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Moreover, Nicholas studied Pāli Language informally with a group of his friends for nearly a year, including some aspects of Phra Abhidhamma study in England. MEDITATION LEADS TO BUDDHIST FAITH Nicholas used to be a keen cyclist and enjoyed producing artwork in oil paints and in pen-and-ink. His interests have changed in different circumtances of a new country. Since he became interested in Buddhism, he has devoted more and more time to the practice of Buddhism. In England, Christian groups work mainly with prayer and charity initially, they rarely gain an experience in medi- tation. It is practised almost entirely by monks. But Buddhist groups are the only religion which will let newcomers learn to meditate immediately. This was the reason why Nicholas was initially interested in Buddhism. First of all he practised Anapana- sati meditation with the Samatha Asso- ciation in Manchester. There are about 200 members in this association. The teacher of the technique is Mr. Lance Cousins who has also visited Phra Dhammakaya Temple recently. Over two and a half years of meditation caused him to profoundly comprehend Buddhism and worldly affairs. He said, "Out of the meditation practice, I felt increasingly able to take 'steps of faith' and to understand the rela- tionship of Sila and Puñña to the ๔๖ กัลยาณมิตร meditation practice. I think it was only a year after meditating that I embraced the Buddhist faith." OBJECTIVES IN COMING TO THAI- LAND Nicholas came to Thailand at the invitation of the Ven. Mettānando Bhik- khu. He recommended him that the time between finishing his studies and beginning to earn a living was a good and influential time to devote time to the study of Buddhism. And in Thailand it is much easier to join the Sangha for a short length of time, than in England where the opportunity is rare. Nicholas, therefore, decided to fly to Thailand. He said, "I felt so priveliged that I had received such an invitation to come to Wat Phra Dhammakaya and reflecting upon the likely alternatives to studying and working in Thailand, I came to Thailand whole-heartedly open to the possibility of a new life." ... MORE MORE EXPERIENCES... FAITH In spite of being familiar with the Anapanasati technique for over two and a half years, Nicholas does not find it hard to practise the Dhammakaya technique. At the second week of meditation he can visualise the crystal ball all day long as often as he remem- bers to do so. During sitting meditation the crystal ball is clear and bright. He has also seen the bright centre of the crystal ball all the time. These expe- riences give him great faith that the meditation will unfold in the progressive way. Consequently, he is very enthusias- tic and pleased with sitting meditation. He said, "I find myself genuinely interested in the sitting meditation and enjoying the sitting practice itself more than before. My attitude previously was that sitting meditation purified the mind enough to make everyday life calm and ธันวาคม ๒๔๓๑ Kalyanamitra.org