Wat Khao Lang - Thai Buddhist Temple

Air Balloon Races in Albuquerque New Mexico

2011-10-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of monks from Wat Promkunaram in Phoenix, Arizona went over to Albuquerque New Mexico to watch the air ballons. Here some photo's.

Temple Murders

2011-08-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a bunch of photos from the 20th anniversary of the temple murders at Wat Promkunaram in the Phoenix, Arizona area. We had approx. 90 monks here, most all were abbots from the Thai Buddhist temples in the U.S.

20th Anniversity

2011-08-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the 20th Anniversity of the murder of 6 monks at Wat Promkunaram Buddhist Temple of Arizona in Phoenix. Lots of doings happening and I will update you with some articles and photos. Keep posted.

We also had a new Chedi dedication today.. here's some photos.

Meditation Retreat

2011-07-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

We are having a meditation retreat at Wat Promkunaram

July 29-30-31

Aug. 12-13-14

If you are close to our temple in Phoenix, Arizona or want to come for the week end, please notify me at:

callawaywilliam@yahoo.com

Phra Ajahn Bill

Meditation course

Time: Meditation Retreat starts on 5:00 pm on Friday

Welcome to Meditation Retreat at

Wat promkunaram (Buddhist temple of Arizona)

First course, On July 29-30-31, 2011

Second course, On August 12-13-14, 2011

Join us for a special weekend meditation retreat, All beginners and experienced meditators are welcome.

Please come and have a life-changing experience of insight meditation (vipassana) or simply centre yourself !

The day will include basic meditation instructions, Yoga or stretching exercieses, meditation, Dhamma talks, discussions and questions and answers session

Accommodation:

Wat Promkunaram has very limited accommodation; however, we can accommodate 15 persons. Please let us know if you intend to stay over-night.

Place : Wat Promkunaram Buddhist Temple of Arizona

17212 W.Maryland Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355 Tel 623 935 2276

Meditation Retreat starts at 5:00 pm on Friday and Ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday

Cost: FREE!!!

The teachings are freely offered, however, you are welcome to support their continuation in any way that you feel comfortable.

Space availability: This retreat will accommodate 15 participants. Please book early to avoid disappointments by sending us an e-mail message. There is still some space left...

Teacher: Buddhist monk in the temple

For more info, contact:

Phra Ajahn Bill

callawaywilliam@yahoo.com

Air Chief Marshall Itthaporn

2011-05-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

We had a nice surprise Thursday 06-12, four star General, Air Chief Marshall Itthaporn Subhawong, the Commanger-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force came by to visit with us here at Wat Promkunaram Buddhist Temple of Arizona. He was making an inspection of his Royal Thai pilots in training at Luke Air Force Base near our temple. He was last here in the mid and late 80's when he himself was in training as a pilot there. He was a major then.

Mercenary turned monk passes away

2011-04-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

A former United States soldier of fortune who later became a monk in Thailand and helped hundreds of people overcome alcohol and drug addictions at the world famous Wat Thamkrabok in Saraburi has passed away.

A spokesman for the temple said Phra Gordon, also known as Gordon Baltimore of Harlem or the "Black Monk", died on April 20 in hospital.

He said temple staff were working with the US embassy in Bangkok to locate Phra Gordon's family, which was difficult as the monk no longer had a passport.

Phra Gordon had lived at the temple for almost three decades, devoting himself to helping people overcome their addictions through a "tough love" rehabilitation program.

Irishman Paul Garrigan, who wrote Dead Drunk: Saving Myself From Alcoholism in a Thai Monastery, said that with his loud US accent, keen sense of humor and large frame, Phra Gordon was far from a typical monk.

Writing on his website, Garrigan said the story of how Phra Gordon came to be at the temple was "remarkable", as the monk had once been a mercenary and admitted he had killed many people.

"He was on his way to join another army when he found himself at Thamkrabok temple. This was not a planned visit, but the bus he was traveling on experienced flat tyres right outside the temple," Garrigan writes.

"While he was waiting for the wheels to be fixed, he went for a walk and met the head monk. To his amazement, this stranger in Buddhist robes informed Gordon that he was expected and that he would now be joining the temple.

"For some reason, Gordon accepted the revelation and ordained. He had no intention of staying there so long but the time never felt right to leave."

Phra Gordon said in an interview with the Washington Post that growing up in Harlem in the 1950s and '60s and as a nine-year-old watching a man die from an overdose turned him away from drugs.

He said he joined the merchant marines at age 16, and during a stopover in Penang met Bob Denard, a French mercenary who was recruiting fighters.

"Being an American black, they think you know everything about guns," Phra Gordon said, while admitting he didn't.

He boasted of becoming a soldier of fortune and participating in some major conflicts, but after a brush with death in Namibia he decided to give up the life of a mercenary.

