Buddha Mountain

Sitting on top of “Buddha Mountain” on the Nakkerd Hills, overlooking the Chalong Bay, Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea of Phuket, is a symbol of importance to the Buddhist Thais. The Mingmongkol Buddha, which is still under construction, sits 45 metres high and expands 26 metres in width. This scaffold monument will soon be covered with pearly white Burmese marble and will become one of Phuket’s most prominent landmarks.

From its first conception ten years ago to today, the people of Thailand has possessed a steadfast purpose to create something that would show honour to their King, their belief, and showcase in the highest and most scenic location for all to see and appreciate. Interestingly, this proposed 30 million baht project has taken some unexpected turns.

First, there were the construction setbacks such as height restrictions that had to be resolved. They also encountered issues regard the various permits needed to build in an area of virgin trees.

Then, of course, the financial challenge of building something of this magnitude with only donated money. Currently, the project has managed to raise over 20 million baht, not including the donated marble. Thais from all over the country have come to pay homage and donate to the latent landmark. The monks and nuns live in make-shift monasteries near the construction site and sell various items to help raise the funds needed to complete the statue. A person can purchase individual bricks and write their name or their business’ name for future prosperity. Even the foreigners have enthusiastically stepped up and contributed to the development.

Internet websites have spawn and have been fairly successful in generating funds. People from all over the world have contributed, making this a successful international mission for Phuket.

At the moment, the dirt road that extends three kilometres from the Buddha can be a bit daunting after a rain storm, but a visit is definitely in order. The view from Mingmongkol Buddha’s perspective is stunning and warrants nothing but the utmost respect for the visionaries.

From my limited perspective, I see a cement statue covered with metal rods from every direction. I see the dirt road that is still damp from last night’s rain. I see the peddlers selling their Buddha images.

Then I watched an old lady quietly passing by. She had in her hands three incense sticks, a small yellow candle, a lotus flower and a tiny piece of paper. My curiosity was piqued. She, with little effort, bowed to her knees with the items in her prayer-formed hands. She bowed her head to the ground three times and then said a prayer in a language I still don’t understand. In the creases of her eyes, I saw a tear gently flowing down her cheek. That tear suddenly gave me a different perspective as I looked up at the statue.

From his perspective, I could see beauty. The houses and lights among the mountains, the palm trees and birds of paradise flora surrounding the most pristine beaches created a landscape distinctive to Phuket. As I looked around, I witnessed Thais and foreigners bowed together in prayer or serene revere. I watched as the monks focused on their daily tasks. Each person I saw had a look of peace on their faces. It was truly amazing.

I didn’t realize how long I’ve been up there. When I looked towards the west, I saw the most picturesque painting in the sky. The clouds danced among a vivid orange and purple background. I was mesmerized beyond the disappearance of the Sun.

It was getting dark, so I headed home. As I turned back for a final look at the object of my trip, I no longer saw a cement statue wrapped in metal. I saw the love that each person had as they spent their time, money and their hearts for something in which they believed. I saw a symbol that went beyond that represented all walks of life regardless of economic or political or religious status. I realized I, too, am a part of this unique and magnificent project. This statue has much more potential than Phuket’s best landmark. It has the potential to represent love and world humanity. Now I think I understand.

Unasked Questions

When I was about ten or eleven, I remember asking my grandmother, “Where do flies go in the winter?” I just learned that birds fly south, but no one ever told me about flies.

“Stop asking me so many stupid questions,” was her eloquent response. I also learned early on that she would say that every time she didn’t know the answer.

About a year later, I happened to run across a book in my favourite book shop. The title? “Where Do Flies Go in the Winter?” The couple next to me quickly moved to another aisle due to my sudden outburst of laughter.

As a student, we are always afraid of asking “stupid” questions because we don’t want our friends to laugh at us. In reality, many of our friends have the same question, but also have the same fears. The question never gets asked.

As a teacher, many students wait until class is over and come up to me to ask their questions. Upon hearing the question, many students gather around to hear the answer. Sometimes, however, others miss hearing the necessary information that could have easily been discussed during class time.

How many of us shy away from asking the important questions? How many times did we hold our tongue for fear of losing face? How many times did we walk away with this question still in our minds and our hearts?

I would like to offer to each person reading this to give your permission to ask, to respond, to speak up. If you feel something isn’t quite right in your life, in your community or in your world – let that precious, valuable voice be heard.

Raise your hand, send an email or make a call. Get the attention of the person, company or agency that can give you the answers you need. Trust me, not only would it help you, but so many people will consider you their hero.

