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**Redys** · 09-04-2011, 05:59 AM

I visted the Vihara today, I've got to say that the English people there were predominantly middle class, there didn't seem to be many ex-homeless, former drug addicts there. Oh well I suppose I'm making in roads for the lower end of the social spectrum! Seriously, though, I think it takes a certain kind of mind to appreciate Buddhism in the west. Still I have a high IQ and I speak politely.

Bhante Amitha was a really kind and gentle man, I wish I could have had some time with him to ask him some questions and seek his counsel about my life. Next time I'll try and arrive a little early and see if I can get some time to talk to him. I struggled with the Pali chanting. The meditation was excellent, essentially it was the Mahasi method. I felt really calm and clear afterward.

At the end, the Bhante blessed me and tied a piece of white fibre around my wrist, I'm unsure of the significance of this, I would have liked to have asked but Bhante Amitha was busy and I really had to go and get my train.

Will I go again, definitely.

There is also a Zen Sangha here in Nottingham and I intend to visit, both Theravada and Zen interest me and I would like to see which suits me better.

09-04-2011, 05:59 AM	#1
Redys Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 539 Senior Member	I visited the Vihara I visted the Vihara today, I've got to say that the English people there were predominantly middle class, there didn't seem to be many ex-homeless, former drug addicts there. Oh well I suppose I'm making in roads for the lower end of the social spectrum! Seriously, though, I think it takes a certain kind of mind to appreciate Buddhism in the west. Still I have a high IQ and I speak politely. Bhante Amitha was a really kind and gentle man, I wish I could have had some time with him to ask him some questions and seek his counsel about my life. Next time I'll try and arrive a little early and see if I can get some time to talk to him. I struggled with the Pali chanting. The meditation was excellent, essentially it was the Mahasi method. I felt really calm and clear afterward. At the end, the Bhante blessed me and tied a piece of white fibre around my wrist, I'm unsure of the significance of this, I would have liked to have asked but Bhante Amitha was busy and I really had to go and get my train. Will I go again, definitely. There is also a Zen Sangha here in Nottingham and I intend to visit, both Theravada and Zen interest me and I would like to see which suits me better.
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