Meeting a Monk

April 6-7th
Yesterday, Carey, Lucy and I went to this place called "raja yoga"to practice some meditation. It was alright. The instructor did a little too much babbling for my liking, but the actual meditation part was pretty good. She had wanted us to meditate with our eyes open, which I found really difficult--hence, I closed mine. The highlight of the session was that she mentioned that the following day (April 7th) there would be "monk chanting" at 5 p.m. We ended up staying one extra night because Kelly wasn't feeling really well, and the girls still needed to get their Visa stuff sorted out.
Monk chanting to me sounded intriguing, and off I went on my own! Just the other day I had told the girls that I would love to learn more about monks and what they are all about, and this evening I got my opportunity. Tui, a 26 year old monk of 10 years, talked to the 5 of us for about an hour. He actually said that it would be better that we asked him questions, and he would do his best to answer them. Here are some things that I learned today:

* it is not an obligation to become a monk, rather a choice. Although parents highly encourage their young teenage sons to become monks for at least a short period of time to devote part of their life to Buddhism.
* once you become a monk, you can stay a monk for however long you like.... a few months, years, or as some do, a lifetime.
* as a young apprentice monk, you must follow 5 important doctrines: no drinking, no sex, using your words properly, no stealing, and no killing (including bugs, any wild life, etc...)
* if you are a monk for a short period of time, you must follow 10 doctrines, and if you choose to be a monk for a long period of time there are 127 doctrines to follow (Tui fell under this category)
* Buddhists believe in heaven, hell, nirvana, and enlightenment. We had a good discussion about nirvana and enlightenment, and I really do need to read a little more about it.
*Tui will be leaving "Monkhood"next year, and said the most exciting thing he's looking forward to is getting a job and being able to make some money, and learning how to ride a bike! To think, he's never ridden a bike before! (one of the doctrines). He said he will most miss the strong bonds he's formed throughout the years, and meditating and praying on a daily basis, although he plans to continue his religious practise, just not as regimented.

At the end of our conversation, he asked if it would be okay to personally bless each and every one of us. I awaited my turn and kneeled in front of him where he proceeded to tie a small piece of string on my right hand and wished me good health, and happiness. Once we all had our red strings tied on us, he asked us to close our eyes and he chanted a prayer in Cambodian, to bless us one more time. It was spiritual, and moving. It reminded me of all the amazing moments I experienced with Father Norm in Africa. It also goes to prove, for me anyway, that there are so many other things that can enrich us spiritually besides going to church on Sunday. I'm glad I ventured off on my own today, as it was definitely a spiritual hour.