Oh! Almost forgot! They die in the winter. Yep! Get all the important information right here at HJ's Blog!

Buddies

As I'm preparing for class and chatting with a few of my students, my office is suddenly bombarded with students! My voice was but a squeak compared to the excitement the kids were displaying. I struggled to listen to the rapid Thai coming from everywhere, but still had no idea what was going on!

"Baap nung ka," (One moment please) one girl finally said as she is passing around a small plastic bag with just a few pieces of folded paper left. Amp let me peek at what he draw from the bag. Of course! In Thai! But I could read a little and he cautioned me not to tell anyone!

I finally got the class of 32 out of my three-person office and regained my love for personal space. The class was starting to settle down when I walked in, but a few were still chatting about the papers.

"Teacher!" Although most of the class can read and speak English quite well, Mook is very confident in telling me what's going on.

She continues, "We now have buddies. Everyone picks a name, but cannot tell anyone! Top Secret! For two weeks, you must do something special or leave a small gift for your buddy, but can't let the buddy know it's you. Top Secret, Teacher!

"In two weeks, everyone brings a special gift to class and give it to their buddies in person!" She smiled proudly and continued her important discussion with her friends. I was left flabbergasted!

What a beautiful concept and a wonderful way to learn about unconditional love. What would happened if we all had buddies we gave a gift or kind word or action to everyday? Could we, as adults, be okay not receiving that important "thank you" whenever we do something? Equally, could we enjoy receiving kindness and thoughtfulness from others without feeling like we owe them something. I'm a great giver, but suck at receiving! Now I'm learning that every person, every living being is worthy to receive as well as give. So now I try to just appreciate the feelings that someone is thinking of me and accept the gift graciously.

Are you a giver or receiver or are you comfortable with both aspects? Lucky you! I still have a lot to learn and what a beautiful lesson to have brought forth from 32 amazing, talented and generous individuals. Thank you my teachers from Bangpakok!

Being Your Own Hero

With so much information out there about global warming and the effects that are causing natural disasters, is there anything we as individuals can do to make a difference? Yep! You don't need to move mountains, but a small pebble can really make ripples that can create positive changes world wide. Here's a few "pebbles" you can use today!

We all feel we have a purpose in life. As more of us become aware of the damaging effects of global warming, we are also concerned about practical solutions to the problem. Most importantly, how can we fit in as part of the solution, instead of the problem?

Unfortunately, many of us become overwhelmed when we watch the ever-increasing natural disasters and it starts to feel like the world is crashing around us. I remember watching the plane hit the World Trade Center over and over and over again. I remember being completely paralyzed to the television. Sleep was optional, but only in between important news breaks. I felt helpless. I wanted to understand the reasoning behind the attacks to ease my fears of possible future attacks, but I mainly wanted a sense of control back into my life.

I do not like to focus on the doom of global warming because that’s not the best mindset for me to find solutions and implement actions. I truly believe we all can make a difference in our lives, in the lives of our families, friends and community. I also am a firm believer that every single action taken produces a ripple effect throughout the world. When we take a simple action such as changing a light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb, a positive motion is set in place.

Just for fun, let’s see what can happen: (this will show how the action affects others)

• That old bulb in the living finally goes out. You go to your local hardware store and see miles of shelves of light bulbs! OY! (production of CFL bulbs)

• Someone comes over to help and maybe suggest a CFL. “A what?” you ask. The assistant tells you that even though the bulb is more expensive than a basic tungsten bulb, it will last years longer, it will not burn hot, uses way less energy, thus saving you money every month AND prevents the release of more than 450 pounds of emission from a power plant normally used to light the old style bulbs into the air! (increased sales and more potential advertisement of a green product, decreased amount of carbons released into the atmosphere)

• You read the advertisement and glimpse the familiar EnergyStar sign. So, you think, “Why not!” (increased awareness of a great program)

• You go home and your kids ask you about the funny looking bulb. (educates the kids and tell their friends how smart their parents are!)

• Your friends come over for dinner and recognize the bulb, but never really considered buying one until now. (increased awareness through word-of mouth [extremely powerful!!!] and more potential sales, advertisement, decreased emissions)

• You get the electric bill the next month and notice you really did use less electricity AND saved a little money. ($$$)

• You go to buy more CFL bulbs and realize the prices dropped a bit due to increased sales! (supply and demand of a product that improves our world)

That’s just for changing one bulb! Just one action really can make an impact. Just because we do not always see the immediate results don’t mean they aren’t there!

