Being curious, I went in for a tea and cake.
Conclusion =
Leave the ladies alone in there to yaketyy yak yak.
Men can go Pantip plaza for computing nirvana undisturbed.
Having been staying at current apartment for about 6 months but did Not try this cafe within walking distance because it has the word Princess as part of its name and I am neither a princess nor a woman with delusions of grandeur nor a khatoey. Just kidding :-p Being curious, I went in for a tea and cake. Conclusion = Leave the ladies alone in there to yaketyy yak yak. Men can go Pantip plaza for computing nirvana undisturbed. Had tea at my usual place today. Decided to walk to the research station just below. An ex- researcher at that research station told me some months ago that he had an open policy and visitors are welcome. So I popped in for a walk. Spotted a white fur ball trying to "do a leopard crawl pass me in the trench"... See if you can spot it too. Took the opportunity to play with RedMi HDR feature AFTER the most recent update a few days ago. Seems that for HDR to work well, must get the exposure at the middle range first. For any given picture (for RedMi users)(other cphone users may need to choose spot metering or similar) - Touch the screen for the camera to focus on that point. the exposure will be automatically set for that point as well. IF the picture is too BRIGHT, touch another point, at the Same Distance from your camera to the subject BUT at a BRIGHTER part of the picture. This will make the camera Reduce the exposure but keep your focus accurate. IF the picture is too DARK, touch another point, at the same distance from your camera to the subject BUT at a DARKER part of the picture. This will make the camera Increase the exposure but keep your focus accurate. You will want the middle value most of the time. Not too bright and Not too dark. Take a shot and check. Should be fine most of the time. HDR is useful for plants too IF there is no wind moving the leafs. Other subjects should be ok as well. BUT there are many occusions where HDR is worse than a normal shot. This is just a normal phone and the abilities of its camera, including HDR, is limited but good enough most of the time. I find that it will be better if XiaoMi can get the phone to take a few shots in succession BEFORE post processing for HDR. The take 1 shot, analyse then take another shot is too slow for non tripod mounted shots. Easier to deal with consistent behavior like take 2 addition shots, over exposed and under exposed, then do the post processing. Whichever needs to be discarded will be decided by the algorithm after all 3 shots are taken. This will reduce the camera movement problem. Or allow users to chose to expose for "details in shadows" (shoot another one brighter) or "details in brightness" (shoot another one darker). Due to the limitation of Weebly, I am unable to share full resolution pictures. There are some shots of insects which are camouflaged at that smaller size. I am lazy to crop for you to see so just enjoy the leafs... :-p Came across something on meditation being shared inaccurately on Facebook today and decided to do a search. Found the following. This shall be my reading for today. There's a passage, for instance, describing three ways in which samatha and vipassana can work together to lead to the knowledge of Awakening: either samatha precedes vipassana, vipassana precedes samatha, or they develop in tandem (AN 4.170). The wording suggests an image of two oxen pulling a cart: one is placed before the other or they are yoked side-by-side. Another passage (AN 4.94) indicates that if samatha precedes vipassana — or vipassana, samatha — one's practice is in a state of imbalance and needs to be rectified. A meditator who has attained a measure of samatha, but no "vipassana into events based on heightened discernment (adhipañña-dhamma-vipassana)," should question a fellow meditator who has attained vipassana: "How should fabrications (sankhara) be regarded? How should they be investigated? How should they be viewed with insight?" and then develop vipassana in line with that person's instructions. The verbs in these questions — "regarding," "investigating," "seeing" — indicate that there's more to the process of developing vipassana than a simple mindfulness technique. In fact, as we will see below, these verbs apply instead to a process of skillful questioning called "appropriate attention." One Tool Among Many The Place of Vipassana in Buddhist Practice by Thanissaro Bhikkhu © 1997 http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/onetool.html "There is the case where a monk has developed insight preceded by tranquillity. As he develops insight preceded by tranquillity, the path is born. He follows that path, develops it, pursues it. As he follows the path, developing it & pursuing it — his fetters are abandoned, his obsessions destroyed. AN 4.170 - Yuganaddha Sutta: In Tandem translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu © 1998 http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.170.than.html "Monks, these four types of individuals are to be found existing in the world. Which four? AN 4.94 Samadhi Sutta: Concentration (Tranquillity and Insight) translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu © 1998 http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.094.than.html Personal Comments In the above Sutta, there are 2 types of attainments mentioned.
