November 2010 - National Museum Volunteers

RECENT HAPPENINGS
EXCURSION TO PAK CHONG TO VISIT
PHRA AJAHN JAYASARO
by Kathryn Ryan and Sonia Schreiber
Sunday, September 5th began with a
beautiful blue sky over Bangkok, as
27 members of the NMV ensured
they were on time for their bus departure
from Emporium for a day trip
to Pak Chong to visit Phra Ajahn
Jayasaro. This excursion had been
carefully organised by Aviva Biran
and Storm Walker and what a wonderful
job they did.
As the bus left the bustle of Bangkok
and began its journey out into
the countryside,
there were many
remarks as to
how enjoyable it
was to see such
wonderful vegetation,
and take in
a slower pace of
life. After a two
hour journey we
had a short
break, reboarded
the bus and arrived
at our luncheon destination in
good time. The scenery and surrounding
vineyards were just wonderful
and with so much recent rainfall,
everything looked lush and verdant.
At the restaurant the food was delicious,
with all eating requirements
met and everyone feeling more than
satisfied. The staff is to be congratulated
for ensuring that it all ran
smoothly, as the arrival of a large
bus tour is every restaurant’s nightmare!
And so we made our way to Pak
Chong and the peace, calm and
tranquility that envelopes this beautiful
retreat destination. Before the
Dhamma talk and meditation time
with Phra Jayasaro, there was time
to wander the property and take in
the beautifully kept gardens and surrounding
countryside.
The bell was
sounded and we
made our way up
to the 2 nd floor of
a beautiful room
filled with light,
the gentle whirring
of air-conditioners
and the
beauty of nature
all around. Mingled
with that,
and seated in front was Phra Ajahn
Jayasaro and Phra Pandit along with
two other monks.
The English monk Ajahn Jayasaro
follows the Forest Tradition of Thai
Theravada Buddhism, which focuses
on the practice of meditation and
strict adherence to monastic rules,
rather than lengthy scholastic studies
of the Pali Canon (the texts which
form the doctrinal foundation of
. November 2010 . Newsletter National Museum Volunteers . 11