Well, here it is more than 1 month based in Sakon Nakhon and in a domestic relationship, following,bacically, 5 years on my owna dn based in Khon Kaen. Sakon Nakhon is much smaller than Khon Kaen, but like all Thai cities has just about everything needed for daily life The differences ocuur in the area of technology, computer hardware and accesories. In Khon Kaen because of my location I was walking distance to about 8 or more restaaurants or places for an evening beer, while in Sakon Nakhon there are a number of choices, I do miss Beung Kaen Nakhon on occasion.
As far as my search for and “investigation” of those things Kammathana Dhutanga Buddhist the past month is way beyond anything I could have imagined. Visiting the places where Ajahns Sao and Mun spent not only some time, but entire “rains Retreats” and reveisited over the years. Meeting people who’s family have been supporters of the monks for nearly 100 years is providing insights I never imagined. Seeing the impact Ajahns Sao and Mun and their students have had on Buddhism and the communiies here.
More westerners overseas are probably aware and support Kammathana Dhutanga (Forest) Buddhism than in Thailand. Ajahn Sumedho and other western students of the forest Bhikkhus have not only been accepted internationally, but the number of Monasteries of this lineage are opening and supported around the world.
Here in Thailand it5 has been reported from many sources that the majority of monks do not keep the vinaya are overweight and are supported by a small part of the population, while the Dhutanga Bhikkhus sit on the floor to eat their meal of the day out of an almsbowl and spend their days in some form of meditation.
Anyhow day 12 it’s off to Khon Kaen to visit some folks back there, then to Kalsin for a day or to isiting as well and then back to Sakon Nakhon as Daeng has to be back to work on the 16th.
I will be posting more about Forestt Buddhism the monks. supporter and places. Am now waitng to get more information about river and reservoir levels in preperation of reporting on flooding if and when it happens
The webcam,twitcasting and the usual posts will continue as always.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions send them on I always try to respond as soon as possible.
Otherwisw y’all Take Care

Tom