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Storyteller Toto of Open Mind Projects, Nong Khai, Thailand
Great story from a Volunteer about the Thai Bang Fai Phaya Nak Festival in October! Volunteer Abroad – Openmind Projects!
https://www.volunteernonprofit.org/the-october-mystery-in-thailand/
This is the story as Toto told it to me.
Many, many years ago, so long ago it is longer than I can remember, said Toto, when Buddha was one of the lower species, at the bottom rung of his journey towards enlightenment, Buddha was King of the Toads.
At that time the world was inhabited by all kinds of animals, humans and spirits; good spirits such as the ones that live in trees to protect them. The most selfish of all the creatures on Earth were, unsurprisingly, the humans. They were self-interested and had no respect for nature. They had little respect for the Gods as well. They ended up doing untold damage to their environment.
Paya Than, the God of Rain became very angry with the humans and decided to stop all rain on Earth for seven years, seven months and seven days. This is the foundation of the number seven being an unlucky number in Thailand. The people, being unaware that the lack of rain was the result of their own selfishness prayed to ask the spirits why there was no rain. By this stage the Buddha, as King of the Toads, had already developed some power through his meditation and was able to provide an answer to their prayer. He told the people the lack of rain was a punishment for the selfishness. This punishment brought upon the people on Earth also affected the innocent animals and spirits. That seemed so unfair. No one was more moved and angered by the unfairness of the punishment than Naga a powerful and fearsome serpent. Naga considered that Gods should be beyond anger and judgement and that the role of the God of Rain was to provide regular rain, not to punish everyone on Earth. Naga was full of his own power and decided, without consulting anyone, to go to Heaven to confront Paya Than, the God of Rain. He would battle with the God, bring him to submission and force him to do his duty and make it rain again.
Naga was no match for Paya Than and was soon thrown back to Earth badly beaten and close to death. Buddha took pity on the impetuous Naga and again using his special powers was able to heal Naga and give him a special, new shiny skin and a majestic horn on his head. From then on Naga vowed to always protect the Buddha. However, the problem of the lack of rain persisted and something had to be done. Buddha decided to consult all the creatures and spirits on Earth. They came up with a plan and this is what they did:
The termites built a termite mound so high that it reached the Heavens. Scorpions then climbed up secretly and crawled into Paya Tam’s clothes and stung him until he was so weak that the other creatures and spirits that followed could together overcome the God. Paya Than in shame asked to be killed. However, the creatures and spirits did not want to kill him, they wanted him to return the rain, The God therefore agreed, under duress, to make it rain again. The Earth and all the creatures in it were saved.
In appreciation of the return of rain the people on Earth established the Rocket Festival to precede the rainy season. In effect the rockets send praise to Paya Than who responds with rain, lots of rain.
By this time Buddha had progressed on his enlightenment journey from being the King of the Toads to being the Prince Siddhartha. The King invited a seer to make predictions about the prince’s future. The seer concluded that the Prince would either rule all of the world’s seven continents or become a fully enlightened Buddha. The King had ambitions for the Prince to conquer the world but the Prince chose to continue on his path to enlightenment.
The Devil tried to deter the Prince from his chosen path by having his three evil daughters provoke him, tempting him to desire that which he had vowed to reject. The Prince, as Buddha, resisted. As a last attempt to steer the Buddha away from his journey to enlightenment the Devil attempted to wash him away with fierce rains and storms. This is where Naga returned to the story. Naga coiled his long and heavy body into a mighty tower. Buddha sat on top of the coil sheltered under Naga’s head. While Buddha was sheltered and unaffected the Queen of soil and earth used the flood to wash all evil away.
Naga wanted to follow Buddha and managed rise to being a man and then a monk but he still retained his quick anger. One day, in anger, he turned back into the form of a serpent and scared a group of monks. In sorrow for his weakness, Naga told Buddha he wanted to be a monk. In that way he would always be close to Buddha and protect him. However, Buddha refused the request and told Naga that he must first get rid of his basic desires such as anger and jealousy and his lowly serpent like ways. To do this Naga had to go back to the underworld to restart his journey towards enlightenment. Naga asked Buddha if he did this could his memory be part of the progress of Novices toward becoming Buddhist monks. This is the foundation of the practice of Novices going through the ‘Nag’, the preparation, when they wear white clothing for three days before entering the monastery. Naga accepted the challenge and returned to the underworld where he continues his quest for enlightenment. It is from this underworld, below the full and fast flowing Mekong River that Naga sends fireballs into the air every full moon in October. This is the Naga Fireball Festival, ‘Bang fai phaya nak’. It reminds Buddha that Naga is still there, still struggling. In this way Naga also thanks Buddha for his encouragement and praises him for his wisdom.
