What happens when we die?

After I watched Suthichai Yoon’s TV documentary series, Zen 2010 from Suan Mokkh to Plum Village, I’ve read many books and articles written by Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Master. I’ve also followed his talks in web site. One of his talks is interesting -- What happens when we die?

One has been dying every minute and is born every minute too. We see our picture as a child; in fact that we now are exactly different. We could not avoid our changes of body, feeling, mental and others.

Thich Nhat Hanh gave good example. Cloud may die into rain falling to the earth. Cloud is water in river, lake, sea, or ocean and is heated by sun giving it birth. It is the moment of continuation. So no cloud, there is no rain. No Death, there is no birth.

The Buddha told us about Dharma and how to practice. Do meditate on our birth or our present time. Please free from birth or death. Free from being or non-being.

Said by Thich Nhat Hanh

“When I drink tea, it is very pleasant to be aware I am drinking cloud.

What happens when you die? ……We need to answer another question.

What happens when we are alive?”

WHY IS THAI FOOD SO POPULAR?

When I ask some foreign friends about Thai food, they always say that they love Thai food because it tastes delicious and spicy. I agree with them because Thai cuisine is known for being spicy. Herbs and spices are an essential part of it. They are combined to help achieve a balance of five fundamental taste senses in each dish or the overall meal: hot (spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter.

Here are some examples of herbs and spices are often used in Thai cuisine : Chili (Phrik), Cumin (Yi-ra), Garlic (Kra-thiam), Ginger (Khing), Galanga (Kha), Hoary Basil (Maeng-lak), Kaffir (Ma-Krut), Krachai, Lemon Grass (Ta-khrai), Lime (Ma-nao), Marsh Mint (Sa-ra-nae), Pepper (Phrik-Thai), Sacred Basil (Ka-phrao), Shallot (Hom, Hom-lek, Hom-Daeng), Sweet Basil (Ho-ra-pha), Turmeric (Kha-min).

These are the reasons why Thai food is currently enjoying an international vogue. I think Thai food is the most delicious dishes in the world.

All about Mang-Da

Last week my aunt came from Hongkong for visiting us with her son and her daughter in law. (We have to speak to each other in English because my cousin is not Thai so he can not speak Thai) We went to Khao Yai and Pak-Chong. On the way back, we dropped down to have lunch at the market in Singburi. While we were walking around the market, my cousin had seen some kind of animal in the bottle and asked me what is it? It is Mang-Da but how to say that? I just learned about Mang-Da in last week. But It is not the same one. The Mang-Da that I had learned is the Horseshoe crab but this one is not the horseshoe crab. Thai people also call it as a Mang-Da. Then I answered my cousin that it an animal that eatable. He asked me how its test? Actually I don't know so I said that I don't know but I just know that Thai people mix it with the food and it give the smell. Funny is, I go to ask his mother(my aunt) I wish that she would had the answer for her sun in Cantonese. But she said that she also don't know. There is no this kind of animal in Hongkong. Then She said to her sun that it for eat. Finally my cousin has a conclusion for himself that "It is a Thai cockroach because it looks like a cockroach!" .... His conclusion is made me laugh (Who gonna want to eat the cockroach?) ....

Now I still don't know what to call this kind of animal in English. I have search for more information in the websites. I could see just the Horseshoe crab(which is not the same one as I mean) and the pimp(which is not refer to an animal but it is a kind of people) ... Or it actually be the cockroach? a kind of cockroach....

Samui Island

      Ko Samui  is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Kho Chang and one of the most popular destinations for travelers. In recent years it developed to a tropical beach resort but still maintained its charm and has everything to offer - from coconut tree fringed beaches to tropical jungles to a vibrant nightlife. Popular beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut & Maenam. Ko Samui hotels range from bungalows and villas to 5 star boutique resorts and are suitable for all budgets.

     Transportation
     Ko Samui is a private airport originally but Bangkok Airways , which is still the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with service to Ko samui from Bangkok. Several ferries connect the island with the main land , including the car ferry from Don Sak (district that is seaport of Suratthani coast) to Samui.

