International Buddhist College founder, Ven. Wei Wu together with his disciples visited Wat Ratanawan on September 18, 2015. One of the purposes of the visit is to learn from the monastery the experience of landscaping.
We were warmly received by the reception monk and were briefed on the history, as well as the elegant architecture of the monastery. It is surrounded by elegant environment, beautiful scenery with fresh air, which makes the monastery a good place for meditation.
During the dialogue session, the abbot, Ajahn Nyanadhammo shared the teachings of Ajahn Chah. The Sangha members of Wat Ratanawan live a very simple life and only eat a meal each day before noon. Their personal needs are limited to clothing, shelter and bedding, a lifestyle characterized by simplicity and contentment with little. The bhikkhus live in individual kutis in the forest. They have to keep the jungle track clean and to practice walking meditation on these trails. Being patience and diligence, adhering to the monks' code of discipline with simple living, contemplating on our inner self, are the religious practices and teachings of Ajahn Chah, which will lead us to the insight of non-self and the serene state of mind.
Ajahn Nyanadhammo also shared a true story with us. During a Dhamma talk session by Ajahn Chah, a male devotee suddenly punched Ajahn Chahin chest. He did not get angry, but he was grateful and said: "Because of his action , it gives me the opportunity to learn compassion." Everyone was impressed by the power of his endurance for the unpleasant situation, and regarded this as a karmic process.
As a disciple of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Nyanadhammo said that the teachings of Ajahn Chah benefits him a lot. Ajahn Chah’s teaching focuses on training of the mind in our daily life and not, simply a matter of sitting with the eyes closed or perfecting a meditation technique. Thus, Buddhism is practiced in our daily life.
Ajahn Nyanadhammo also mentioned that a common person wants to be healthy and happy, but the Buddha’s teaching shows us the nature of suffering.
Ajahn Nyanadhammo also said that those who wish to stay and practice in Wat Ratanawan, should receive a basic training in one of the branches of the monastery for several years. Then they are allowed to become part of the Sangha community of Wat Ratanawan.