2 types with 2 possible outcomes making a total of 4 combinations. Mathematically = 2 squared = 4 Dear practitioners,
Don't forget the other one ! After buying my second hand bike, I sent it for some servicing at a authorised workshop near my place.
Changed engine oil, filter, brake pads, transmission belts etc. Asked them to rebuild my front fork and was told only need to replace fork oil. After getting my motorcycle back, realised the front fork was jammed. Went back and was told it needs to be changed. I made them get it back to the condition it came in. Having lost confidence in that first authorized workshop, I went to another one nearby to get the fork replaced at higher cost. Also asked them to verify the work done by the previous shop and was told all is fine. After my long trip, the rear tire was almost bald. There was very little engine oil left. The question is - did the bike consume so much oil or the oil wasn't replaced at all? Took the opportunity to change the rims from spoke to alloy ones with a new set of tires at a tire shop along Changpuek. Saw it wasn't well done and felt resistence on the front wheel, so I went back again to get it rectified. Was told that the brake disc was crooked and needs to be changed. Went to the second dealership and got it replaced, including the bearings which was found to be faulty. Asked them to check both back and front wheels at the same time. There was a bit of play in the rear. Was told it was fine and nothing needs to be done. Went back a few more times to the second authorised dealer to do basic servicing in the past few months. Each time, a few days wait was necessary for parts to be shipped fron Bangkok. I did a little off-road riding on my most recent trip. Found the rear making squeeky sounds the next day. Since i was going back to the city, i just let it be and went to visit another attraction before going back. Went to the second dealership today and was told it will be dangerous to continue riding it and they don't have parts. The rear wheel was not secure. Was brought to another shop nearby to get it rectified because they don't have parts. My faith in bike mechanics and patience are running low. It was very much the same in Singapore but I had found a few capable and trustworthy ones. I have yet to find 1 in Chiang Mai. If this is the standard of the authorized workshops, I shrudder to think about the rest. The search continues. Second hand stuffs can be value for money but needs reliable mechanics to fix problems. That's for mechanical stuffs before they are beyond economical repair. Humans are a lot worse and many cannot be fixed at all. The more I travel, the more I get disenchanted with this broken world. Seeing the world as it is, understanding the dynamics of human relationships along with the greed, knowing that it is just as it should be, my path couldn't be clearer. Back to Chiang Mai today. Checked out, made a pitshop for breakfast (was told by the waitress to try the cordyceps coffee), followed by my 2 hour massage appointment and tea at the same place along the way back with a detour to Wat Doi Sapphanyu. Asked the same nice lady for lunch recommendation - Kow ngiao bped it is, further down the road. With only a hand drawn map by the nice coffee lady and I refused to turn on the GPS on my mobile. I went on my way. I got lost close to the destination (as usual) and chanced upon a water plant, a resort, a hill tribe touristy place (looks like) and a new Mahayana temple under construction. Asking for directions many times, I got there eventually. Hah! Overshot by a fair bit. hehe. I went in by the rear dirt road and came out by the front tar road. @-@ Asking for directions again, was recommended by another nice lady of a minimart to take the shortcut direct to Canal Road instead of highway 108. This proved to be much faster. Busted my rear bearings yesterday. Probably going to the workshop tomorrow. วัดดอยสัพพัญญู While having coffee the other day, on the way to Ganesha Museum, the friendly lady recommended a visit Pha Chor (nearby) - a mini Grand Canyon. Wanted to do some stretching yesterday but was so tired that I fell asleep. Stretched out my tired muscles for the day ahead in the morning. (Click here for simple stretching exercises) Feeling rejuvenated, I went for breakfast, changed hotel, collected my trolley from the temple, dropped off at the hotel and off I went to the cafe again. Had a special Latte with low fat milk (ok, I look obviously FAT. haha.) This time, she recommended a temple with a beautiful setting on the way back to Chiang Mai... She drew me a map like before with Thai and English words. Very thankful for her help and recommendations. The first few pictures are for the turn to Pha Chor. Her cafe is just further up from the turn, approx 50m from ahead along the highway 108 towards Chiang Mai. As you can see, the signboards are in Thai. I made an enquiry at the roadside stall, the helpful lady confirmed it is the correct turn and a very helpful and enthusiastic soldier told me to go slow and keep left for the many split roads along the way. Some of the