Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

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Phena
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by Phena »

Ben wrote:What amazes me is that there are obviously a number of renunciates walking around Australia and they're able to do so on alms. Giving alms is not part of the Aussie culture.
I guess this is what struck me as well. Ven. Jinasiri, by setting such a powerful example of renunciation taps into the good nature and generosity of beings, which can inspire others to focus on the latent good qualities of others. If feel this was the Buddha’s intention in making monks dependent on society, so this exchange could occur and thereby elicit this generosity and care by this very fundamental transaction.

More importantly for me though, I find this such a powerful and pure example of renunciation that it inspires me to revisit and refocus on the importance of renunciation on the path.

The power of setting an example through application of the Dhamma, has the most impact in conveying the Dhamma.
SarathW
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by SarathW »

Bhante Jason now in You Tube.
Further discussion about him in Sutta Central.

https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/ol ... rds/6157/2
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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CedarTree
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by CedarTree »

Shoryu Bradley, Abbot of Gyobutsuji Zen Monastery in Arkansas was actually talking about this recently.

Here is a Zen monastery in the middle of nowhere (Ozark National Forest). Arkansas is known as being bible belt and also not very diverse.

And he runs everything solely by donations and keeps everything open. Plus it is an intensive practice not really the standard community center zen model of some places.

Everything is off-grid, for toilets you have out houses, etc.

You would never think it could work but he has talked about when you find your place in this world things seem to work out. He is much more eloquent than me and is sometimes poetic in how he addresses things but it's true.

Even within many forest monasteries and Theravada temples bhikkhus keep to the "supported" structure. Many are afraid to venture outside of this and really try and practice a solitary alms life.

It is absolutely frightening to be a "nobody" as Ajahn Chah would say.

Big props to Bhante and others that are really stepping out and putting it all on the line. Comes with a lot of hardship and sacrifice but a lot of wisdom and experience as well.


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pilgrim
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by pilgrim »

SarathW wrote:Bhante Jason now in You Tube.
Further discussion about him in Sutta Central.

https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/ol ... rds/6157/2
Not being critical here but just out of curiosity, is Ven Jason Chan's robe within the range of acceptable colours? It appears to be just off-white.
jc.JPG
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CedarTree
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by CedarTree »

pilgrim wrote:
SarathW wrote:Bhante Jason now in You Tube.
Further discussion about him in Sutta Central.

https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/ol ... rds/6157/2
Not being critical here but just out of curiosity, is Ven Jason Chan's robe within the range of acceptable colours? It appears to be just off-white.
jc.JPG
There is appropriate colors....?


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pilgrim
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by pilgrim »

CedarTree wrote:
pilgrim wrote:
SarathW wrote:Bhante Jason now in You Tube.
Further discussion about him in Sutta Central.

https://discourse.suttacentral.net/t/ol ... rds/6157/2
Not being critical here but just out of curiosity, is Ven Jason Chan's robe within the range of acceptable colours? It appears to be just off-white.
jc.JPG
There is appropriate colors....?
Yes, the allowable colours are described in the Khandaka rules that form part of the monastic code.
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CedarTree
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by CedarTree »

Very interesting. What immediately came to mind was the first Dhutanga practice:

1. Refuse-rag-wearer's Practice (pamsukulik'anga) — wearing robes made up from discarded or soiled cloth and not accepting and wearing ready-made robes offered by householders.

I am curious if in the Vinaya it makes exceptions based on the quality of the cloth, location of the person (If there aren't trees or other things needed to dye especially for a solitary alms monk..)


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Sweeney
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by Sweeney »

Ben wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2014 8:29 am What amazes me is that there are obviously a number of renunciates walking around Australia and they're able to do so on alms. Giving alms is not part of the Aussie culture.
Very amazing indeed, especially considering the long distances in between towns within Australia. But I wouldn't necessarily say that giving alms is not part of the Aussie culture. True that Australia doesn't have of a culture of giving alms in the traditional Buddhist sense, but still a deep subculture of vagrancy and wanderlust, most famously represented by the romanticism of the swagman. A subculture that has slowly died off over the years, but still has quite a strong following none the less, whether it be hitchhiking and buskers or beggars. Although hitchhiking has become less frequent than what it used to be in Australia, it is still quite common in places like Northern NSW. And you only have to go to any main city within Australia to see buskers and beggars lining the street.
Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ
Kusalassa upasampadā
Sacittapariyodapanaṃ
Etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ
~ Dhp 183 ~
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DooDoot
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by DooDoot »

Sweeney wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 6:46 amBut I wouldn't necessarily say that giving alms is not part of the Aussie culture.
True. But Jason did it really tough; often missing a day's meal when in a remote location and unable to obtain food by noon. Also, many people don't know how to feed a monk; particularly Aussie ladies; who will give sweets, fruit or yogurt for breakfast; not realising its his only meal. Its much easier wandering in Asia.
There is always an official executioner. If you try to take his place, It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.

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Sweeney
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by Sweeney »

DooDoot wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 9:12 am
Sweeney wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 6:46 amBut I wouldn't necessarily say that giving alms is not part of the Aussie culture.
True. But Jason did it really tough; often missing a day's meal when in a remote location and unable to obtain food by noon. Also, many people don't know how to feed a monk; particularly Aussie ladies; who will give sweets, fruit or yogurt for breakfast; not realising its his only meal. Its much easier wandering in Asia.
Yes, I am not debating this point. Like I said what he is doing is quite amazing! Especially the distance he covers by foot! I was quite amazed when I heard of this as I did not think it possible, considering the hardships that have to be faced by vagrants in Australia (which often include missing daily meals, and being stranded in remote locations.) Let alone traveling on foot as a Buddhist monk. The point I am making is that Australia is still quite a generous country even though the Idea of a Bhikkhu begging for alms is still quite foreign to there minds... Also fruit and yogurt is quite a healthy meal even if it is your only meal of the day.
Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ
Kusalassa upasampadā
Sacittapariyodapanaṃ
Etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ
~ Dhp 183 ~
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DooDoot
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by DooDoot »

Sweeney wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 9:45 am Yes, I am not debating this point.
Sure, I appreciate & agree with your posts. I suppose I met Jason on his walking adventures. Welcome to the forum. :hello:
There is always an official executioner. If you try to take his place, It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.

https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/paticcasamuppada
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/anapanasati
Sweeney
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by Sweeney »

DooDoot wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 10:25 am Welcome to the forum. :hello:
Thanks.

Anybody have any Idea of the current whereabouts of Jason, or where he will next be giving teachings?
Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ
Kusalassa upasampadā
Sacittapariyodapanaṃ
Etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ
~ Dhp 183 ~
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DooDoot
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by DooDoot »

Sweeney wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 10:45 amAnybody have any Idea of the current whereabouts of Jason, or where he will next be giving teachings?
Hi Sweeney. Try here: http://pal.nsw.edu.au/bhante-jasons-aut ... -schedule/
There is always an official executioner. If you try to take his place, It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.

https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/paticcasamuppada
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/anapanasati
Sweeney
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by Sweeney »

Thank you very much, very informative!
Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ
Kusalassa upasampadā
Sacittapariyodapanaṃ
Etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ
~ Dhp 183 ~
SarathW
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Re: Jason Chan the Wandering Australian Monk

Post by SarathW »

Interesting video about Bhante Jason.

“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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