I look back at the stay at Sathira-Dhammasathan as a meaningful and intense experience! I came with the question how I could give Dhamma a place in the work that I do as a music teacher in the Netherlands and to deepen the practice. I came to the right place! The center is all about connecting Dhamma with daily life.
I was given the opportunity to join and observe many of the activities like weekly retreats, courses for parents and helping out at the kindergarten of the center. I was really impressed at the one hand by the openness and willingness to involve me in the activities and at the other hand by the high quality of all the activities.
The observing of the activities gave me the opportunity to compare them with activities I know in the Netherlands and see what the difference is. I was impressed by the respect for everything and everyone around you that was present in all the activities. It made me realize again how much we lost the quality of ethics, surrendering and faith in the society I grew up in. And it gave me many ideas how to involve some of it in the life and work back home.
Also, the whole experience showed me a whole different side of Buddhism in Thailand and in that way enriched me a lot. Being part of the daily life of the Mae Chee feels like a gift, although it was challenging as well for me. It asks a lot of willpower and faith to live such a silent, ethical and clear life.
It was a bit intense that everything was in Thai and translation was not always available. But I understood the center is working on that and I have full trust they will be able to provide that soon.
All together I look back at a beautiful stay that motivates me to continue the search and practice to give Dhamma a place in the daily life and work. Thank you from the heart!