Forest Path - Amaravati Buddhist Monastery

ten thousand joys & ten thousand sorrows 109
While living in the monastery I experienced what ‘real life’ was all
about. I heard lay visitors express comments such as, “the monastery
isn’t real life”. I felt I began to learn about my multidimensional
mind states in the monastery. My attitude began to change and
insights came through — experiencing community life, understanding
Thai culture, relating to monks and observing my idealism.
The simplicity of living in a forest and the ascetic practices of monastic
life resonated well. I felt in tune with this lifestyle because I was
drawn to simplicity and to what was ‘real’ which were elements that
were lacking in my life.
For me, ‘real life’ meant reflecting and working with the dukkha that
appeared in the present moment. This meant that there was a lot of
‘real life’ in the monastery!
I would like to express my sincere appreciation and deep gratitude
to Ajan Jayasàro, Ajan Vipassi and the entire Wat Pa Nanachat
community and all those wonderful beings who have supported,
lived, and visited Wat Pa Nanachat. Thank you for your kindness,
generosity and the opportunity to practise at Wat Pa Nanachat.
Thank you for the teaching of my life.
I hope what I have written is helpful for all beings who find themselves
at Wat Pah Nanachat, especially for women who might find
the experiences of monasticism, Thai culture, and Buddhism
challenging.