The kind of scrappy travel writing that you would discover and take pleasure in reading while backpacking is truly captivating. It offers a unique perspective on different cultures and experiences. In this case, it's interesting to learn a little about how monks fit into Thai culture. Monks play a significant role in Thai society, and their presence can be felt in various aspects of daily life.

Jai Yen, which means "cool heart," is a concept that is deeply ingrained in Thai culture. It represents a state of calmness, patience, and inner peace. Backpackers who encounter this concept while traveling in Thailand may find it inspiring and may even try to incorporate it into their own lives.

Overall, scrappy travel writing allows us to explore different cultures and learn new things. It enriches our travel experiences and broadens our horizons. So, the next time you're backpacking, keep an eye out for those interesting stories and perspectives that will make your journey even more memorable.

I truly appreciated the fact that her description of her experience at a Tibetan monastery was completely devoid of any spiritual pretense or religiosity.

She seemed to enter that sacred place without any preconceived expectations, simply allowing the experience to unfold and shape her understanding of herself and her past experiences.

This approach is not only refreshing but also highly valuable. It offers a unique perspective on women's spirituality that is often overlooked or dismissed.

I firmly believe that her account should be included in any comprehensive study of women's spirituality. It has the potential to provide insights and inspiration to those who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their spiritual journeys.

By sharing her experience in such an honest and open way, she has made a significant contribution to the field of women's spirituality.

The title truly speaks volumes.

It is a personal account of a `newbie` stepping into the Theravada world of meditation. There is hardly any meditation theory, which is excellent considering she is a beginner and that isn't the aim of the book. Towards the end, there are some meditation advices, some `letting goes`. But I suppose it's difficult to resist the impulse to share such a source of peace with everyone else, even though it might lead to failure and sometimes setbacks for those who `attempt` to follow the advice.

At one moment, after she underwent vipasanna meditation, you can observe a transformation in her writing style in her diary. I really relished that part.

This account offers a unique perspective on the journey of a beginner in the Theravada meditation realm, filled with personal experiences and a touch of wisdom that comes with the practice. It shows how meditation can have a profound impact not only on one's inner self but also on the way they express themselves.

Overall, it's an interesting read that provides an insight into the world of meditation from the eyes of a novice.

Meditation is a practice that has intrigued many, yet for those who are completely new to it, the journey can seem daunting. I was once in that position, knowing absolutely nothing about meditation. However, my perspective changed after spending some time in a Thai monastery undergoing intensive vipassana training.

The initial days were filled with confusion and restlessness. But as the days passed, I began to notice a shift within myself. The teachings and the practice of vipassana gradually opened my eyes to a whole new world within me.

Through the training, I learned to observe my thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. This process of self-observation allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and my patterns of behavior. I discovered that beneath the surface of my daily life, there was a whole realm of consciousness waiting to be explored.

As I delved deeper into meditation, I experienced moments of profound peace and clarity. The stress and chaos of the outside world seemed to fade away, and I was able to connect with a sense of inner calm that I had never known before. This experience has not only transformed my relationship with myself but has also had a positive impact on my relationships with others and my overall quality of life.