It feels like; a really nice morning has come out to greet all Universes--

very beautiful and what feels as if a natural speed of a marvel called life and
its living can be observed here at the Wat Nongbua. Their will be more likely than
not some absolutely super-nice people surrounding you. So the whole day is filled
with this tremendous good energy from all around you.

No question (speaking almost third-person like) that traveling over to Thailand is

a most wonderful birthday present. The word “Happy Birthday” was imbued with the
flying/living in Thai culture experience. (I had arrived at the Bangkok
Suvarnabhoomi airport on my thirty sixth birth-day.) I’m certainly, happy to be
back here. This has happened almost three decades after my family had checked it
out here. I must thank both my parents profusely for bringing me closer to this
culture (deeply influenced by ancient Hindu methodologies). I am almost ready to
get something of a bigger surprise as it gets closer to my ordaining as a monk in
the Theravada tradition. I will get a change of name—to a new Buddhistic type.
This could get equally enchanting? as my journey that’s up and coming for the next
half year (from this point on). I hope to be able to contribute towards, towards
an initial goal of teaching monks to speak better English. It feels like, with
each passing day--I make newer friends and greater bonding seems to be out
everywhere. I have a systematic and real understanding on how deeply I wanted to
become a monk. But when the cooler waters of monkshood will be tested by the heat
of the moments that are going to un-erringly happen (to me)—simply due to my
advanced age of ordaining- I hope to be able to ride them out. Was it a good idea
to be in and around the language of the Buddhist calendar adhering Thailand? For
goodness’ sake, a BIG- Yes, I’d say!
I feel safe and almost secure. It can be amazing as some of the impressions of
your own people you can bring into precise and concise gatherings such as
conferences. I have no doubt that all the people of Thailand support me in my
quest as a post-Ambedkarite (Buddhist). (For those who want to know-B.R. Ambedkar,
PhD, died in India and has a global following for his legacy of re-establishing
Buddhism in its land of origin. From his name all his followers are often referred
to as Ambedkarite(s)). Knowing full well that my stay (like, many others who have
been on their quest of monk-hood) would not benefit Thailand in any material
respect, and yet Thai people have had still given (every outsider) as a culture.
Thai people keep giving (sramaneras, novices and monks) with a deep heart filled
with heart-felt appreciation and faith in their Lordly Buddha (as my Buddha and
yours too!). I have never seen anything quite as deep as is seen here in Surin
city. Surin lies towards the east of Thailand. It is very close to Thailand’s
border with Cambodia and about 6 hours away from Laos. Here people speak Thai,
Khmer, Lao and Thai. This is an extremely diverse group just from looking at these
linguistically (and culturally) plural manners of existing.
Things that were from my heart and also in its immense love towards my late
father’s legacy as an Ambedkarite and then all the way up to my dear mother’s
immensely deep respect towards (Babasaheb) Ambedkar, have brought me to look at my
own responsibility—towards returning to my family, with a learning of Vinaya and
as a better man (if not as a monk).

In the past days, I have come to raise with Roeng- about the duration during which
time, I get conferred the honor of monk-hood and things are almost settled, at the
(this) moment. Dr. Roeng’s insistence on getting monkshood ceremonial matters
fixed was apparent and very quicksilver and earnest (Giving you an insight into
his lifestyle-functioning as a monk and a man). I got to thank him deeply for his
efforts and consistent guidance. I believe, when in my time of need- any more
guidance will always be there, at least from monk Roeng. Roeng’s very busy, with
some of the administrative responsibilities as well as working responsibilities of
Surin province’s younger Sangha. This must be truly a big honor for somebody like
him. I hope to be able to assist him as much and as long as is possible for me to
stay in Thailand. Today, I give myself a good month to live around here at the Wat
Nongbua. Then having finished my working responsibility of monkshood, I want to
travel thru Thailand. Today, as things are standing I do have the additional
sponsorship to cover my expenses. I am deeply grateful towards Phra Dhammamoulei
for this most wonderful gift. He straddles the earth like a teacher, a guru- a
support system to all future monks like, yours truly. Since the morning of May
9th, I’ve had traveled from temple to temple (Wat to Wat) and now in the evening,
I do feel quite tired and am ready to call it a day from the exhaustion.

These might just be the most eventful ten days of my life! Everything is
aligning for me to say Namo Buddha (To almost all people from Thailand). I am
feeling quite satisfied with my friendships (globally) and all my friends’ deeper
trust in me. I have just made a nice little progress with the people of the wAt. I
am quite happy to be able to teach them whatever little English I am capable of
teaching as a second language. This improves my chances of staying on here,
slightly. On May 11, 2009 we have got a good vibe from Ti, Non and Tem (from this
morning’s interactivity). Yesterday, as well we had a lot of fun. We had a pretty
full day. The Wat’s consecration ceremony got filled with super chanting from all
these experienced monks and was something to keep you wondering. I also, remember
that during the morning Ben and Fon also show promise as a good double team
ESL(earner). It’s another day and another tiring body experience. I have not been
teaching English in the past thirty plus hours. This will make my last lesson to
the men and monks already pretty long ago. As things are
I want to, at this point-quickly finish out the pre-ordained, if somewhat pre-
determined reality. Anyway you sound- it will take a very characteristic Buddha
nature to finish a day in a grateful spirit of the heart-mind. I hope that this be
attained, and the sooner the better. Let me thank Sister Yeshe’s young and
inspiring presence in our lives. Wherever she goes may she always find her
happiness. Thank her goodness.