Amphoe Wichian Buri, Phetchabun, Thailand

20-32 °C 05/02/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

The last day of the year passes in silence and deep reflection. Tonight, as the clock strikes midnight, we step into a temporary new year. For me, this day has always been special. In this fleeting moment of transition, I sit here quietly, recording these journal entries about the monks and their extraordinary journey.

This morning, everyone rose early. Anh Cường, a devoted Buddhist from Vietnam, brought two precious calligraphy gifts from Master Ô Dân Phát, offering them to Báu and Giáp. The master had never gifted his calligraphy without meeting the recipient in person, but out of deep admiration for their sacrifice and dedication, he made an exception. He gifted Giáp the character "Phật" (Buddha), a reminder of the path to enlightenment, and Báu the character "Nghĩa" (Righteousness), symbolizing loyalty and devotion.

Despite it being the last day of the year, many Buddhists continued to come, offering alms, essential supplies, and medicine for the journey. Their generosity reminded me once again of the boundless compassion in giving.

After capturing a few moments in photos and exchanging New Year’s wishes, the monks continued their journey. A beautiful moment unfolded—a small dog approached and gently touched the master's foot, as if offering its own farewell to the old year.

This year comes to a close, leaving behind a tapestry of emotions—a year of profound transformation, especially for those who cherish the master’s teachings. This year marks his presence, a year filled with obstacles and challenges, yet also one where the image of peaceful footsteps once again graces this great journey. Not everyone in this life has the privilege to witness such a path.

For me personally, this year has been one of great learning. I have cultivated more patience, let go of desires, and reduced anger. As I write these final words, the New Year has just arrived in my part of the world.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and prosperous New Year!
I humbly wish the master and the Sangha a safe and meaningful journey.
May the master overcome desire, anger, and ignorance, and attain perfect enlightenment.

Amphoe Wichian Buri, Phetchabun, Thailand

20-32 °C 04/02/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Thep Sathit District, Chaiyaphum,

14-27 °C 03/02/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Thep Sathit District, Chaiyaphum,

14-27 °C 02/02/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Thep Sathit District, Chaiyaphum,

14-27 °C 01/02/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Thep Sathit District, Chaiyaphum,

14-27 °C 31/01/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Thep Sathit District, Chaiyaphum, Thailand

14-27 °C 30/01/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Nong Bua Rawe District, Chaiyaphum, Thailand

14-27 °C 29/01/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Nong Bua Rawe District, Chaiyaphum, Thailand

14-27 °C 28/01/2025

New Year's Eve – Closing a Meaningful Year

Nong Bua Rawe District, Chaiyaphum, Thailand

14-26 °C 27/01/2025

A Day on the Journey

Last night, the monks rested in an open field, sleeping under the vast sky. The strong wind made spending the night outdoors a true test of endurance. Giáp sent back an image of the master sitting in the middle of the empty field, still and serene like a statue.

Early this morning, Minh Thiện, who claimed to be the adopted son of the master’s parents, arrived and asked to join the journey. At 3 a.m., he approached the monks, but Báu firmly refused. Upon further inquiry, I learned that Minh Thiện was not truly a monk and did not adhere to the precepts as he claimed.

Today, a large number of devotees came to offer alms. Notably, more and more international Buddhist followers are becoming aware of the master and seeking him out with deep reverence.

At noon, the monks took a short rest under the shade of a large rain tree, its canopy providing a cool and peaceful refuge.

Around midday, a man named Trương Minh Quân arrived, wearing a yellow ribbon with three red stripes—a symbol of the former Republic of Vietnam. He initiated a conversation with Báu, and their discussion was open and respectful, touching on both politics and Buddhism. Quân holds political views in favor of the old regime but is also deeply interested in Buddhist scriptures. He wished to meet the master and ask a few questions. Báu agreed, but under one condition—Quân had to remove the ribbon, as the master does not wish to be associated with any political elements.

Quân was then granted an audience with the master, who graciously answered all his questions, helping him gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings.

As the final hours of the year unfolded, the monks walked through a breathtaking sunset. The beauty of the pre-Tết days evoked a deep sense of nostalgia for those of us far from home. Each day, following in the footsteps of the master brings me great peace. I find myself viewing everything with a lighter heart. How fortunate I am to have been born in this time, and even more so to hear the master’s words.

Another heartwarming moment today—Linh, a Vietnamese Buddhist, prepared a Thai noodle meal for the YouTube team following the monks. Her kindness touched everyone deeply. I offer my sincere gratitude for her generosity.

Before concluding this day, I want to record one of the master's teachings from his conversation with Quân. When asked how one can let go of attachments, the master simply said:

"To let go, one must first have unwavering faith."

Perhaps I am beginning to understand—walking this path requires absolute faith in the Dharma. Like Báu, Giáp, Hà, and all those who accompany the journey, only with steadfast faith can they continue this meaningful pilgrimage.

Ban Khwao District, Chaiyaphum, Thailand

15-33 °C 26/01/2025

Peaceful Days in Thailand

On the morning of the 26th, Thailand remained as peaceful as ever. Like an unceasing stream, Buddhist devotees from Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries continued to gather, offering their heartfelt alms to the monks.