Phra Gordon said that after a long journey around the world, he arrived in Thailand and took a bus ride out of Bangkok and just wandered into the grounds of Wat Thamkrabok.

"I'm not crazy," he said, recalling the day. "But I heard someone say 'You've come here at last.' After the war and all that, I got a feeling of peace.

"After Harlem and the life of a mercenary," he said, "this was the last stop for me."

Songkran Festival - Tucson Arizona - USA

2011-04-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

I was in Tucson over the week end. April 23rd and 24th. They celebrated Songkran there. We had a good time although it was really windy. Here are some pictures.

Songkran Festival - Day 2 - Phoenix, Arizona

2011-04-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the 2nd day of the Songkran festival at Wat Promkunaram in Phoenix, Arizona. This day came out really beautiful.. Lot's of sunshine and a great time was held by all.

Songkran Festival - Phoenix, Arizona - USA - April 9-10, 2011

2011-04-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hello... We just had Thai New Year, Songkran, at Wat Promkunaram in Phoenix, Arizona. I have lots and lots of pictures for you.. I wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Years.

It was pretty cold and rainy the first day of Songkran. We had some Martial arts guys show up and give us a demonstration of their abilities, then some American Muay Thai boxers came by and showed us their stuff. So enjoy.

Wat Promkunaram

2011-03-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's Sunday, March 27th here in Phoenix. Here's some more pictures I took today.

Not many, but that's what I have. Enjoy.

We have Songkran coming up on April 9th. Should have a bunch of pictures then.. see ya. take care.

Wat Promkunaram

2011-03-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here's some more pictures.

Wat Promkunaram

2011-03-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hello again. I'm back. I told you I would have a bunch of photo's for you to look at. And I do. These are all photo's of the temple in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. There are photo's of the temple, the dining hall, the temple grounds, front gates, the main street and we had a ordaination today. A man and his two sons, they are Karin, hill country people from Northern Thailand. Enjoy the photos.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures..

Metta

Hello, Hello, Hello

2011-03-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I was on here. For two reasons, 1. I broke my camera and am too cheap to buy another.
2. I'm Lazy. :-)

I just bought a new camera. A Nikon L22 Coolpix. for $79.00 at Best Buy here in the U.S.A.

So I will update you on some photo's. I am staying at Wat Promkunaram in Phoenix Arizona, USA.

Photo's tomorrow. Take Care...

Kathin 10-24-2010

2010-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

We had a very nice Kathin ceremony at Wat Khao Lang on Sunday 24 October. Here are some photo's.

Good Luck Charm - Amulet

2010-06-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

I’ve got something new for everybody.. Wat Khao Lang is now making a beautiful amulet. It’s called Phra Mahachackrapat. You can see it on this poster. It’s a metal amulet/charm, approx. 1” wide and 2” tall. It’s made with to wear on a necklace. It comes in a red velvet box with a signed paper from Ajahn Daeng the abbot of Wat Khao Lang. The amulet/charm will also be blessed by him. On the back of the amulet/charm is a Pali blessing, asking the Angels and other Dieties in the heavens to bless the wearer of this amulet/charm. On the front is a place for your birthday. The month, day, year and whether you were born in the morning or afternoon. Also what day of the week you were born. If you don’t know the day of the week, no problem, we can figure it out. The proceeds of this purchase will go to the temple building fund. We are in the process of building a new Sala ( a worship hall), a new dining room and a new small building to house overnight visitors. If you would like to have a new Lucky Charm/amulet, this would be a good time. We will only make so many. About a thousand, is what I hear. We are asking $45.00 and offering free shipping to the U.S. and Canada. Thank you and bless you in advance…

Ajahn Sumano

2010-05-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Hello, just wanted to tell you about my last trip. On Sunday, my friend Kobe and I went down to Pak Chong, about two hours South of my temple, to visit with an American monk. Ajahn Sumano. I've know him for about 4 years. He lives in a small temple at the bottom of a small mountain by himself. He used to live in the cave near the top of the mountain, but as he got older he built himself a small living quarters at the bottom of the hill. He's been a Buddhist monk for 29 years.. He studied with the famous Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Sumano is now 69 years old and appears to be in great health. He has written several books on meditation and mind fulness, you can find them on Amazon. Here's some photo's for you..

Luang Phor Parn

2010-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the story of Luang Phor Parn.

Luang Phor Parn Sunantoe, his real name is Pra Kroo Wiharagijjanugarn. He was born in 1875 (BE 2418.), the youngest son of Mr. Aaj and Mrs. Im Sutawongs. During his younger age, he received the nickname of "Parn", because of a red Birthmark on the little finger of his left hand, which was seen as an unusual trait mark that linked with Buddhism. LP Parn received his Ordination as a Bikkhu*(Buddhist Monk) on the First of April 1895 (BE 2438).