So what are the best solutions of global warming? Can we help save the world? Yep. I would first suggest do whatever feels right for you. The level of comfort will be different for everyone. To me, it can be summed up as: AWARENESS and ACTION

AWARENESS

My first exposure to environmental issues came about while working at Home Depot. I watch as a person chained himself to our lumber shelves and awaited the local police. His actions, maybe a bit extreme to some, created awareness to the customers, Home Depot and the media. Many of those same actions ultimately changed the way Home Depot purchased and sold lumber.

For me, my level of comfort was turning off the lights. The more I learned, the more I did to help the environment. Learning about basic, easy-to-do home repairs really made a difference and increased my confidence as well as the confidence of my customers.

Now, years later, I must say living in Thailand has taught me a lot about saving energy as well as joining together for what you believe in. I've seen Thais go to the employment office and march because wages were too low. I have witnessed the ousting of a political figure because the Thais felt betrayed.

I have greater respect for Thais and for others I've met from different countries. Their views and actions have taught me so much about global warming. I also have greater appreciation for our abilities as Americans to make changes worldwide.

So to further answer people's question - "What are the best solutions to global warming?" My suggestions are all easy to do, but the main factor lies with what is comfortable for you. If I am given a great idea, but is too time-intensive, I probably won't do it. But if it's as easy as hitting the enter key, now you got my attention!

Ok. We are much more aware of what's going on. We understand we have a problem. Now what?

ACTION

I started with small steps. As I learned more, I found the bigger steps easier than I realized. I discussed my views with others and listened to their ideas.

My friends in Alabama recently installed solar heaters and a tankless water heater. Businesses are seeing the advantages of doing the right thing and stepping up their environmental cleaning efforts People from all walks of life have created petitions requesting a more proactive government. Even the 2008 Presidential Candidates are listening. Many are now including global warming as their primary issue.

Need some ideas to get your creative green juices flowing? OK! Here you go! Enjoy!

• Get the family involved – make it fun and educational.

• Make it a project during your child’s science fair.

• Chat with your friends – they may have some unique ideas.

• Add a signature tag to your emails. I have a personal account with Yahoo. Whenever I send someone an email, my signature message or quote is at the end of the page. I create the signature once and forget about it. If you see a quote you like or have a message to share with others – signature it!

• Find out what tax incentives or refunds are available to you, i.e. hybrid car tax incentives, toilet replacement rebates, deduct the costs of energy-saving appliances and energy renovations in your home.

• Support greener businesses. Our money dictates what businesses sell. Our support encourages businesses to continue doing the right thing.

• Want to invest in the stock market? What companies are moving forward in clean-up? Researching new technologies? Contributing portions of their profits to support environmental organizations?

• Vote. What candidates are fighting for positive changes in the environment? Who seems to be making global warming a primary focus in their campaign? How does the candidate balance global warming and the economy? Does the candidate understand the threat and what solutions does he or she offer?

• Join others online and become a part of something bigger. In the past, petitions involved going door-to-door or standing near the mall entrance. Thanks to the internet, a letter to Congress has never been easier – or more effective! Read the letter already prepared. If you agree with it, type your name and hit ENTER !

• Submit your ideas to websites. I would love input from you! Your ideas can be just what someone else needed! Many websites would also benefit from your thoughts and appreciate the communication!

• Start a discussion group in your community. Barnes and Noble or Borders are excellent meetings spots. It’s a great way to meet others and bounce around ideas.

• Help improve your neighborhood. In Tampa, there’s a wonderful community group that has a Project Lottery. Each participant chooses a project they need completed on their house. A name is pulled every month. The neighbors spend one weekend on the project. The lucky owner provides drinks and snacks to the neighbors volunteering.

• Create a website or blog of your own! Everyone has a voice. Today, websites and blogs are effective communicators and very inexpensive; blogs are free. Get the kids or the community involved.

Why a Teacher?

Someone asked me why I like being a teacher

...hmmm...

good question and easy answer -

It just feels good!!!

There are days I get to meet new students and get visits from the old ones. I get excited when a student understands a concept that was once confusing.I love connecting to people and kids seems to be so open-minded. When you become an adult, you already accept what others tell you as truth, but kids question and challenge and even disagree!

America is known for its individuality and Thai families are much more dependant on each other. I get to watch as kids are still so very close to their families yet wish to maintain their own ideas and beliefs.

Finally, I love learning from all of my students. I know about Yu-ki-?? (well, not quite), paintball and WarCraft, Super Junior, nano technology, YouTube and, yes, even Hi5.

If any of you guys are reading this, I wish to thank each one of you for making my teaching experience amazing and fun! And I hope you will always remain open-minded to new ideas and compassionate to everyone you meet!!! I love you all !!!