Encounter with Luang Por Dattajevo at the Ashram : หน้า 30/164

Meeting #3 15 February 2009 - Ashram Little did I know when I left the Wat in September of 2008 that I would be back. But, when I was there last, I helped them initiate a project called the Peace Revolution by drafting many of the documents: the Mission Statement, the online self-development program, and several purpose statements that were being used. The project was to culminate with a Peace Revolution Conference in February, 2009, and because I had helped them, they graciously invited me to attend. So, here I am, back in Bangkok. On the very first day, my host says: "You must go to see Luang Por. He will want to see you." "Right. No problem." I say, and so, here I am at the Ashram. I run in, just to say hello. I have, of course, missed him, although I did not realize just how much until I saw him sitting on his dais with about 20 other visitors smiling up at him as he teaches them some Dhamma. Hesitantly, I move into the room so he can see me, bow, smile, and look up. His whole face is smiling, and he begins to laugh when he recognizes me. "Come in, right now," he says to me, pointing at an empty space in front of him for me to sit. "I am sorry, I cannot. I am on my way to meet the participants of the Peace Revolution. But I must say that my eyes, my heart, and my mind are all very happy to see you," I smile. He laughs a big belly laugh and he says, "I will see you again soon." And then I bow, reluctantly leaving the boon-generating energy of his office. There is really no way that I can fully explain my feelings toward Luang Por Dattajevo, an incredibly celebrated and thoroughly perceptive Theravada monk: A person who re-