On Day1, the fear of losing my freedom, of surrendering, wreaked havoc …  I thought Day9 would never come around .. Yet it is with regrets and fear of losing my peace that today I face the last day of being here. One more day to wrench my mind from impurities and to totally concentrate… Continue reading

Wow! Today and tomorrow will be the last 2 days before we return to the chattering world. We were told to start meditating all day long, not just during the sitting sessions. Meditate while walking, bathing, taking breaks, having meals … Be aware of our sensations at all times. As I walked around the meadows… Continue reading

My internal alarm clock has got itself adjusted to the timing here. I woke up and laid wide awake at 4:00am, even before the gong bell strikes. My blood pressure is at an all-time low at 118/75. Unbelievable. Matter affects mind and mind controls matters. I wonder what practice I will continue keeping once I… Continue reading

I woke up with intense pain in the lower back. The mattress is a 1.5-inch thick large piece of foam. I can feel the wooden planks underneath. I’m experiencing life of kẽ tu-hành, a sangha, so I can’t really complain about the physical discomfort. I got food in my tummy and a roof that shelters… Continue reading

I miss home. I miss Eric. I think of Eric more than I think of Tina today, not because I love one more than the other, but because Eric is at the age where some self-inspection would be beneficial for emotional and spiritual growth. Today’s meditation continued to focus on Vipassana, with emphasis on Adhitthana,… Continue reading

Day 4. I lost track of the day of the week. I keep track of the day by counting the days I have left in this place. Weekday, weekend doesn’t matter. I’m so out of touch with real life. But tomorrow will be Day5! Yes! Half-way there (almost), half more to go .. Day1 to… Continue reading