In the midst of the big palm tree plantation lies the Hermitage where one could find solitude and peace.  As the coach traversed along the narrow path to the Bhaddekaratta Hermitage, we could see rambutan and payaya hanging on the trees but most were not yet ripe.  The coach driver was unsure if the big coach was able to bring all of us directly to the Hermitage as the path was really narrow.  The alternative was to alight from the coach and walked along the path to reach the Hermitage.  Fortunately, with his good driving skills, he managed to send us safely to the Hermitage, just in time to offer lunch dana to the Sangha.  The journey to the Hermitage seems to remind us that the Path to Enlightenment may not be easy.  But if you have a a good teacher who can drive, motivate and guide you in your practice, and the spiritual friends to encourage you along the way, it is possible to attain this goal of Enlightenment. 

This is the second consecutive year that we organised a 3-D trip - Dana, Dhamma and Durian trip.  Upon arriving at the Hermitage, we quickly prepare the food to offer to the Sangha.  After the lunch dana, Bhante Vajiro gave a short discourse on the Buddha Teachings.  He reminded us about the Noble Eightfold Path and the importance of purifying our mind.  After food for our mind, we adjourned to have food for our body - Durian, here we come!

More photos - click here.