Category Archives: Uncategorized

Comrades in Arms

Posted on by
Reply

Having started on my path to enlightenment at the New Life Foundation, mostly willingly, there are times when the old mantle is easily worn again. Sometimes the comfort of the known is preferable to the exploration of the potential, and the new.

Those times are hard, and its amazing how help crops up when needed. It may be a kind word or communication from another. It maybe the environment, or merely the passage of time. But mostly, others at the foundation are the lynch pin to a helping hand.

Two such characters I’ve got to know during my time here, and whether they know it or not, have become an intrinsic part of the fabric of the New Life Foundation. Steve and Seppo, each fellow compatriots on the road to freedom, and each with immense stories. Their insight into life, and awareness of others needs has come from their experiences, and their hearts are firmly in the right place.  I salute these two people, and am honoured to know them.

Bob

One idea to help make a better world

Quote

Posted on by
Reply

If I could make one change to the world it would be to introduce education for social intelligence into schooling for children.

Children should be taught to be aware of how they are feeling, so that before they react they think. For instance, before a little boy or girl becomes a bully, they realise they are afraid, and that being afraid can make them want to lash out.

If you start to become aware of your feelings then you don’t need to project them outward to the world. Children should also know that feelings are normal. Sadness, happiness, fear, and anger, all of these are normal feelings.

If we are taught that being human is to have these feelings, and if we are taught to feel them, we do not need to react. We can take in the feelings, and send compassion to ourselves and others with those thoughts. Perhaps then there would no longer be so many negatives in life.

That there might be education for the social as well as the intellect, would in my opinion, be a realisable dream.

Ani Könchog Lhamo

Buddhist Nun in the Tibetan Tradition

Western Tools

Posted on by
Reply

Having recently arrived at the New Life Foundation dragging my western ideals, experiences, and values with me, I can honestly say I was not prepared for the shock of being in an environment of such abundant beauty, tranquillity, and quiet energy.

Having worked hard to develop the tools to operate in the west. The mechanisms to cope with presenting oneself as super confident, knowledgeable, wealthy, attractive, smart,  funny, and an all round achiever, mostly unsuccessfully, were going to be of absolutely no use to me here at all.

So certainly for a time, I floundered in this new environment. What to do? How to adjust?

But surprisingly quickly I started to notice small adjustments. The peace and tranquillity at the centre allows me to stop, relax, and more importantly, start to listen to my mind and body. My shoulders dropped several inches, relocating to where they should be!  I started to realise how much energy the monkey mind of mine consumed, and for no real purpose.  Exhaustion enveloped me for the first week as these new changes started to take place, so much so that undertaking the workshops available at the centre seemed equal in effort as to climb a mountain.

But slowly slowly I joined in with the yoga, and the meditation, and again the small changes continued to become apparent.  My stiff and aching limbs are becoming supple, my knotted muscles are relaxing. The positive energy generated at the centre, starts to seep into the self, helping to counteract the negative influences, the sheer beauty of the surroundings open the eyes. The meditation – well seemingly my self is not quite ready to submit to that, but I’ve got time!

For me, it’s a strange journey laced with trepidation at the changes taking place. Can I successfully become a person who does not fear daily what life can deliver? can I shrug off my close allies, stress and disappointment? and can I learn to live a more mindful, happy, and fulfilled life?  If ever there is a chance to achieve those goals its here, and so I’ll take the challenge… the alternative, well that would be going backwards!

Bob

Visit to Houy Kaew waterfall, Akha villages and Pha Sert Hot Spa

Posted on by
Reply

The community went on one of their regular Sunday excursions on Sunday 22 January, and had a local Akha hilltribe person as their guide. The community were transported up into the hilltribe area in a pickup van, and enjoyed viewing the scenery en-route. The visit covered a fairly strenuous uphill trek passing one small waterfall and then the main larger waterfall which was more picturesque.  There was walking and scrambling over rocks and boulders in our trek – all improving our cardiovascular systems.

Several stops on the way including one to buy drinks and local handicraft made the trek even more enjoyable.  Towards the end of the trek we were offered some sticky rice, pork stew and sunflower seeds to sustain us by the Akha village people.

The day finished off with a visit to Pha Sert Hot Spa where we were able to relax in the water from the hotsprings.

Hungry Ghost Retreat : Healing the Heart and Mind in Recovery.

Posted on by
Reply

Retreat is from Thursday 22/3 to Sunday 25/3.

This Mindful recovery retreat is offered as an opportunity to experience a wholly Buddhist approach to recovery from all forms of addiction. This retreat is open to those new to recovery as well as those who have been in recovery for a longer time.  All are welcome to sit together to discover an alternative and complementary approach to recovery and to support on-going abstinence.

Throughout the retreat, the meditation practices of Loving-kindness and Forgiveness – both essential for healing our hearts and minds – will be central to, and woven into, our daily schedule.

For the period of the retreat, retreatants are required to commit to Sila (Precepts):

◦                      To refrain from harming any living being

◦                      To refrain from taking what is not offered

◦                      To refrain from sexual and sensual misconduct

◦                      To refrain from false speech (including idle gossip, harsh and divisive speech)

◦                      To refrain from taking substances which disturb the balance of the mind (and may lead me into committing any of the above).

It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to adopt or to adapt any of the principles discussed, and meditation practices explored. Recovering people of all faiths and none are welcome on this retreat.

The retreat’s primary facilitator will be Vince Cullen. Vince is an ex-alcoholic who has been associated with the Wat Thamkrabok monastery in Thailand and Buddhist-oriented drug and alcohol recovery since 1998. In 2009 Vince became a charter member of the Buddhist Recovery Network and established the Fifth Precept meditation for recovery group in Berkshire, UK.  Vince offers recovery retreats in the UK and Ireland.

Donation (Pali : Dana) : The retreat teachings are offered in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of Dana (the practice and virtue of generosity).  Vince follows the ancient Buddhist tradition of not charging for the teachings he shares. The organisations that host his retreats and workshops generally only cover his travel expenses.  However, in return for his teaching and instruction, Vince gratefully accepts donations, which enable him to continue his work. If you would like to support Vince, you can do so at the end of the retreat.

Retreatants have a single room each, with shower, bed, sheets, towel and fan. Please notify us in advance if you would like a double room. Vegetarian meals are served 3 times a day. Fruit, tea and coffee will be available all day long. The retreat will include teachings, guided meditation practice and yoga with an experienced teacher. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the swimming pool and our herbal steam bath. The price for the retreat is 2,000 THB. Please help us spread the word and bring some friends.

If you are interested please contact us at info@newlifethaifoundation.com

More info on: http://www.newlifethaifoundation.com/eng/retreats.php

And let’s become friends on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Life-Foundation/123378871013634

We will limit the amount of retreatants to a maximum of 26, if you are interested please book your place as soon as possible.