:: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

Grasping, Attachment, Impermanence and Letting Go

I stayed in Sunnataram Forest Monastery (Thailand) for a month, which turned out to be in the jungle with only five Westerners. Very different from life in the west. After adapting to the noise of the jungle, fears, heat, ants, mosquitoes, no bed and the monastic life, I longed for…a cup of tea. One way lady from another isolated kuti appeared with a TEA BAG. Boiling water was available a mile away and even a mug. All went well and I savoured tea. THE TEA BAG lasted one week!! Then I was free of it. During that time I discovered what mindfulness meant. Being aware of grasping, attachment and letting go.

Each day I had my private tea ceremony THE TEA BAG, then the 2K walk for bailing water, pouring in of the water, tasting and drinking. After a week I was only drinking hot water. I discarded the bag and contemplated the attachment, impermanence and letting go. THE TEA BAG had gone but still a craving remained, but not for tea. Eventually I found a very dusty small jar of Nescafe, which I purchased. In the morning after chanting, meditation and Dhamma talk, [three hours) I contemplated getting the water, soya milk and at what time I would indulge, one could have it hot or cold, black or white, half or full mug, sitting or standing etc. On tasting it was disappointing and unsatisfactory. (Dukkha) The jar became empty; if only the mind was the same. It became evident one can detach from craving. Hot or cold water are excellent drinks. Back in the West, friends ask me for a good strong cup of tea. It is unbelievable. Four TEA BAGS in the pot and then thrown away!! Four bags in the jungle would last a month! We do not have to cling to habits imposed on us. Buddhism teaches, the more we grasp, satisfy the senses and ego, the more we suffer. (Dukka) FROM A SERIOUS BEGINNER IN BUDDHISM