Written by Peter Stolp – 9 October 2014
Photos credit: Lukas Sommer, Marcel Pirosca
The transformational catalyzing Tzolkin Galactic Return of the Year
Chilling today in Nong Khai, Thailand – Wednesday, April 12, 2017
In Gratitude for the wonderful camp days of Teenagers and Young Adults of www.opendmindprojects.org till April 11. The Tuesday was a great debate day with the campers plus the handing out of the certificates. We all said our deepest thank you to the campers, trainees, staff and volunteers. It certainly was an experience that will stir in our hearts. I would certainly recommend all to take this step in their life it is One of worthiness, compassion and love.
For me personal soul it was a great to just relax and transform of all the energetic flows that have been touched during the volunteering of Open Mind Projects and its special camps. I mainly slept of took a nape for some extra hours. I have an allergy (mainly nasal) towards air-condition apparatus and it was a good relief to give this some extra attention today.
Had a wonderful fresh green tea with lemon today along with a mango/pineapple cake. Such a treat!
Along with this I also had the famous Thai massages with herbal treatment later in the afternoon. The massage is a deep relief and clearance. It certainly released some of the symptoms of the nasal discomfort and deep muscle ache and pain. I bought some of the Thai herbal balsam which certainly is a great means of self generative energy flow.
Early in the evening a breeze came forward from the Mekong River and ended up in a rain storm with thunder the whole evening. Such a freshness and fragrances came into the atmosphere.
The energy flow of today and this evening via the Tzolkin Mayan Calendar is resonating in the Galactic Return of the Year. This will intensify for at least approximately 104 more days and nights.
Chant: Ahau, Cauac, Muluc, Ik, Cauac
Planets: Pluto, Mercury and Uranus
The natural flow or supportive spiral movement energy of unconditional love resonance in all without judgement to be vibrating universal consciousness to be moved in the spiral of transformative self-generative flow in its wholeness of independence.
The challenge, strengthening and open opportunity of being in total trust of self-remembrance and its communication to be moved or motivated in the hidden power awakening awareness of communication with spirit. The gift of your cosmic identity is to be a channel of inspiration ~ a force of circulation ~ an agent of calm ~ one who is attuned to the invisible spirit that animates all life. As White Wind there is the capacity to translate the formless into form; to learn to ride the breath into the center of your soul; to celebrate the connectivity of trees, air, breath and wind; to convey your truths; to cultivate the art of communication in its myriad modes; to listen for the voice of the sacred and hear the divine callings amidst the clamor of density and distraction; to forego the limits of the rational mind and honor and express the currents of inspiration as they whisper and whirl through your life.
Simply put: “Follow your Spirit without hesitation!”
To allow and surrender in this centered, grounded and anchored openness of the gift of being an alchemist of energies ~ an awakened Thunder being ~ an expression of electric passion and purpose ~ an embodiment of stillness dancing ~ an empowered self-generator.
KIN 219 Cauac, Blue Spectral Storm (Tone 11). Planet Pluto
Affirmation:
We Dissolve to Catalyze Releasing Energy We seal the Matrix of Self-generation With the Spectral tone of Liberation We are guided by our own power doubled
Blue Storm Tribe
Contemplate these code-words to invoke your key powers:
CATALYZES ~ SELF-GENERATION ~ ENERGY
The gift of this Cosmic identity is to be an alchemist of energies ~ an awakened Thunder being ~ an expression of electric passion and purpose ~ an embodiment of stillness dancing ~ an empowered self-generator. As Blue Storm, you have the capacity to be an activator of transformation; to be a lucid world changer; to be an agent of circulation, renewal, breakthrough and freedom; to honor catharsis and upheaval as potent forces of cleansing and clearing; to ascertain the vital role of vibration in shaping realities; to access the force of your inner spark as your ultimate source of power; to unleash the lightning of your soul and the calm resilience of your presence; to be the I Am of the eye of the storm.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Direction: West: Transforms ~ Chakra: Root ~ Planet: Pluto
Tone 11: Spectral
Contemplate these code-words to invoke your key powers:
DISSOLVE ~ RELEASE ~ LIBERATION
Tone 11 represents the power of creative dissolution and dissonant structure. The gift of your cosmic identity is to access the power of Freedom.
