So we had a class
with this “full of bullshit” guy who talked about Zen Buddhism, well really he
didn’t talk about Zen Buddhism he talked about himself. Yeah the first day was
a powerpoint with some good information on Buddhism in general. He also broke
it down into sects for us, but he threw in a lot of personal stories. Now
normally that wouldn’t bother us, but here’s why it did. In Thailand it is not
okay to talk about one’s self/personal past stories without permission. Often
times teachers will ask before they tell you or they will apologize with “I’m
sorry if my story offends you and if I am talking to much about myself. I am
also sorry if my opinions offend you. Please tell me to stop if I am offending
you.” Does this guy do that? No he’s from New Jersey (no disrespect but he did
follow the stereotype and made ya all look b-a-d) and it was just a total
change for us. The second day we had to ask questions. Well most of us tore him
a new one, especially Ryan. I even asked questions I knew the answers too, I
mean I am Buddhist, but I just wanted to hear how he’d possibly dance around a
question a very simple straightforward “This is what Buddhism practice says…”
and he totally did. By the end of the class we were all frustrated and never
wanted to see the man again. Okay, now that my rant is done, back to the first
day. The first day I felt troubled on the inside. I was feeling like I
abandoned a true part of me by stopping Buddhism and I felt horrible. After
class I decided to go temple wandering. I walked around several temples and
finally found myself and happiness. I am a Buddhist. Deal with it. J
These are just some
shots from wondering around Chiang Mai trying to find temples.
Minds open, hearts close,
bellies full
-The Foodie and
Nature Enthusiast
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