Mahasati On the News

Teacher travels far to present new path

Abbot from Thailand offers lesson in meditation method.

Monday, May 10, 2004

By RUSS FLANAGAN

The Express-Times

BETHLEHEM -- It's hard to dispute that Americans lead pretty busy lives.

Between work, school, family and other activities that pull on people's lives, keeping a clear mind can seem nearly impossible.

That's why many have turned to Eastern philosophies to try and unscramble those Western minds.

On Sunday, the Venerable Luangpor Thong Abhakaro traveled from Thailand to spread the word about a particular practice of meditation he claims can end suffering, if practiced correctly, in three years or less.

About a dozen people took part in the demonstration Sunday afternoon at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley at 424 Center St.

Mahasati meditation, based on moving with awareness rather than sitting still with the eyes closed, was invented by Abhakaro's mentor, Luangpor Teean Jittasubho, in 1957.

Jittasubho's meditation can be practiced just about anywhere and can be done while sitting down, walking or standing.

The practice involves a simple, repetitive movement of the hands and arms and is meant to keep the mind aware of the body's motion. By doing so, the body can then be separated from internal problems, Abhakaro, 65, said through his interpreter, Owen Ingkavet.

"People tend to solve their problems with arguing," Abhakaro said. "If you've been enlightened, you can solve problems without arguing or destroying property."

Abhakaro, abbot of the Wat Sanamnai Monastery in suburban Bangkok, said Jittasubho's method of meditation is an adaptation of what Buddha originally taught. While the practice is widespread in Thailand, Abhakaro is trying to spread the technique globally and travels to the U.S. once a year, as well as to Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Andrew Dorman, who organized the event, said the church tries to sponsor a different theme every month and wanted to teach others more about Eastern philosophy this month. Both the church and Mahasati meditation are open to people of all religions and backgrounds, Dorman said.

Anne Elizabeth Evans of Allentown has been meditating for the past three or four years and was drawn to Sunday's events by the prospect of learning a new technique.

"Something about the movement and something about working with someone from Thailand brings a different experience," Evans said. "Sometimes I think sitting (while meditating) is not enough. Through movement, your body tells you what is going on."

Marilyn Hazelton, also of Allentown, began meditating over 30 years ago while stationed in Thailand with the U.S. Air Force. She said she wanted to reconnect with what she first learned overseas.

"This is kind of a loop for me," said Hazelton, who is a teacher and a poet. "I want to generate and participate in positive spiritual energy."

In his "Manual of Self-Awareness," Jittasubho writes that if "you practice (Mahasati meditation) continually and seriously, in at most three years suffering will end. It may take only one year. For some people it may take only one to 90 days. The result is that suffering will decrease or cannot disturb you any more."

Reporter Russ Flanagan can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at rflanagan@express-times.com.