Activate your Spectral powers by releasing rigid concepts and definite notions of what should be; by being willing to explore an entire spectrum of potentiality; by surrendering to the “spectral flow” of spontaneous detours, seeming disruptions, and what may appear as chaos; by allowing structure to dissolve in order to be liberated into new possibilities; by celebrating the constructive forces of deconstruction; by learning to fluidly shape-shift; by freeing yourself and others from limiting perceptions; by letting go into the vastness of formlessness; by freeing your soul – releasing into the majesty of your full wing-span; by submitting your personal will to the Great Mystery as it reveals itself in every moment…
Reference to www.13moon.com
Blessings to All.
Camp for Teenagers & Young Adults at Open Mind Projects, Nong Khai, Thailand – Part 2 – www.openmindprojects.org
Review of Camp for Teenagers and Young Adults of Open Mind Projects in Nong Khai, Thailand – Part 2 – www.openmindprojects.org
A special girl who is always there every day. She greets and invites you for playtime every day. Here is one of our game together under the table, our own created safe home.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
The early afternoon started by a walk from Mut Wee Garden Guest House to Open Mind Projects. Already a warm temperature has risen now.
There was a team of photographers (3) who went by each pretesting to take some pictures.
Upon arrival Joiy (teacher), Moa (organiser of the camp) and myself were ready to do the pretesting of the English with the campers. For example, the written translation of Thai to English and from English to Thai. Also, there were verbal questions asked and answered in English.
Along with this there was also pretesting of Teamwork with a volunteer and staff members plus Informational Technology with staff for each camper. A score was given to analyze the abilities of each camper. From this individual score teams were formed so that the teams would reflect a balance within the group. In this way, each person can build up their confidence, motivation, skills etc. for the whole of the camp. Each camper has good qualities within themselves along with contributing to be a team player for the whole of the camp.
A dinner was cooked by trainees and campers. We enjoyed the fabulous food at the table and could have some talks together to get to know each other more closely.
In the evening, all the campers gathered outside to hear which team/group they are going to be in along with a map which included rules and regulations of the camp. Also, each was handed out a tag where they could write their name on and could be worn around their neck.
After this was a short break, whereby I played some basketball with a trainee, and later activities were offered to get to know each other more better in a playful manner. Laughs and Fun was shared with each other during the evening.
Than I walked back to Mut Wee Guest House with fond memories of a great day and evening. Much Gratitude.
The movement via the Tzolkin in its resonance is:
Chant: Lamat, Men, Imix, Oc, Chuen
Planets: Venus, Jupiter, Neptune and Mercury.
KIN 211, Blue Electric Monkey – Galactic Activation Portal of High Resonance and Clarity
Key vibration: Resonate into connecting via activating service with each other.
The natural flow or supportive spiral movement energy of creating harmony via all different kinds of Artistic Skills as to be moved in the spiral of vision openness or goal of being yourself in communication with everyone.
The challenge, strengthening and open opportunity of being in a trusting state of a nurturing nourishment whatever the challenge. This will strengthen the openness within and without being brought forward in the hidden power of being in the flow of integrity of love and acceptance in all relationships.
To allow and surrender in this centered, grounded and anchored magical playfulness of innocence, spontaneity and compassion weaving new patterns within and without.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
The morning started by a walk together with Pete (volunteer) from Mut Wee Garden Guest House to Open Mind Projects. A nice breeze blew along the boulevard of the Mekong River.
There was a team of photographers (3) who went by each workshop of English, Teamwork and IT to take some pictures. This was part of the vlog team.
Upon arrival Joiy (teacher), Moa (organiser of the camp) and myself were presenting a workshop in English to allow the campers to get used to the vocabulary of the themes for the next days. Core words like “debate, confidence, teamwork, environment, global warming, fast food, healthy food etc.”. They used their mobile to translate the words into Thai and was asked What does …. Mean? Why is there ……..? Some of the students gave very critical thinking answers.