Luang Phor Parn is worshiped as one of the Top 10 Greatest Guru Monks of present-day in Thailand & many worshippers all around the world. He was the closest disciple of Luang Phor Niam Wat Noi, Suphanburi, and also a disciple of Luang Phor Nong Wat Klong Madarn. His two great teachers passed away with their bodies un-decayed. When Luang Phor Parn passed away in 1937 (B.E.2480), he was only 62 years old. His body was also un-decayed similar to his Guru teachers.

In 1932, five years before he passed away, he announced to all his disciples the date and time of his death. His precognition was quite clear and exactly correct; he passed away on the date and time he had pre-announced. Luang Phor Parn was a meditative Guru Monk and also possessed magical knowledge. During Buddhist Dhamma, it was recorded that he reached the “Great six knowledge of miracles”. So he possesses knowledge on precognition, out-of-body ability, mind detecting, ability to do comprehensive paranormal phenomena activities etc.

Apart from this, he also possesses the highest state of “Wipassana” or knowledge of mind cleaning to stop next rebirth (Reincarnation). It was his great Dhamma practice that had cleaned and "distilled" his inner body (astral body) to crystal-like state which changed his body's cells immortal. Many great Guru Monks in Thailand hinted their Dhamma levels to their disciples in such way.

Luang Phor Parn's famous amulets have marked long-time uncountable records in warding off dangers of all kinds. And it's great for making holy water for healing illness that modern physician not able to diagnose & cure. Luang Phor Parn's amulets are extremely unique with Buddha sitting on a Garuda, Hanuman, Porcupine, Fish, Fighter cock and Bird.

Once Luang Phor Parn told his disciples that his amulets had been blessed for a period of three months, it's long time more than enough to charge Buddha's power into amulets capable of warding off dangers of all kinds. He said that if they were blessed for 3 years, the Garuda and the Bird on the amulet would fly out. (A real life news reporting of bird image flew out from the amulet was published in a Malaysia Chinese newspaper; A shop’s CCTV of the amulet’s owner recorded the “flying bird” flying around his shop and flew back into the drawer where the amulet was kept.)

Luang Phor Parn's amulets are very popular among Thai amulets users and collectors because of their frequent miraculous phenomena both recorded and unrecorded. It is very difficult to find his original amulets now a days. And very expensive when you do.

Luang Phor Parn had discovered a Katha (chant) that he used to help build his temple.

While LP Parn was still alive, he respected this Katha very much. When he walks in or out of his Kuti (monk house) he will raise his hands up Namaskar this Katha and chanting it. If the LP goes to anywhere, he will teach this Katha to people. After teaching, he would say " from now onwards my sons, you will be rich by this Katha

Here is this Katha

"Greatest Katha for Wealth and Fortune"

Na Mo Tassa Bhakhawato Arahato Samma Sambudh Tassa
Na Mo Tassa Bhakhawato Arahato Samma Sambudh Tassa
Na Mo Tassa Bhakhawato Arahato Samma Sambudh Tassa

Buddha Ma Aa U Na Mo Budh Dha Ya (1 time)

Wira Dhayo Wira Konayang Wira Hingsa Wira Dhasi Wira Dhasa Wira Ittiyo Buddhassa Manee Mama Buddhassa Swahom (3,5,7,or 9 times)

MAY ALL WHO PRACTICE THIS KATHA GET RICH AND RICHER.

Wat BangNamKho

2010-05-08T01:02:00.000-07:00

I am back in Thailand now. We stopped at this temple on the way back to my home temple. Wat BangNamKho is famous as the home of one of Thailand guru monks, Luang Phor Parn. I will tell you more about him in the next posting. Here's some photo's, enjoy .

Songkran Festival - Tucson Arizona - USA

2010-04-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. I haven't put much on this blog lately, and I have to admit, it's because I've been lazy. I have been staying at Wat Promkunaram in Phoenix Arizona, USA for the last 5 months. I will send you some photo's of this temple later. But for now I wanted to show you some photo's of the Songran Festival in Tucson Arizona. I was down there over the weekend. It was fun for everyone who attended. Here are the photo's..

Florida

2010-04-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

I would like to think the beautiful, wonderful people from Florida for their donation to Wat Khao Lang.

-Khun Oil

-Khun Odd

-Khun Lek

-Khun Eddie

-Khun Nuanchan

Thank you very much and may you have a wonderful, long, healthy and prosperous life.

