Andy's Asia - Life in the Village

The first day of Khao Phansa is kicked off with a service at temples nationwide. Khao Phansa is often called ‘Buddhist Lent’. Chulaborn Graduate Institute describes it thusly: “... this 3 month period is the time to attain the dharma, i.e. to do spiritual training. So the devotees stay away from all causes of disasters or sins by giving up alcoholic drink, smoking, and meat eating. In addition, they spend more of the time training their mind by studying the dharma or Buddha’s teachings, chanting prayers, meditating, and listening to sermons delivered by monks.” For instance giving up alcohol or cigarettes are common during this three month period. It normally begins on the first day after the first full moon in July. T his also formally kicks off the rainy season where monks were unable to travel between temples. Wherever the monks are on this day, they will stay for 3 months. During this ceremony people make merit by bringing ‘gifts’ for the monks. Toothpaste, bottled wat...

In recognition of my 70 th birthday, today’s post will be about my morning routine. I never expected to live to be 70 before yesterday. Yesterday I was pretty sure I would make it to today! In fact when I was younger I never expected to make it to 30. Surprise! I should have known better. Three of my four grandparents lived to be at least 92 and my father made it to his 90s too. So here I am. One hears many stories about people working until retirement then dying soon after. Looks like I won’t be one of those stories! Until Covid-19 hit, I was swimming 1500 – 2000 meters a day five days a week. When the virus hit and lockdowns and quarantining became the new normal my pool was closed. I have hopes it will reopen next week, but in the meantime, I have been doing brisk walking in the village; three days of walking then one day off. It’s not the same but it is far better than nothing. We are in the transition between hot season and hot and wet season. For that reason, I g...