 

Harry Potter 7 finally I'd seen it

Since last blog about Harry Potter 7 that I'd posted. I finally spared some time to see it and it was really nice. Harry potter 7 was not disappointed me like the other one did!!! (- -'). As it is a fiction story nothing can happen, In real life we have no charm, no spell, no wand etc. The film maker did it very well... They separate this film in to 2 parts. Since I had read harry potter for about three times for each book and for harry potter 7, I'd read it more than three times. After I had watched harry potter 7 in the cinema then I got back home and started to read the harry potter 7 again to compare with the film version.. It not the same as I thought but I can accept that because there were so many details in this final book. As it is the end, everything within the story have to be cleared. (I need to know what they gonna do with actors and actresses as at the end of the story they have to be adult and had children) I can't wait to see the other part on March in 2011. That's mean I have to wait for so long. Wish it will be good enough for wait.

HOO-RAH! HOO-RAH! CHEERLEADING

I watched the beach volleyball, or sand volleyball, on T.V. a few days ago. The game was fun and it is more fun when the Chinese cheerleaders showed up. Wow! I felt they are so sexy and pretty. “Hot cheerleaders blamed for defeat” was the topic I found out on CNNgo and those Chinese girls had an affect on how the beach volley players played. It is not only players but also the audiences and photographers look away from the podiums for some excitement. It is interesting for writing about the cheerleading on blog for this week. Here you are! the history of cheerleading, have fun!

What is a cheerleading? Who is a cheerleader? From Wikipedia : Cheerleading is a physical activity, sometimes a competitive sport, using organized routines, usually ranging from one to three minutes, which contain the components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games or to participate in competitions. The person involved is called a cheerleader.

The History of Cheerleading was written by Keith Bean: it originates from the United States in the late 1880's. No one is quite sure how they documented that it was the first cheer ever but credit is given to Princeton University in 1884 for coming up with a Princeton cheer and marking there place in cheerleading history.

The evolution of cheerleading to a sport was again developed by The University of Minnesota as the women became known for there athletic ability by including gymnastics in their routines. Then in the 1930's the sport developed into much more of a display of showmanship as the athletes become much more entertaining and fun to watch. The megaphone would become the next big addition to cheerleading history in the early 1900's and the pom pom which was introduced by Lawrence Herkimer really gave cheerleading a symbol to hang its hat on. Today the sport has evolved into a highly athletic and competitive field displaying males and females of incredible talent. Herkimer and University of Minnesota have carved out a unique history of cheerleading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheerleading

http://singsupplies.com/showthread.php?t=80485

Graduate English II

   Graduate English II was a subject which I studied on Monday last term. I like this subject very much because there were many students studied with me; I felt fun when I studied it. The first day, I remembered it was 31 May 2010. My teacher ordered us to sit in pairs. I sat with a boy who was the same age 24 as I am, I liked him suddenly I saw him. His face is general, but I think he is lovely. His branch begins with M letter. Graduate English II was an easy subject. There was a student got 80 scores in the mid-term exam. She studies in MBA, her nickname is Tangkhwa. Moreover, I like it because I studied in the afternoon (Unlike other subject which I must study in the night although I am a normal section student). When I walked pass the 11112A, I usually think of when I studied this subject because it made me happy. I remembered every students’ face, but I didn’t remember all of their names.  

The 2010 Asian Games

The 2010 Asian Games, also known as the XVI Asiad, is a multi-sport event in Guangzhou, China that began on 12 November and finishes on 27 November 2010.
Yesterday is Thai so happy. According to Thai players got 6 gold medals from Taekwondo, Sailing, Sepak Tatraw. Thailand is the sixth of ranking. I'm very surprised. Today, Thai team can pass the quarterfinal. I like to watch the sports of volleyball, Sepak Tatraw and Taekwondo. I think that all sports should train very hard both of physical and mental. I cheer for Thai team so loud and excited all the time. Thailand is developer than in the past such as volleyball women team is in the third of ranking in Asia. Tomorrow volleyball Thai team will compete with China team, too. I think that they cannot win since China team is the first of Asia. But I still cheer the volleyball Thai team though the result will lose. Fighting! Fighting!

Who is your inspiration?

