Sirimangalo.org blessings for the whole world

The first mud hut in Wat Tam Bua Tong is almost finished, along with an attached reporting room (for pics see the galleries). Even with our limited lines of communication and high entry requirements, the most sincere are finding ways to get to our neck of the woods, and we're begining to look towards expanding the centre to accommodate the demand. There's a nice patch of forest across the stream that was once part of the wat, which we plan to ask permission to use again, and we already have enough bricks left over to make our second mud hut.

The rain has begun to show itself in earnest, and my new roof is already leaking. Hopefully it will be fixed by the 18th, when we enter the rainy season for real. For now, I have my umbrella and mosquito screen to sleep under, and am already staying in the mud hut every night after the workers leave.

The birds and insects are the only noise now, and the trees my only neighbours. Indeed, the forest is the place for finding the truth which lies within.

Today I started making bricks for my rains residence (staying in a tent is against the rules). The experience was something unexpected - far easier than I would have thought, dirt cheap (ahem), and quite a bit more soothing than most of my prior undertakings. The first thing that came to mind, of course, as I trod on the mud, sand and rice husks mixed with water, was that old movie, The Ten Commandments. Once I got over the feeling of being an Egyptian slave, though, it became simply a re-enactment of an ancient ritual, house-building. The feeling of having done the same thousands of times before stems certainly from the fact that I have.

Anyone interested in "discovering your roots" in two feet of mud, is welcome to join us starting tomorrow, when me and a couple of hired hands will begin in earnest. Today was simply a test, resulting in ten squat bricks and a pit of overly wet mud that should make atleast fifteen bricks tomorrow. Attached is a picture of the first ten - they may not work, as I hadn't rice husk and used fallen bamboo leaves instead.

The centre is officially open now, but many things are still lacking to make it complete. We have a kitchen but no cook, plenty of women's huts but only one for men, and no reporting room or teacher's hut (ahem). I've decided to play it conservative this time; I'll be working on my own hut and maybe an attached reporting room, but that's about it. Whatever else is lacking will have to be added by those who require it - going on almsround means that no cook is no problem for me (provided I can withstand the 7 km daily walk it entails...). Of course, if in the end no one comes, then it seems that there will soon be nothing lacking :)

Back in the woods at Tam Bua Tong. Fixing up the huts and preparing for the ceremony on May 9th. No hut for me yet, but just as well - I've set up an umbrella tent and my heart is content. Memories of childhood in the bush arise, though the innocence of youth has nothing on the purity of maturity I seek here. Enclosed is a picture of my new workshop.

Just a quick note that I'll be back in Bangkok on April 14th, then to Chiang Mai on the 17th. And to let it be known that we'll be holding my birthday party on May 9th, which will also serve as a formal opening of the new centre within the Thai Sangha. All are welcome to attend, but please note that we may not be accepting regular visitors to meditate until a later date (July?).

By the way, if you're wondering why we're not around to get in touch, I've personally left Thailand to teach at Wat Thai of Los Angeles for two months. If you happen to be in the United States from now until mid-April, feel free to drop in and join us in our meditation practice. Attached is a picture of our opening ceremony last month.

Just a note to let everyone know that we've consolidated sirimangalo.org into one site so that I can slowly step out of the Internet picture and focus more on strictly teaching, as well as a more dedicated practice and study routine of my own.

The new centre is great, though as usual, there is no telling whether that will remain the case. Accommodations are limited, and so we'll be accepting new meditators on a limited basis (long-term only). Old students are welcome, though they too must be willing to rough it - just think of how tough the Buddha had it!