FlipNomad’s Photo Thursday – Seeking Refuge in Chiang Mai

I’m starting a new segment here in FlipNomad to share some memorable and interesting pictures that I’ve taken in my travels. Aside from blogging and travelling, one of my interests also includes photography. But I’m in no way a Pro nor an expert although I do hope that someday I would be.

Wat Ram Poeng, Chiang Mai

This picture was taken in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  I’ve always been curious about other beliefs and have always wanted to learn more about Buddhism. These monks that I’ve met in Wat Ram Poeng taught me Vipassana Meditation for a week.

I was lucky enough that I was in the temple when they celebrated their Wat’s anniversary through chanting and through this simple yet profound rite.

For those who are not familiar with Vipassana Meditation, here’s a short description from Wikipedia:

“Vipassanā in the Buddhist tradition means insight into the true nature of reality. A regular practitioner of Vipassana is known as a Vipassi (vipaśyin). Vipassana is one of the world’s most ancient techniques of meditation, which was re-discovered[citation needed] by Gautama Buddha. It is a practice of self-transformation through self-observation and introspection to the extent that sitting with a steadfast mind becomes an active experience of change and impermanence. In English, vipassanā meditation is often referred to simply as “insight meditation”.”

Check out this helpful link from Wikipedia for further information.