Whenever you do a hard thing, what or who inspires you to achieve it. An Inspiration is in my mind all the time. It is something: moving my life forward, doing things better, and behaving in good ways. A part of the inspiration is from my father. It’s not from his sayings, but it’s from his behaviors. He is not talkative person, but I can understand why he behaved. Sometimes, teaching by doing may be better than only saying without showing. For example, clothing; he always suits himself tidy and proper when he goes out anywhere, politeness; he usually behaves politely to everyone, facing up; he never fears the bad things may occur, etc. I believe that a good practice is as my good example. There are many teaching hidden in his doing. Whenever I meet a bad experience which makes me feel sad, I always think of his way of life and pass the bad things with patience. Everything he did inspires me to move forward and to do my best. Whatever or whoever probably is your inspiration, it’s good to have it with your life. Also, you may be an inspiration for someone.

To have it is so good,it moves the life forward!

Fear experience

    In my family , there were four of is : my father , my mother, my grandmother , and I. My father was a lawer and my mother was a government officer. Suratthani is our hometown and my family still lived there until now. I will fell you the first thing which I can remember. It was when I was nine-about 1995. It was raining while I was watching TV. and everyone was sleeping in our bedroom. The weather was wet and cold. The rain splashed to my home and the floor was wet and a centipede came in my home but I didn’t see it. And after I finished watching TV, I walked to my bedroom on 1^st floor. Suddenly my feet slipped on the centipede and then I was injured by it and I screamed very loudly, I saw the blood on my foot. Everyone was alarmed by me. I was brought to the hospital on that night. And moreover, I absented the school 3 days. For this reason I hate and fear the centipede.

10 Interesting Topics of Conversation for Every Occasion

“Google helps me!” my head was so empty when I said that. What should I write on blog for this week? I really want to write something fun and it is not boring for the readers. I started to search for an interesting topic on Google. There are lots of articles from Ezine.com so I picked up one of them to share with you. “10 Interesting Topics of Conversation for Every Occasion” was written by Peter Murphy who said “The interesting topics of conversation come from everyday life and things that we all have in common”. I got it! I agree! The ten questions that he wrote are simple but I feel they make people relaxed and happy to talk with. What are my answers if I talk with someone who asks these questions to me? How about you? What are your answers? Let’s do it together and see how we feel.

Q 1: Who is the most interesting person you ever met?

Jumpoon: Her name is Joke, Jindarat Yongsata, who is my best friend. I love the way she spends her life and the positive thinking that she has. She always says “Problem can be solved if we have a consciousness” When I hear that, I calm down.

Q 2: Where in the world would you most like to visit?

Jumpoon: I would love to visit London, United Kingdom, in 2012 because Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in London from 27 July to 12 August, 2012. I love to watch sports and I think it will be wonderful to travel and watch games at the same time.

Q 3: What has been the most life-changing experience you’ve ever had?

Jumpoon: The most life-changing experience happened when I was an exchange teacher at Wilde Lake High School through the American Field Service program (AFS) in 2002. That was exciting news to stay in the U.S. for 11 months for sharing Thai culture in schools and in American family. I really impress people and have a strong relationship with family. This great experience is still fresh in my mind.

Q 4: What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve you ever done?

Jumpoon: When I needed to show Thai Classical Dance at Wilde Lake High School in front of American teachers and students. I am not expert but the show must go on. I made it and I am proud to be Thai.

Q 5: Who’s had the biggest influence on your life?

Jumpoon: Aleena, jumpoon, has had the biggest influence on my life. I admire people who are smart and succeed in life. I wish I were them. I wish my dream comes true and who will make it. It is me!

Q 6: What thing that you have not yet done would you most like to do?

Jumpoon: I would love to graduate in MA soon. I try my best to get a goal.

Q 7: What is the best quality you’ve inherited from either of your parents?

Jumpoon: Honesty is the best quality that I’ve inherited from my parents. First, I feel good with myself because I never lie at myself. I know what I want and I do what I want to do. Next, I do not like to cheat so I am sincere when I talk to people. Then, I am happy to be a precious person.

Q 8: From which person have you learned most in your life?

Jumpoon: My mother, a strong woman, who I have learned most in my life. She is my idol. She teaches me to have endurance and an attempt. She is such a great mother, I love her so much.

Q 9: What historical figure do you most identify with?