Luang Ta Bill

Buddhism

2010-03-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who lived about 26 centuries ago in what is now Nepal and northeastern India. He came to be called "the Buddha," which means "awakened one," after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death and existence. In English, the Buddha was said to be enlightened, although in Sanskrit it is bodhi, "awakened."
In the remaining years of his life, the Buddha traveled and taught. However, he didn't teach people what he had realized when he became enlightened. Instead, he taught people how to realize enlightenment for themselves. He taught that awakening comes through one's own direct experience, not through beliefs and dogmas.
In the centuries following the Buddha's life, Buddhism spread throughout Asia to become one of the dominant religions of the continent. Estimates of the number of Buddhists in the world today vary widely, in part because many Asians observe more than one religion, and in part because it is hard to know how many people are practicing Buddhism in Communist nations like China. The most common estimate is 350 million, which makes Buddhism the fourth largest of the world's religions.

Dhammapada

2010-02-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

Knowing that this body is like foam, and comprehending its mirage-nature, one should destroy the flowershafts of sensual passions (Mara), and pass beyond the sight of the King of Death.

BANGKOK NOIR: Bangkok Noir - Wan Jai from Patpong

2009-11-26T00:36:00.000-08:00

BANGKOK NOIR: Bangkok Noir - Wan Jai from Patpong

BANGKOK NOIR: Serbian Drug Dealer in Bangkok

2009-11-26T00:31:00.000-08:00

BANGKOK NOIR: Serbian Drug Dealer in Bangkok

Meditation

2009-11-17T04:58:00.000-08:00

I just found this article in the Buddhist Examiner, examiner.com by Emily Breder, under Buddhism 101, I thought you might like it…

For the 'just curious' crowd, or the experienced meditator-

In a healthy human being, you develop neural pathways in your brain when you learn something new. If, when riding a bike, you fall after leaning a little too much, a little path is enhanced or deleted accordingly. It doesn't create the correct pathway to riding the bike, but it can eliminate erroneous thinking about it. Meditation is a deliberate act that re-orders the way you think so that you are more productive, happy, and mentally resilient.

You aren't meditating to 'get centered and calm'. If you do that, you may get calm from time to time and even carry it with you for a while, but it doesn't bring any lasting relief. Relaxation is not the point, although it does tend to be both a necessary ingredient as well as a possible side effect. Either way, the relaxation doesn't last, which causes a lot of our suffering. This is called Anicca, or impermanence, which is why we feel like there is always something wrong with the world. Meditation helps us gain perspective on this by reducing our distractible nature and tendency to spin stories and fantasies in our minds.

"All conditioned things are impermanent. All conditioned things are unsatisfactory."
"Yeah, but if nothing lasts, why should I do this at all?"

We all ask the same questions, if we are reasonably self-aware.

"Why are we here?" "Why do I exist?"

This kind of training allows us to actively explore the relationship between mind and body, between the self and "out there". Language an incredibly limited way to attempt expression of something that only personal experience can illuminate. Everyone has their own perspective, so some meditations work well for some and incredibly poorly for others.

When you start this process, the hardest part is not getting caught up in trying to figure out 'why' you're hurting by over-analyzing it. Very simply, just meditate and stop worrying about it.

The worry is what triggers cyclical thinking, like you find in a depressed mind. We can't see that we need to fix one thing at a time, be consistent, assist and allow the healing process. All we can see is the cycle of pain that we've been involved with for so long, and never seems to end. For many, even this doesn't exist- they never know that they can correct the way they walk and start the healing process.

Hell is right here on Earth. One of the Buddhist hells is described as "the realm of hungry ghosts". Some traditions depict a place where people have enormous empty stomachs but their throats are so thin that you can't pass a single particle into your stomach. Another has it that there are hungry people seated at a banquet full of food, but they can only eat with chopsticks that are six feet long. Every time you get caught in cyclical thinking, this is the hell you create for yourself. You must get "somewhere", but that place does not exist. You must do something to create your perfection, but perfection does not exist. You're trapped in an illogical spiral that only gives you more misery.

There is a way to help yourself out of the mental constructs that give you misery- meditation. Meditation acts like a broom to the cobwebs, sweeping out our distractibility, fear, and circular thinking. A consistent practice and an open mind will assuredly bring around the mental conditions for happiness in your life.

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Loy Krathong

2009-11-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Here in Thailand, over the weekend, we just had a Thai holiday called; Loy Krathong. For you that don't know what Loy Krathong is, I found this information on Wiki:

The festival probably originated in India as a Hindu festival similar to Deepavali as thanksgiving to the deity of the Ganges with floating lanterns for giving life throughout the year. According to the writings of H.M. King Rama IV in 1863, the originally Brahmanical festival was adapted by Buddhists in Thailand as a ceremony to honour the original Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama. Apart from venerating the Buddha with light (the candle on the raft), the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself. Many Thai believe that floating a krathong will create good luck, and they do it to honor and thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha (พระแม่คงคา).
"Loi" means "to float". "Krathong" is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions use specially made bread 'flowers' and may use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc.
During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river.
Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival.
The beauty contests that accompany the festival are known as "Noppamas Queen Contests". According to legend, Noppamas was a consort of the Sukothai king Loethai (14th century) and she was the first to float decorated krathongs.

Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.

Here are some photo's from our festival.

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Wat Khao ThamSalika

2009-10-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Metta everyone.. I wanted to take you on another trip. I have been practicing my meditation using a candle as a focus point. I found this from reading about a famous monk called, Luang Por Ophassi. He was famous for his predictions among other things. He started out at a temple in Bangkok, but because he was a little strange and kept sitting things on fire, the abbot there asked him to move to somewhere else. Anyway, I will tell you all about him some other time. This is about his teacher, Luang Por Kob. Whom he never met by the way, they communicated by telepathy. Luang Por Kob's temple is not very far from my temple and I went there today. Luang Por Kob has been dead for many years, and unfortunately, there seems to be no one who is carrying on his teachings. Luang Por Opahssi is dead also. I am hoping when I go down to Bangkok to visit his temple, there will be someone there who carrys on this meditation technique. We will see. Here's a little bit more I learned about Luang Por Kob. (LP Kob (a monk of Chinese extraction) of Wat Khao Tham Salika in Lopburi. Although they never met physically, they communicated remotely by telepathy during their meditations and thus LP Kob transmitted its teaching to LP Ophassi. The Very Worthy LP Kob had developed a technique of meditation based on the concentration on a flame, He had the incredible capacity to maintain such a concentration with out interruption during very long periods (40 days without eating nor sleeping) LP Kob transmitted this knowledge and this technique to LP Ophassi). That's all I can give you now, I need to translate some material I have from Thai to English. Here's some photo's of Luang Por Kob's temple. By the way, it's a very remote temple.

Wat Khao Lang - Thai Buddhist Temple

2009-10-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Metta everyone... We took a road trip on Sunday, Oct. 18th, up to Chaiyaphum, which is about 100 miles Northeast of us here. We went to a small country temple to help the abbot there celebrate his Kathin ceremony. They had a small rock formation there that we explored.. as you can see in one of the photo's, one of the monks wasn't feeling too good, he had a little bit of a cold, so took a little rest and got a little sun... I changed the photo a little so no one can recognize him. :-)

After we left this temple, we went to a mountain temple known for it's meditation. They are building a new Bot there. It's been going on for about 3 years already and looks like it has about 2 or 3 years to go before it's completed. It is beautiful.. the abbot of this temple, Wat Khao Bang Hui, makes a delicous herbal tree root tea.

See, even monks like to take a road trip and sight see... :-)

Wat Khao Lang - Thai Buddhist Temple

2009-10-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the photo's of the Kathin ceremony at Wat Khao Lang.. also is a message from Ajahn Daeng..

เจริญพรพุทธบริษัทอาตมาในนามคณะสงฆ์วัดเขาลังพัฒนา จังหวัดลพบุรี ขออนุโมทนาในบุญกุศลของทุกท่านที่ร่วมเป็นเจ้าภาพกฐินในสถานที่วัดวาอารามต่างๆขอบุญกุศลจงรักษาท่านในการทุกเมื้อเทอญ

Kathin at Wat Khao Lang

2009-10-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

Metta everyone.. We had a great Kathin ceremony here at Wat Khao Lang. Many people showed up.. approx. 300.. Three big greyhound type bus loads of people came up from Bangkok.. We took a bunch of photo's, BUT, we downloaded them all on Ajahn Daengs computer, then his computer went kapoot. We took it to the computer shop this morning.. hopefully, we won't lose the photo's. of course, no one thought of having a back up copy of the photo's. :-(

With a little luck, I will have the photo's back to show you in a few days..

Here's a list of the people Kobe got donations from. I know some monks say that we shouldn't thank people for donations but I'm from the U.S.A, and we always thank people for helping. Sorry, it's only polite..

So THANK YOU very much.

2009 Kathin Donation from USA and Lopburi, Thailand

Khun Jintana Tinaracha and family
Khun Vassana Tongnaul and family
Khun Jirapath Teamhugnodom and family
Khun Nopporn Arreeruk and family
Khun Auchara Pimpipat and family
Khun Pat (Palm Beach)
Khun Sudathip Sujaritjit and family
Khun Vimol Soonthornlarb
Jumpee Tosak
Khun Lek & keng (Palm Beach)
Khun Eddie Wangsang and family
Khun David Suwan and family (Ft.Lauredale)
Thai Coconut Restaurant Clearwater, Fl.
Royal Thai Palace Restaurant Tampa, Fl.
Grand total ฿31,100.00 From Khun Arnupap and friends (Lopburi & USA)