split road have road signs in English. Made another inquiry at a junction further down and verified that I was on the correct path. Had lunch and rode slowly, enjoying the views of paddy fields. A minibus overtook me. It was heaven sent. I picked-up pace and followed the minibus for where else could he be going along that road except to the only tourist destination. hiak hiak hiak. Arriving at the gates to the Mae Wang National Park, made an inquiry with the guards, YES~!!! This is the place. Bought 1 ticket for myself and another for the motorcycle. The green picture was phone camera error.... redmi 1.... The weather was perfect. Cloudy but no rain. My straw hat came in handy as a fan. Pha Chor is good for all ages. Except that once you hit the canyon itself, with the stairs, the aged and super fatties have to backtrack. The rest can go through some narrow paths. Nothing very challenging for those without a medical condition but leave the nice clothes for another day. There are 2 walking tracks along each other. 1 track is a little higher and the other is the river (little stream) bed itself. There is no water this time but it is a river bed... If it rains, I guess only the higher track is usable. It is a breeze to walk along the river bed compared with the higher track. The clouds were threatening by the time I finished Pha Chor. Asked the ranger there and he said something along the lines of he hoped it will not rain. I asked if the next place is beautiful and he said - yes. Another gentleman (a tour guide or driver i guess) told me that Pha Daeng is accessible to motorcycles but not 4 wheelers. Off I went on the dirt track again. If it rained, I am in for a jolly good super slippery muddy time with rounded road tires... Met a guy with some mushrooms along the way and double checked directions again. Arriving at he turn to Pha Daeng, noticed that the way to Doi Lo (near to Chom Thong where my hotel is) is different, made a mental note that I have to come back the same way. Went through the road block by the side gap for motorcycles. The panoramic view at the top is awesome. No chattering tourist too. I had the whole place to myself. hehe. Next stop, Gyu Seu Ten. Not sure if that is the correct place. I rode my bike right pass the signboard... and did the final bit on foot and all fours @-@. On the way towards Doi Lo, passed by a sign board with a picture of a pool of water, rode in and found too many tracks for my liking. Decided to let that one go. Went along my way again and came to a tar road. 2 ways, which way? Stopped a passing motorcyclist for directions to Chom Thong, he told me he is going the same way and ask me to follow him. woohoo~! I was going the wrong way... He took me off the tar road and on to more dirt tracks. By that time, I am enjoying the dirt tracks quite a bit. Going deeper and deeper into the plantations, I realized he probably was using the mountains and sun as a directional guide and it made me a little worried because the sun is behind when I should be heading towards it... We reached tar roads again, and the road condition gets better and better. That gave me a little more confidence. He slowed down upon reaching 108 and pointed to me that Chom Thong is the other way and I have to make a U-turn. Thanked him and I am on my way back again. Not far from where I turned off but not the shortcut I hoped for. Then again, it was way better than getting lost with an empty stomach. Thank you very much dear friend. Occupied with what to eat for dinner, I stopped for petrol and rode straight back to the temple. Got some medicines from the pharmacies there, asked 3 people what happened to the very nice bah mee stall outside 7-11, no one has a clue except that I didn't see them for the past few days. Disappointed, I went to the night market area and saw those cats... I had forgotten about them... Time to get acquainted. End of the day – A small automatic scooter is far better for traveling in Thailand than any other types of vehicles. Just make sure it has wide flat knobby tires for both on-road and off-road purposes. This is not the first time I felt this way. Next set of tires are going to be those flat ones. I got away this time round only because there was no mud. VENERABLE PHRA AJAHN TONG SIRIMANGALO BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - WAT CHOM THONG - 2014 SEPTEMBER 2121/9/2014
Day 3 of the celebrations. Lunch at the Kao Soi place. They used to be just outside the temple. Now they are just after Siam Commercial Bank on the way to Wat Chom Tong, on the right. Back to the temple for clean up after lunch, as usual. Bonus picture = lunch Dinner at night market. Ate = Satay (2 x pork and 2 x intestines) realized sai = intestines too late (5baht each) = Fried Tuna toast with crumbs (iirc 20baht) = Springroll x 1 (iirc 10 baht) = BBQ skewers x 2 types. very good. (10baht each) = custard pancakes x 4 (10baht) = iced lemon tea (25baht) too full for durians VENERABLE PHRA AJAHN TONG SIRIMANGALO BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - WAT CHOM THONG - 2014 SEPTEMBER 2020/9/2014