Jumpoon: I like Muay Thai and Nai Kanomtom is a real fighter-hero very dear to the heart of all Thais. From the history, he fought nine Burmese champions to prove that the “muay Ayutaya” was indeed superior to Burmese Let Wei. He defeated all Burmese champions in one day. Muay Thai is very well known, it is Thai Heritage World Heritage.

Q 10: What kind of music do you like?

Jumpoon: I like Rock and Pop Dance. My favorite band is Micro and my favorite singer is Tata Young.

After I finished these questions, I do agree more with Peter. The questions about families, hopes, dreams, experiences etc. are not serious like politics and religion. What do you think? Like or not like?

the penalty from the nature

As in the past several months, Thailand had faced a very very big disaster. Not only the biggest flood in the last 30 year but also the depression. What was happen today is made me think of the future. What would the world be? and How could we live in the next 2o years. The world without the fresh air. The heat from the sunlight which become hotter and hotter. The foods shortages is everywhere. How could we survive in that condition? Is this the penalty of the nature? We spend more and more natural resource but never pay anything in return. We use our smart brain to spend every part of the nature. Today there are so many thing which is the penalty from the nature, the new terrible strange disease as the new type of cancer, you may see that more and more people is facing. The higher number of cancer sufferers in younger age. I saw the feature report which said that people are facing with the new type of cancer as the beast cancer and intestine cancer. It is because what we are doing. We eat fishes from the ocean but as the same time the factory always let the effluents into the ocean. The vegetables are cropped spraying to get rid of pests. It seems like we apply the toxin into our body for everyday. How could we avoid these thing if we have to eat everyday?
Let's heal the world(like the Micael's song) It good for us and good for the world to lesser use the natural resource and give something in return, at least just decrease using plastic bags or plastic products. Use biodegradable plastic or something that can be decay. Plant the trees to cool down the earth. Let's stop the global warming, you can do it!

Lighted Rivers and Canals

Last Sunday, many temples or restaurants at the riverside or canals decorated their places for Loy Krathong Festival, which will be held on Sunday 21 Nov. Besides, there is the preparation of Nang Nopamat Contest. As known that she created krathong for the King of Phra Ruang to float it on this occasion. In history, she was beautiful and learned lady so now the character of Nang Nopamat Queen will be the most beautiful of contest.

In the past, it’s believed that floating krathongs can be a way of shedding one’s sin. Some people said it is a kind of thanks-giving or appeasing ceremony to the water gods (Mai Kongka). Last, it's an excuse for spending an evening outdoor amid pleasant surroundings as the rainy season is just over. The winter is coming.

Kkrathongs are made of nature material so that we can save the world. In nature, there is no award or punishment, but there is only consequences remain.

Loykrathong, Everyone's full of cheer. Loy krathong in the gold river and the Klong....Be lighted rivers and canals on Loy Krathong Night.

This thing is the best for life

Last week, I read a book about living in the present time. This book is written by W.Vajiramedhi. He wrote it for Ph.D.Apiwat Wattanangkul. In that time, he has got cancer. So many years ago, I ever saw him with his family at Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. I like to read it so much because it's very interesting book until I known the answer. It told that "Whoever has the money has the power." Do you agree this sentence? Someone may be agree that. But for me Idon't think so since people will get happy not depend on this thing. I think that people have many money who want to get more personal benefits. The happiness of life is own heart. We can control it ourself. And we have to spend our life on earth not depend on rich or poor. Finally, I think that you may be find the answer. The answer is health and life.

My graduate day

   My graduate day was a day that I was very happy. I met my friends who I didn't meet them for many months since we had finished our project (Independent Study). We had trained for 3 days. The first training day, I took photographs with my parent, my friends, and my teachers. My teachers told me that my posture when I took an academic degree looked like chop the pork (Ha! Ha! Ha!). We took many photographs together. In the conference room, I sat beside my friend who I like him because our names began with P letter. I had a little smile on my face too. In the evening, my friends and I had dinner together. The second training day, we trained at Sukhothai Thammathirat University. In that day, there were 4 faculties of Rajamangala Suvarnabhumi Universities, but I didn't sit beside my friend as mentioned because there were two students sat between him and me. All of students in faculty of Arts are 119 students, and took photographs in group. The finally and the real day, we went to Rajamangala Thanyaburi University (Klong 6). In those days, there were many people more than the other day. I was tired, but I was in a merry mood, and I would not forget it forever.