“It’s no use, the signal’s too weak”
In the evening each team had given itself a name like “Friendship”, “Sky” etc.
The evening was further spend by creating a image of the team via a portrait that symbolizes the team. The vlog team made photographs. Very creative processes took place.
The movement via the Tzolkin in its resonance is:
Chant: Manik, Lamat, Ik, Muluc, Eb
Planets: Earth, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury.
KIN 212, Yellow Self Existing Human
Key vibration: Resonate into measuring and defining the form via the free will.
The natural flow or supportive spiral movement energy of accomplishment via step by step process in communication or learning as to be moved in the spiral of harmony via the beauty and elegance of various artistic skills.
The challenge, strengthening and open opportunity of allowing the communication and thinking to be brought forward. This will strengthen the openness of learning by doing brought forward in the hidden power of trusting the remembrance of what has been learned and what is learned in the presence of Now.
To allow and surrender in this centered, grounded and anchored open mind of free to gain wisdom of various skills.
Gratitude for this vibration for All.
Review of 11 day Camp for Teenagers and Young Adults of Open Mind Projects in Nong Khai, Thailand – Part 1 www.openmindprojects.org
Review of 11 day Camp for Teenagers and Young Adults of Open Mind Projects in Nong Khai, Thailand – Part 1 – www.openmindprojects.org
Monday, April 3, 2017
The morning started by the walk from Mut Wee Garden Guest House to Open Mind Projects. A nice breezy wind flowed along the Mekong River.
Upon arrival Joiy (teacher) send me an email with the camp theme we will be sharing with the campers “Environment/Global Warming” which we had worked on together last Friday together with a Power Point Presentation. A learning and doing teaching worked out step by step together with a video, some active games in between and ending with a debate. This theme will be given every day to a group of teenagers of young adults who will be arriving tomorrow for the camp.
The other themes will be Jobs & Technology, Food & Health and Informational Technology. These will be given by other staff members and volunteers.
Than we all had a tasty lunch together. After lunch, we all had a follow up meeting so that everyone could discuss and listen to the feed back from others. It was a open space to listen and understand more about the themes.
We than came together again, Joiy and I, to finish off the theme along with the question for the debate. Along with this Moe, Joiy and I made the pretest for the campers concerning their knowledge and understanding of the English so that from this teams could be made for the rest of the 11 days. An example of this is translating from Thai certain personal questions written, speaking by answering personal questions plus translating a short story from English into Thai in the written form.
The movement via the Tzolkin in its resonance is:
Chant: Muluc, Ik, Ahau, Chuen, Oc
Planets: Mercury, Jupiter, Pluto and Venus.
KIN 210, White Lunar Dog – Galactic Activation Portal of High Resonance and Clarity
Key vibration: Resonate into working together to stabilize the challenge of honesty.
The natural flow or supportive spiral movement energy of trusting the self remembrance in all communication with others, relationships and projects to be moved in the spiral of communication within and without. Place this in a higher level.
The challenge, strengthening and open opportunity of being in the awareness of unconditional love without judgement that is being brought forward in the hidden power of being in the flow of magical playfulness of innocence, spontanietylearning by doing.
To allow and surrender in this centered, grounded and anchored instinct of listening, giving feed back plus speaking for me more out loud to the group. This is a offering of motivation, confidence, thinking skills, team work and awareness
Blessings to All.
Review of the Volunteer Training – Day 2 and 3 – at Open Mind Projects, Nong Khai, Thailand – Part 2
Thursday, March 30 – Continuation of Volunteer Training Day at Open Mind Projects, Head Office Nong Khai www.openmindprojects.org
We started the Thursday morning with, Joiy as teacher, daily Thai language “introducing your self” This is a short introduction:
Sawadee – Chue Carla – Ma jaak The Netherlands – Ar yu hop sip ho – yi dee tee dai roo jak – Kop Kun Kha (kha for female, khrap for male)
Hello – My name is Carla – I come from The Netherlands – I am 66 years old – Nice to meet you – Thank you.
Culture do’s and don’ts
Joiy taught us the basics along with demonstration and we also practised this as well.
Greeting: Thai, Lao and Khmer people traditionally greet one another by pressing the palms together to wai (in Thai) or nop (in Lao), although it is acceptable for men to shake hands. You don’t wai a child first. A younger person wais an older person first. After the wai you can shake hands.