A devoted Buddhist from Vietnam traveled all the way here just to pay homage to the monks, her heart filled with deep reverence.

Vietnamese expatriates who have lived in Thailand for five generations also joined, sharing stories of life away from their homeland while still preserving their faith in Buddhism.

A touching moment caught everyone’s attention—one of the monks gently blew dust from his alms bowl before setting out for alms, a simple yet deeply reverent act.

Rare Moments

A rare sight—Venerable Phúc Giác quietly sewing robes, each stitch a silent step in his devoted practice of the Dharma.

A devoted Buddhist from Australia sent the monks flashlights along with a heartfelt letter.

Minh Thiện also came to pay respects and expressed his wish to join the pilgrimage. However, after careful consideration, Anh Báu and the monks decided not to add any new members to the group.

A deeply humane moment—Anh Báu spoke with the couple behind the Phạm Hoàng Kha - Về Miền Đất Phật channel. It was only then that he learned their channel had few subscribers, making it difficult for them to sustain their work. Without hesitation, he called on others to support them, helping them gain a more stable income to continue spreading Buddhist teachings.

Meanwhile, the monks were seen gathering discarded fabric from a landfill to sew robes—a humble yet powerful testament to the spirit of asceticism and frugality in Buddhism.

Encounters Shaped by Fate

Today, Anh Báu shared that about five people expressed their desire to ordain and follow the monks. Among them was Venerable Minh Thiện, who claimed that the family of Venerable Minh Tuệ had entrusted him to the group. However, when Anh Giáp called to verify, the family denied any such arrangement.

Each day, Anh Báu must navigate countless situations and unexpected encounters. But perhaps it is precisely these moments of fate that have connected him with the monks, allowing them to walk this path together.

A heartfelt thank you to Anh Báu, Giáp, and Hà—those who never hesitate to face hardships and remain by the monks’ side on every journey…

Kaeng Sanam Nang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

15-33 °C 25/01/2025

Peaceful Footsteps in Thailand

This morning, the atmosphere was still and breathtakingly serene. Last night, the monks rested by the Chi River, where nature gently embraced the weary travelers.

Modern people seek peace through distant journeys—booking flights, choosing luxury resorts, worrying about meals and accommodations. But in the end, perhaps all they truly long for is a moment to sit quietly amidst nature, allowing the mind to rest for a few fleeting seconds. Yet, such tranquility does not require an extravagant view or a five-star hotel.

The Alms Round

As the monks walked for alms this morning, they happened to encounter a group of Thai monks engaged in the same practice. The first devotees sincerely offered alms to them.

During the journey, Venerable Minh Tuệ often sought additional food for the volunteers—Anh Báu, Anh Hà, Anh Giáp—since they had not yet received the precepts required for almsgiving. The venerable said, "You are not yet ready, so let me seek for you."

Passing through a bustling market, the sight of the monks in saffron robes walking slowly, immersed in the rhythm of life, created a scene of profound beauty and peace.

After the meal, the monks resumed their journey. Today’s path was rough with dirt and stones due to ongoing construction, requiring careful steps. Anh Hà chose to remove his sandals and walk barefoot alongside the monks, embracing the practice of asceticism.

Meaningful Encounters

At noon, some Vietnamese expatriates in Thailand came to pay their respects and wished to hear the monks share the Dharma.

Later in the afternoon, YouTubers had the opportunity to record and interview the monks. Their footage was not just mere images but a bridge, connecting the Dharma to many more people.

Today, Anh Báu shared an amusing story about how Venerable Minh Tuệ’s passport was nearly lost. Despite multiple checks, it was nowhere to be found. Eventually, they sought the help of a fortune teller, who revealed that the passport was deep inside the bag of Kim, the son of Anh Noọng—the person handling the visa process for the group. Due to a small oversight, the passport had slipped into another compartment. Truly, life unfolds in unexpected ways!

A Night Among Fellow Expatriates

Tonight, the group will stay on the land of a Vietnamese family that has lived in Thailand for five generations. As the Lunar New Year approaches, everyone is busy with their own concerns. This year, nearly all the YouTubers have chosen not to return home, dedicating themselves to accompanying the monks through the New Year.

Thanks to the monks, today we learned another profound verse from the Dhammapada:

The fool who knows he is a fool
Is wise to that extent.
But the fool who thinks himself wise,
He is truly the fool indeed.

This verse echoed deeply within us, reminding each person of the importance of humility on the path of wisdom.

Under the gentle moonlight, amidst the land of Thailand, my heart felt at ease…

Kaeng Sanam Nang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

16-33 °C 24/01/2025

Peaceful Days in Thailand

In the early morning, as the mist still clings to the treetops, Buddhist devotees from various places gather here. Today, the monks continue their alms rounds, walking past Thai households in the soft glow of dawn. They divide into two groups, each taking one side of the road, silently carrying their alms bowls, practicing the way of the Buddha.

