On a journey to explore the northern highlands of Thailand this weekend, we ended up at the Chiang Dao temple, Wat Tham Pha Plong. The founding monk, Luang Poo Sim Buddhacaro, landed here after spending the earlier part of his life wandering as a solitary forest monk, meditating and sleeping in caves. On a silentContinue reading “Chiang Dao Temple”
Author Archives: Kim Roberts
Inner Worlds, Outer Worlds
We are all connected, you’ve no doubt heard this before. A friend recently sent me a link to this incredible video that shows why, from a scientific and a spiritual perspective. Rather than looking to the outside world to create peace on earth, we can change our planet by changing how we see things. PleaseContinue reading “Inner Worlds, Outer Worlds”
A Visit to the Golden Triangle
A visit to the Golden Triangle… Elephant fields viewed from our (complimentary) suite at the Anantara resort, with a Burmese casino on the horizon. Golden Buddha looking over the Mekong, Burma in the background Downriver toward Laos
Somewhere over the rainbow
A rainbow appeared out of the blue one day recently. It’s not a regular occurrence around here in Chiang Rai, so a few of us stood around taking photos. I learned later in the day that an old friend –on the other side of the planet–had passed at the same moment. I wonder if thisContinue reading “Somewhere over the rainbow”
Attitude of gratitude and Thanksgiving resolution
Though I rarely celebrate Thanksgiving anymore– I’ve lived in Asia for over 10 years now– I love the spirit behind this day of thanks. There is a powerful message to be learned here. This message was brought to me loud and clear this past few weeks, which have presented quite a few obstacles. Now, IContinue reading “Attitude of gratitude and Thanksgiving resolution”
The non-linear path of evolution
Just back from retreat at the new Soma Retreat Center in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It’s tempting to think that the spiritual path is a linear journey. What a surprise when you see your old neurotic patterns re-surfacing again, just like an old dysfunctional relationship you thought you had outgrown. Sometimes it can be painful toContinue reading “The non-linear path of evolution”
Beauty is in the Mindfulness of the Beholder
Once upon a time I taught yoga in Hong Kong, managing the yoga studio at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It was an intense phase, living in the big, bustling, money-worshipping city. I had a hard time relaxing into the pace of that life. What I learned then was that yoga practice has to involveContinue reading “Beauty is in the Mindfulness of the Beholder”
Chiang Rai’s White Temple
Not exactly the typical Thai temple, but if you are looking for some interesting art, and like skulls and fantastic scenes of death and destruction, the White Temple in Chiang Rai might be your ticket to enlightenment. It’s the kind of thing Hieronymous Bosch might have created in 3-D– lavish references to the garden ofContinue reading “Chiang Rai’s White Temple”
Timing is everything
Just as I was about to enter into solitary meditation retreat a couple of weeks ago here in Crestone, I learned that Tulku Damcho Rinpoche would come to give 3 days of empowerments at Vajra Vidya Retreat center. Empowerment (Tibetan: wang) in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism is a ritualized way of transmitting the essentialContinue reading “Timing is everything”
Historic Charleston, South Carolina
This week I’m in Charleston, South Carolina visiting family. Charleston was voted the most popular tourist destination in the world by Conde Nast readers recently, probably because of the incredibly rich history this city has lived. The first shots of the Civil War were shot here, and Charleston remains one of the most important portsContinue reading “Historic Charleston, South Carolina”
Diary of a Pilgrim 