Eating: Never throw rice away; leave it on your plate if you cannot finish it. Eat with a spoon, using the fork to push food onto it. Don’t offer to pay if you’ve been invited out to eat; the “inviter” always pays.
Passing people: It is polite to gently crouch down when passing someone who is seated. Never step over someone in your path; if someone is lying on the ground, walk around them. Don’t walk around their head; rather, walk around their feet.
Taking photos: Before taking a photo of a person or a place, ask if it is ok. Thai, Lao and Khmer people are typically more than willing to have their picture taken when asked.nks: Women are not allowed to touch monks. A woman gives something to a monk by placing it on a table or something similar or hand it to another male “normal person.” A man may give something directly to a monk but always with two hands. Special seats are often allocated for monks on public transport and in airports.
The Thai Royal Family: Disrespect to the royal family is a crime, including for foreigners.
Public Displays of Affection (PDAs): Modesty means that PDAs are frowned upon.
The Head: Don’t touch! Touching somebody’s head, especially someone older, is offensive.
The Feet: Don’t sit on the floor or a chair with your feet pointing at anyone. Don’t touch anyone with your feet. Don’t rest your feet on tables or chairs. Don’t use your feet to move or turn objects on or off. Feet are meant for transportation only!
Handing things to people: Hand objects to people using both hands to be polite. Don’t slide or throw objects to people.
Giving things: Distributing gifts to children encourages begging. Instead, give to an established organization, villager elder or teacher.
Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering a Thai home and always wear them when outside. When unsure if you should take them off, ask or watch what others do.
Patience: Thais are very patient. Don’t expect them to be punctual. Sometimes plans just don’t happen. Speak softly and avoid showing anger if things don’t go as you expected.
Dress politely: When entering temples and school’s shorts, tops that show shoulders and are low cut, and skirts above the knees are inappropriate.
Dress cleanly and neatly: Women should avoid exposing themselves very much at all. Watch how Thai teachers dress and behave in school. Thais are extremely modest about nudity and women dressed in exposing clothing will receive less respectful treatment or be avoided. Dressing appropriately is a sign of respect, dressing inappropriately is offensive.
Next on the agenda was going with a Tuk Tuk, directions and shopping at the market.
Sawadee Kha – Pai Market – Thao Rai – OK – Leow Saiy – Leow Khuay – Throng Pai – Yud – Kap Khun Kha (for female) Krap (for male).
Hello – Could you take me to the Market? – How much is it? – OK – Turn left – Turn Khuay – Straight forward – Stop – Thank You
Buying at the Market:
Sawadee Kha or Krap – Nee Kue (sapparat) – Mee (Sapparat) Mai – Mai Ao (Sapparat) – OK – Kap Khun Kha or Krap
Hello – Do you have (Pineapple)? – I would like to buy (Pineapple) – How much is the (Pineapple)? – OK – Thank you
The Volunteers with a Trainee went to Lunch at a Restaurant to order food, eat and enjoy.
We than came back and it was explained how to plan lessons, advice with how to teach learning by doing. Situation-based learning. We also talked about the themes of the camp for teenagers and young adults.
With some trainees, we went walking to the local market to buy food for the dinner this evening. We received a list written in Thai along with money so that we could speak and learn what it was that was placed on the list and bargain for prices.
When we came back we cooked the dinner with each other. A wonderful experience to communicate with each other and learn the kitchen of Thailand. A beautiful table was prepared and on another table the chairs, plates etc. We all sat at a long table and certainly had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful meal.
After the dinner was a welcome ceremony of blessings via a rope bracelet placed upon on left wrist. One by one this was done by the staff members and trainees. It certainly touched me deeply in the heart and tears come up of the joy and sharing.
After this some staff members did some traditional dancing – welcome – new beginnings – a dance where we all joined in as well. Such a delight and fun.
Than came “karaoke”, something that is dear to my heart as singing and music is for me an expression of vibrational heart connection. Various kinds of request and songs were shared in English and Thai until late in the evening. Because it was so late 22:00 hours I was invited to sleep over for the night. A bed, clean sheets, a ventilator was placed and a good night and pleasant dreams flowed.
The movement via the Tzolkin in its resonance:
Chant: Ben, Cimi, Cib, Men, