This is Awesome

Throughout the day, I often notice a calm sense of satisfaction, the same feeling that accompanies placing the last few pieces of a puzzle. When I bought a one-way ticket to Asia and started giving away all my possessions, I was moving towards this kind of peace, though the details were still unclear.

Sunrise from the mouth of one of my favorite caves at Wat Pa *****

At the age of nineteen, when I first asked my parents for permission to become a monk, I was yearning for what I feel now. Over the next two decades, the original vision became cloudy, obscured by other concerns: establishing a meditation practice, finishing college, falling in love, building a career...

I could view all of those trips as different episodes of a massive detour. However, they provided the challenges needed to strengthen my heart. Like the video game characters of my childhood, I needed to collect enough experience points to confront the final boss.

I was drawing my machete across the stone. All those journeys were preparation for this great adventure: going forth into monastic life, devoting every moment to the pursuit of Truth.

May you all find your deepest purpose. If it takes a few decades, that's OK -- I hope the journey strengthens and surprises you.

May you live by the truths of your heart. May you forever be well!

With Mettā,

Bhikkhu G / พระจี

Image from พะราหุล by Amarin Comics