วัดเขาลัง

2009-10-10T02:51:00.000-07:00

เจริญพรโยม ที่ได้เขามาชม ที่นี้วัดเขาลังพัฒนา
ได้มีการพัฒนามา ตามที่ท่านได้ชม ดังภาพ
และ เนื่องด้วย วันที่ 11 ตุลาคม 2552 ได้มีงาน
ทอดกระฐินที่วัด ขอเรียนเชิญ ไห้ท่านได้เข้ามาชม
0899034428

Kathin at Wat Khao Lang

2009-10-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome everyone.. On Oct. 11th, is the Kathin ceremony. It's the end of the rainy season and the day of offering the monks at the temple new robes. I can't believe I've been here for three months now. Seems like only yesterday I put on the orange robes. I've learned a lot of chants and am still learning more. Wat Khao Lang is a very nice place to be a monk. It's kind of rural, actually, very rural, when it rains, it's hard to get in here. But it's very beautiful and quiet here. You should come and visit. Above is a photo of myself, Ajahn Daeng and Koby. Koby is very helpful to me as he takes me places I sometimes need to go, like immigration, or to Bangkok to buy some books in English on meditation and other books I need for my practice. If you feel like donating to Wat Khao Lang, I have enclosed a PayPal donate button. All the funds donated go to the temple. Thank you and Bless you. Sadhu...

Wat Khao Lang - Thai Buddhist Temple

2009-09-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone... I am trying to get Ajahn Daeng to talk on this post... but two problems... one is, my notebook doesn't have Thai letters..:-) and the other is, Ajahn Daeng's notebook is shot and in the shop for repairs.. But I wanted to bring you some pictures of the temple as an update anyway...

If some of you in Thailand would like to talk to Ajahn Daeng, here is his phone number.
089-903-4428

If anyone would care to make a donation to Wat Khao Lang, you may do say at this Paypal Donate button...

Monks Quarters

2009-08-31T04:46:00.000-07:00

My old kuti ( monks quarters ) is getting a make over... I'm having a front porch put on and adding screen windows to keep out the bugs... good luck with that in Thailand... :-)

Any help with costs would be more than appreciated....

The Noble Eight Fold Path

2009-07-17T00:28:00.000-07:00

We've talked about the Four Noble Truths, now lets talk about the Noble Eight Fold Path... the Heart of Buddhism...

The Noble Eightfold Path:

The Noble Eightfold Path describes the way to the end of suffering, as it was laid out by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). It is a practical guideline to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from attachments and delusions; and it finally leads to understanding the truth about all things. Together with the Four Noble Truths it constitutes the gist of Buddhism. Great emphasis is put on the practical aspect, because it is only through practice that one can attain a higher level of existence and finally reach Nirvana. The eight aspects of the path are not to be understood as a sequence of single steps, instead they are highly interdependent principles that have to be seen in relationship with each other.

1. Right View

Right view is the beginning and the end of the path, it simply means to see and to understand things as they really are and to realise the Four Noble Truth. As such, right view is the cognitive aspect of wisdom. It means to see things through, to grasp the impermanent and imperfect nature of worldly objects and ideas, and to understand the law of karma and karmic conditioning. Right view is not necessarily an intellectual capacity, just as wisdom is not just a matter of intelligence. Instead, right view is attained, sustained, and enhanced through all capacities of mind. It begins with the intuitive insight that all beings are subject to suffering and it ends with complete understanding of the true nature of all things. Since our view of the world forms our thoughts and our actions, right view yields right thoughts and right actions.

The Four Noble Truths

2009-06-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I would bring you some clarity on the very first teachings of The Buddha. The Four Noble Truths...

1. There is suffering (that is, we do suffer unhappiness and sadness in our lives. The sadness of having and loosing, the sadness of not having, sadness of disappointment – really, it is just everywhere, and Buddha wanted us to face up to it!)

2. Our desirous thoughts are the cause of all our suffering. Buddha believes that it is the things we desire, what we want to control, hold, keep, and our attachment to things and people that is the reason we suffer.

3. There can be an end to our suffering (That is good news – finally!) All we have to do is stop wanting things, and trying to control things, and we will no longer suffer.

4. The way to Nirvana (absolute peace) is through living the way of the Eight Fold Path.

This consists of 8 perfect ways to live, which of course includes right thinking. What I get from the Four Noble Truths is this. The ego IS our desirous thoughts. It is the source of our wanting. Also it is the idea of owning, holding and keeping, which is all about “mine”. If I could stop my ego from wanting, and holding, and calling things MINE, I would suffer less. That is right thinking, and puts me on the path to Nirvana!

Buddhist Monk

2009-06-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

I am ordaining on July 3rd to become a Buddhist monk again.. I will be staying at Wat Khao Lang... wish me luck.... below is a photo of me when I was a monk in 2007...