Venerable Phra Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo birthday celebrations - wat chom thong - 2014 september 1919/9/2014
Day 1, noon - Many people helping out. Very interesting experience. Laypeople, Students, Officials, Mae Chees, Phra Ajaans.... Anumodana! Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! Lots of food. Some with very long queues. Decided to go to the Ganesha Museum today since there is no call for assistance. Had breakfast at the stall that I passed by yesterday just as it was closing. I took a snap of the stall holder from my seat and was spotted. She posed for me so I moved forward to take a closer picture. Ganesha Museum is about 25km from the town of Chom Thong towards Chiang Mai on highway 108. It is quite close to Sanpatong. A friend who had a particular afinity with Ganesh spotted a ring of Ganesh on a delivery man at a cafe and asked him about it. That man pointed him to Ganesha Museum but he didn't had time to visit. It sounded interesting so here I go... Stopped by a cafe for a proper coffee by the roadside. The owner speaks English and had been to Singapore. She recommended me the massage shop next door as one of the best she came across. She also told me and gave me directions to a place of interest nearby - Par Chor - sort of a mini grand canyon. A customer is finishing at the massage place in 5 minutes, I waited. That customer had a sling on her arm... I had a very good massage with information that Par Chor is a steep climb upwards. The masseus trolled me that I may have to pay her another visit after Par Chor. haha It was noon by then, next stop will be Ganesha Museum as it was sheltered from the hot sun. Par Chor will be after that. Visited Ganesha Museum. Very interesting. Found out why one tusk was missing. Saw exhibits from many countries including Russia. Ganesh was dispicted in many poses including very mordern and cute ones. hehe. A cat came to me for some rub. And it appeared again some time later at another spot for some more rub. Phone rang, assistance need. Off I go back to the temple. At the temple, went to the second floor of the tall building and saw people at work. Not my type of work. Prefer heavy lifting. Off I went to the new hall, spoke with a familiar Ajaan. Got my much needed exercise. Had dinner, back to hotel for a shower and recalled a barber in the vincinity. Went and had a fun hair cut for SGD$4. hiak hiak hiak. First day I get to help out for the preparations. The fire trucks deliver the water to wash dirt off the floor. We sweep the dirty water out. Speakers embedded in the pillars. The Audio and Video room at the top. Some of the pictures are taken from the top. A tent is erected within a mere few minutes with many helping hands. The tents are in the funeral area / temporary kitchen and dining areas while the existing kitchen and dining areas are being reconstructed. BaMee Kiao Haeng aka Wanton Mee for dinner. Spotted the temple on the hill top last year October. Passed by again and noticed more statues than I was aware of the last time. Paid a visit this afternoon and was pleasantly surprised. Didn't see any other tourist except myself. It is 3km from Chom Thong town towards Hot on highway 108. Lookout for the signboard 500m ahead of the turn (approx 2.5km after Chom Thong) The black stuff on the humongous statues are bee hives with many bees flying around. This can be observed in many other temples as well. Ended with dinner at the place I went almost 1 year ago. The boss came to welcome me by rubbing at my feet before I place my order with the worker boss. Chom Thong District, weekly market area. When leaving, this one ran out to say bye bye A hot soak at a place not so near (Ob Luang National Park - Thep Panom Hot Spring) and a ride through Doi Inthanon back to hotel
Maras are numerous. Maras are powerful. Maras have many deadly weapons.
But when the mind is pure and focused, Maras' are useless against such a person. Their attacks and weapons can only act upon impure minds. It is therefore necessary to keep the mind guarded at all times with Mindfulness. Mindfulness makes one aware of the posions of the mind. The remaining 7 of the 8 fold path purifies the mind. The 8 fold path renders the armies of billions of Maras useless. That is my view and interpretation of what I observed so far. Tickets for access for 1 person and 1 motorcyle and 1 place of interest. Nice numbers but gambling NOT encouraged :-p It was raining heavily after our visit to the Pagodas. We made a dash in anticipation for the coffee at the summit. To our dismay, both the coffee shop and convenience stall was closed. Took a little walk around in the rain. Had a nice cup of tea along the way down. Clothes dried on the way back to Chiang Mai city. Dinner at the supermarket and Home Sweet Home.
This is NOT the first trip to Doi Inthanon for both of us. We skipped many attractions which we had went seperately before this trip. ps: That's a poncho in case you are wondering. Went to a few other waterfalls in my previous 2 trips. Came here too but from the top of the Garden. This is from the bottom of the Garden. |