching Out Oct 31, 2021
Cancel Culture Attack Oct 31, 2021
Mantra Primer Oct 29, 2021
Spinal Mobility Oct 7, 2021
Swedish Cinnamon Rolls [Kanelbullar] Oct 4, 2021
Just Bring 2 Chinese Oct 3, 2021
Sep Snapshots Sep 31, 2021
One-Leg Yoga Asana Sequences Sep 30, 2021
Pizza Nite with Nut, Monika and Yuki Sep 27, 2021
23-Minute Ice Bath Sep 27, 2021
Pizza Nite with Nut, Simona and Malee Sep 23, 2021
Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) Sep 23, 2021
Making Cornbread Sep 15, 2021
Kombucha: 2nd Batch Sep 11, 2021
Making German Stollen Bread Sep 9, 2021
Pizza Nite with Jackson, Goi and Paapu Sep 6, 2021
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
Making Homemade Kombucha Aug 30, 2021
Wrong Question to Ask This Crowd Aug 29, 2021
Pizza Nite with Tom, Chunyah and Goi Aug 20, 2021
Pizza Nite with Moms and Kids Aug 15, 2021
Bahya Kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) Aug 14, 2021
Everybody's Only Friend Aug 13, 2021
Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies) Aug 11, 2021
Fighting Infection through Yoga Aug 3, 2021
Too Close for Friendship Aug 2, 2021
Manifesting: Epicurus' Pursuit Jul 31, 2021
Homemade Rum Raisin Ice Cream Jul 30, 2021
Ice Bath at Nawa Saraan Healing Space Jul 25, 2021
Pizza Nite + Slack Line + Hammock Jul 23, 2021
Yin-Yoga & Hypnosis with Christine Thiel Jul 20, 2021
Pizza Nite with James and Nat Jul 19, 2021
Antara Kumbhaka on Nadi Shodan Pranayama: Yogic Breath-Hold on the Inhale Jul 17, 2021
Moving and Cashing-Out Bitcoin Jun 2 - Jul 11, 2021
'The Bow' Yoga Jul 7, 2021
Yoga Classes with Calum Mar 27 - Jul 4, 2021
Hike to Wat Pa Thammachat Waterfall Jul 2, 2021
Pizza Brunch with the Yogis July 1, 2021
Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
On the Brink of Hunger, the ENABLERS Come to Light Jun 21, 2021
Hatha Vinyasa Yoga with Katharine Day Jun 17, 2021
Pranayama Basics II Jun 16, 2021
36-Hour Love Life Jun 11, 2021
Pranayama Basics I Jun 9, 2021
Biohackers Meetup in Chiang Mai Jun 6, 2021
Learning How to Breathe Jun 2, 2021
Not the Usual Day-to-Day Life May 31, 2021
Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
Breathwork & Ice Bath with Jason Ryer of Zen Strength May 23, 2021
It's Raining Bell Peppers May 7, 2021
Yoga Classes with Nana Apr 20, 2021
You Want to be Wonder Woman? Apr 8, 2021
Kunjal Kriya / Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting) Apr 1, 2021
Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Mar 26, 2021
Spiritual Backpacker Interview by Napasorn 'Cherry' Suvarnapradip Mar 23, 2021
Private One-on-One Yoga Classes with Doriana Feb 17 - Mar 14, 2021
Transformational Life Events Mar 13, 2021
Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
Mula Shodhana (anal cleansing) Feb 27, 2021
Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
Heartbreak in every Song Jan 24, 2021
The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
Am I Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
RSVP Nov 25, 2020
High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
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Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
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Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
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The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
Prana Vayu Adhitthana Yoga Class July 11-12, 2020
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Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
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Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
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Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
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Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
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Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
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Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
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Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
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Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
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The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
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Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
Wicked Game: Anger and Pain August 19, 2019
Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016

Travel Tips for Thailand

How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days

This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.

60-Day Thai Tourist Visa

NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.

Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.

30-Day Extension

NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.

bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes

Book Train Tickets in Thailand

Book Train Tickets in Thailand Online by Train36.com

General Travel Tips

arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!

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