Keep Going

Every morning at 5 a.m., before the sun rose, I found myself braving the cold, walking 20 minutes from the Root Institute to the Mahabodhi Temple. I could have stayed wrapped in comfort, sipping tea in warmth, but something deep inside pulled me forward—a longing, a purpose that whispered, "Go." Carrying a flower I’d bought the day before, my trusty hot flask of tea, and my meditation cushion, gifted by my teacher Phra Ajahn Den nearly a decade ago, I felt both prepared and humbled. The cushion, paired with a square red cloth he had hand-sewn and dyed, became a constant companion, a tangible reminder of dedication and simplicity.

The Mahabodhi Temple is not for the faint-hearted. Its chaos, its relentless energy, and its "profound" noises can test your inner peace. Yet, for those who persevere, there is something transformative waiting beneath the Bodhi tree—the same place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Somewhere within the temple's vibrations, amidst the chaos and noises, lies a quiet spot in the heart. It's there, waiting to embrace the seeker who dares to look within.

Sure, I could have chosen ease and comfort, but there’s something profoundly fulfilling about striving for something greater. The effort, the struggle, the discomfort—all of it becomes meaningful when you believe in what you're pursuing. For me, it’s the quiet marvel of awakening, the possibility of going beyond what feels impossible.

It's like some people made an effort to go to the gym to train their body but I made an effort to do the retreat to train my mind, clear my mind, tame my mind.

The Heart Sutra ends with a verse: Gate gate pāragate pārasaṁgate bodhi svāhā—"Gone, gone, gone beyond, everyone gone to the other shore, awakening, svaha." These words inspire me. They remind me that every step taken, no matter how small, no matter how cold or uncomfortable, leads closer to that other shore.

This journey has taught me that effort matters, that waking up each day to pursue what feels unreachable is its own form of grace. No matter how common or ordinary we may feel, we all have the capacity to reach for the extraordinary. We just need to take that first step—and keep walking.