Tuesday, March 27, 2007
2nd March Part 2 The monk at the meditation centre
After enjoying the views from the meditation centre, we had a look around.
In the light of events perhaps I should have photographed the one bit of new sturdy building - this was a wall engraved with the names of visitors who had given quite large amounts towards the establishment of a new and beautiful meditation centre. The wall seemed very symbolic of the ethos of the place - perhaps I am being unfair.
Another recent construction were these two statues on a platform looking over the temple area.
The temple itself was housed in a shack with a corrugated iron roof. Inside were the usual temple features - plus a big gleaming television!
What was Jessica thinking? Had she tuned into bad vibes - or was she just thinking "Oh no, not another blooming temple!"
I explored and looked for interesting features.
Mam and the children lit candles and burned incense sticks.
It would be easy to think, looking at the monk here, that we were seeing a good and kindly, humble man.
In the light of events perhaps I should have photographed the one bit of new sturdy building - this was a wall engraved with the names of visitors who had given quite large amounts towards the establishment of a new and beautiful meditation centre. The wall seemed very symbolic of the ethos of the place - perhaps I am being unfair.
Another recent construction were these two statues on a platform looking over the temple area.
The temple itself was housed in a shack with a corrugated iron roof. Inside were the usual temple features - plus a big gleaming television!
What was Jessica thinking? Had she tuned into bad vibes - or was she just thinking "Oh no, not another blooming temple!"
I explored and looked for interesting features.
Mam and the children lit candles and burned incense sticks.
A monk sat and watched. Soon he was talking to Mam. Of course I understood nothing but I could sense from Mam's expression and the tones of voice that all was not well.
It would be easy to think, looking at the monk here, that we were seeing a good and kindly, humble man.
But monks are only human and have their faults of course.
Basically he was begging for money - we will assume that he wanted the money to develop the centre, but maybe not.
Mam was not able to give a donation above paying for the candles and incense sticks she had used.
The monk's reaction was quite nasty.
Basically translated what he said was "If you are not going to give any money, then you can P*ss Off, and don't some back."
Mam was upset and angry. She later reported the incident.