Buddha - a Story of Enlightenment

2009-05-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a book I found that was one of the best books I have ever read on the life story of the Lord Buddha... if you read English, you should read this book... it made me think, it make me cry, and it made me laugh.. you will enjoy this book....

BUDDHA

A Story of Enlightenment By Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra, the preeminent voice of Eastern philosophy in the West, now offers his remarkable insights on the inspiring life of one of the world's most important figures - the Buddha. This re-imagining of the Buddha's life presents a new form of teaching from the beloved Chopra, who shows how the iconic journey of the prince who became the Buddha has changed the world forever, and how the lessons he taught continue to influence every corner of the world.

Karma

2009-04-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Taken from a post at Littlebang.wordpress.com

Can Karma be explained?

Karma is probably the most slippery of all the topics in Buddhism. The Buddha himself taught that even the arahants, those with immense psychic powers cannot see the full range and extent of Karma and its operation. But he also included it as part of Right View - the proper outlook that one needs to have before engaging in meditation. This gives karma a unique place in the teaching. You are supposed to accept it on faith.

You are the owner of your karma, You are the heir to your karma,born of your karma,related to your karma,abide supported by your karma,whatever karma you shall do,for good or for ill,of that you will be the heir.

This should be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth [ordained].
Even if you cannot read your past and future karma, the reason it plays such a huge part in Right View (the closest Buddhism comes to a dogma) is so that you are careful of your actions. It is always tempting to feel that some things you can just ‘get away with’. It is always tempting to do the wrong thing just this time. Accepting karma means you are careful with your actions.

Can everything be attributed to karma?

In fact three wrong views were listed by the Buddha:

1. Everything arises due to God

2. Everything arises due to chance

3. Everything arises due to karma.

Karma is one of few things that we are asked to take on trust, until our meditation develops to the point where we can see and know (~naana dassana) for ourselves. This trust is not so much as a belief, but a working hypothesis. The benefit is that such a view helps to govern your behavior, setting up a favorable mental environment for meditation. Do good, refrain from evil, purify the mind is the summary of the Buddha’s teaching. It seems pretty clear what we are supposed to do, even if it is not possible for the ordinary man to see heavens and hells. Could a belief in God have the same effect? You can’t understand God, but can accept that He wants you to behave. Seems similar.

Novice Monks

2009-04-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

At Wat Khao Lang, from April 1 thru April 10, is a camp for novice monks. Samanera.. These are young male kids who are learning the chants and do's and don'ts of being a monk... It's similar to what we in the West would call, a bible school..with a Buddhist touch thrown in, like, shaved heads and orange robes. As I said earlier, this is just a 10 day camp. After words they will go back to their families and be normal 8, 10, 12 year old boys. This is not a boot camp, they are not treated harshly, they are just taught some Buddhist teachings and chants. They spend about 3 hours a day learning and the rest of the day playing... just like normal kids. Except with shaved heads and orange robes. And in a mentored atmosphere by a senior monk..When I was there today, some kids were playing chess, some were playing soccer and some were just laying around reading or coloring in a book. This Samanera ordination is taken seriously by their parents. It's a big ceremony with all the parents in attendence. Here's some photo's I took today of these kids.. And Please, don't forget, if you can donate a few bucks, this donation will also go to help buy food and books for these kids.

Donate Here:

Luang Poh Tim of Wat Phra Kaew

2009-03-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

I am sad to say that the great Luang Poh Tim Atthasanto of Wat Phra Kaew passed away on Sunday, 22 march in the morning 11am (Thai time) at the hospital in Nonthaburi.

LP Tim is one of the top guru monks of the present era. He is well-known and popular for his knowledge in both Dharma and Visha (supernatural arts).

Meditation Techniques

2009-03-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

I am going to try and bring you some meditation techniques. I will bring you the techniques of different writers, but try and focus on Buddhist meditation techniques in particular.