After receiving alms from the local people, the monks are also offered gifts from Vietnamese devotees. With the Lunar New Year approaching, many bring bánh chưng from Vietnam, a gesture filled with the warmth of home. For the monks, Tết holds little personal significance, but for the laypeople in the group, seeing bánh chưng means feeling the presence of Tết. The green of lá dong and the fragrant sticky rice evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for those far from home.

Today, the journey is shorter as the monks take time to finish sewing their robes before heading into the colder mountainous regions. This area is near a cool, clear river, so they take the opportunity to wash their robes, bathe, and relax in the tranquility of nature.

In the afternoon, I witnessed an open conversation between Brother Báu and a group of YouTubers. Lately, he seems to have developed a more positive perspective toward them. To be fair, I have written about them before—they are an inseparable part of the journey. Every community has both good and bad, but if we choose to see with an open heart, we will always find the goodness in others.

These truly peaceful days in Thailand have given me much to reflect on. For a long time, I have wanted to write these words because ever since I met the master, I have experienced a profound transformation. I know that many others feel the same. I long to share this realization with my family and friends, but I understand that not everyone is ready to receive it. Perhaps it is a matter of fate—only those who are meant to understand will do so. This also explains why some people online speak ill of the master—each person follows their own path.

In the end, life offers only two directions: one leading upwards, the other downwards—positivity or negativity. The challenge is that we often don’t realize which path we are on, as every decision feels justified—whether for money, work, family, or a sense of fairness. Only the enlightened ones can illuminate the way for us to see clearly.

I had heard of the "veil of ignorance" before, but only now do I truly understand it. I may not yet tear it apart completely, but the master's light has pierced through the first cracks, allowing me to glimpse the path ahead. And I believe that for those with the right destiny, they too will eventually see the light.

Kaeng Sanam Nang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

16-32 °C 23/01/2025

The Devotion of Buddhist Followers

Last night, a Vietnamese-American Buddhist family arrived as early as 5 AM to prepare porridge as an offering for the monks after hearing that one of them was suffering from a toothache. Their heartfelt gesture touched everyone deeply.

Earlier, whenever the monks needed anything, the lay followers would immediately offer whatever was required without hesitation. Notably, one devoted follower, while at the market, saw a y phấn tảo (a traditional monk’s robe) and, thinking of the monks, joyfully brought it as an offering.

This morning, a large number of Buddhist followers lined up to offer alms to the monks. However, following tradition, the monks preferred to go on their alms round first, fostering connections with the local community. Many Vietnamese expatriates and lay followers from Vietnam also gathered. Among them was actress Anh Thư, a well-known Vietnamese celebrity, who arrived early to pay respects and make offerings.

After their meal, the monks took time to interact and take photos with the lay followers, acknowledging the effort they had made to come from afar. They then continued their daily alms walk, covering approximately 20 km as usual.

End-of-Day Story

Today, YouTuber Duy Bình encountered a minor incident when the police stopped him, suspecting that his motorbike lacked proper documentation. Fortunately, after proving that he had legally purchased the vehicle, he was only fined 500 baht before being released. What stood out was the solidarity among the YouTubers accompanying the monks—everyone looked out for each other during times of trouble.

Since arriving here, Bình has committed to a vegetarian diet and observing Buddhist precepts as a way of self-discipline. During today’s livestream, YouTuber Báu engaged in a long conversation with the monk. The monk’s teachings not only deepened their understanding of Buddhism but also warmed everyone’s hearts, making them momentarily forget about the approaching Lunar New Year.

Perhaps this year, Tet is no longer significant, as everyone has chosen to accompany the monks on their spiritual journey.

To conclude, here’s a meaningful quote from the conversation between Báu and the monk:

"When someone with bad intentions comes to us, we should guide them toward correction. If they refuse to listen despite our advice, then we must let go—because speaking further serves no purpose."

Bua Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

16-29 °C 22/01/2025

A Peaceful Day

In the morning, many Thai Buddhists came to offer alms to the monks, bringing with them deep reverence and joy.

After the meal, the Master took photos with the laypeople, listening and answering their questions. As the procession passed by a government office, a large group of Buddhists came out to pay their respects, expressing profound devotion.

The Journey of Letting Go

This afternoon, Venerable Phúc Giác made a resolute decision to renounce all attachments. He forgave the debts of six people who owed him and then smashed his phone as a symbolic gesture of his commitment to letting go.

I want to write a few lines about Venerable Phúc Giác’s story. Perhaps, like many others, I have always envisioned a monastic community that is utterly solemn and pure. However, when the Master welcomed Venerable Phúc Giác into the sangha, I realized it was a deeply humane act.

Compassion is not about maintaining a flawless image but about embracing others as long as they have the intention to walk the path of righteousness. Clinging to an ideal of absolute purity is much like being overly concerned with outward appearances. But for the Master, true wisdom lies in seeing beyond external form and focusing on inner transformation.

Accepting differences—whether good or bad, virtuous or flawed—while trusting that the seed of goodness will one day bloom, is the boundless compassion that the Master embodies.