Mindfulness Meditation Technique

Written by: your best meditation.com

A meditation technique where one focuses on the field or background and embrace all the perception around that field is called Mindfulness Meditation. It is in contrast to another meditation technique called concentration meditation, where one channels all the energy and focus on one specific object or subject, blocking all distractions around. In mindfulness meditation, the mediator is trained to have an open focus of all the inter-related senses coming from the immediate environment while concentrating on a unifying object or a foundation from which to channel all the other senses that is being absorbed or experienced. For instance, a person using mindfulness meditation can focus on his or her breathing, while at the same time incorporating other senses around him or her, like the sound of leaves on swaying tree branches nearby, a faint music playing, or the perception of movements from other people from a distance. The mediator incorporates his or her breathing in harmony with these surrounding senses. In concentration meditation, the mediator holds attention on a single specific focus of thought, which could be a prayer bead, or a thought-based anchor for concentration like a mantra or repetitive prayer. There is no argument on which of the techniques is better. Those who have developed a higher level of concentration also shift easily between mindfulness meditation to concentration meditation or vice versa in a single meditative session. While concentration meditation trains the mind to withdraw all attachment beyond the self to develop full self-awareness, mindfulness meditation encourages the mind to recognize elements beyond the self to be able to know the whole self as a constitution of all the other elements. Instead of being distracted, the mediator should acknowledge the existence of things beyond the self and incorporate it in harmony with the awareness of existence at that particular time and space to get a holistic perception of self. Mindfulness meditation has a similar concept in the religion Buddhism, which also gives high importance on the practice of meditation to achieve self awareness and clarity of the mind. This is the Buddhism meditation technique called Vippasana, which advocates for various mind practices for the purpose of developing insights and general wisdom by seeing the true nature of the self along with the true nature of the surrounding realities. This is in contrast to the technique Samadhi, which develops one’s ability to focus the attention on a single point, unobstructed other realities beyond that point. This is the counterpart of concentration meditation. In the western forms of meditation, there are concentration techniques devoid of any mystical or rigid religious beliefs. Still, mindfulness meditation finds it way in many of the modern schools of meditation, particularly in yoga, which promotes peace of mind by suspending realities filled with worries and fears, cleansing the mental state by invigorating mental relaxations and absorbing fresh perceptions like mind control, free will, and the presence of guidance and protection from a higher source. Absorbing these positive states of mind requires mindfulness meditation, as it recognizes surrounding elements that are helpful in developing a healthier and renewed perception of the self.

See more on meditation techniques at:

Your Best Meditation

Don't forget where to donate to Wat Khao Lang building fund:

Thailand Buddhist Temple - Wat Khao Lang

2009-03-08T06:25:00.000-07:00

I know there are some people out there besides myself, that's interested in Buddhism. Learning about the teachings of the Lord Buddha. I live in Thailand. I live in Lopburi province, in a small village near the town of Khok Samrong. I have found a beautiful small, quiet country Buddhist temple just outside of town. It's called, Wat Khao Lang. I have been here for two years and have never seen more than 5 monks living there at one time. The abbot of the temple, his name is Ajahn Daeng. He is a man you would really like to know. Even though he speaks no English, we communicate by hand signs, dictionary and sometimes it seems, telepathy.

He is a very friendly man. He loves everybody. In two years I have never seen him angry at anybody or anything. And I stay there for 4 or 5 days at a time, whenever I can.

They are in the process of building some much needed buildings. One will be a main meeting hall, and the other is some much needed room for dining. Now everyone dines outside under a palm thatch roof, which has a tendancy to leak badly when it rains. The main meeting hall will really be a beauty. It's expected to be about 2 years before it's completed. There is also some building of Buddha statues and some other Buddhist statues around the temple area.

Ajahn Daeng and I went to the South of Thailand to visit a supporter of his. This is a photo of Ajahn Daeng chanting in the jungle there.

The temple is always in need of donations. This country temple serves the local population, and the local population are by the most part farmers. They have very little money for anything, but they always are willing to help with a couple of dollars every week.

So, if you feel like you would like to help out, maybe donate a couple of bucks to help this country temple build and repair it's buildings, I can promise you it will be gratefully received and for everyone who does donate, the abbot, Ajahn Daeng will say a blessing for you. At the bottom of this page is another way you can help support this Buddhist temple, and get a very nice gift for yourself..

I will add to this blog as I get the material and photo's I need. If you would like to see something, or want to know about something, please e-mail me at:

wlcallaway@gmail.com

Here's something that might be of interest to you. A new ordination by a foreigner in Bangkok. This man thinks he will ordain for life.. I wish him lots of luck.

You are most cordially invited to attend the ordination of
Frank Newbold
at Wat Thewarat
Sam Sen Road
Sunday 29 March 2009
Meet at 3pm, ceremony starts at 4
There will be food served after the ceremony
(except for Frank of course)
In fact there will be activity there all day, so you can get there much earlier and make a day of it. Though there is a common tradition for Thais to ordain for very short periods of time, in this case the ordainee will be looking at a long haul.

We don’t take life vows, but can intend to stay for a long time. Although ordaining at Wat Thewet, he will be moving to a different temple soon after to commence his ordained life. Sadhu!

Note: Ajahn Wimoak’s day long workshop at Ariyasom in English has been moved to Saturday 28th so that people will be free to attend Frank’s ordination.
Temple is on the Chao Praya River, at the end of Sri Ayutthaya Road and Pitsanaluk Road.

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Here's another great way to help out Wat Khao Lang. They make a small Buddha amulet, good luck charm, at the temple, which is both hand made by them and blessed for good luck by them. It's comes in a small metal case and a coconut shell necklace to wear it from. It's shipped to you for free..

$55.00 usd

9 Deva (angels) - Wat Khao Lang

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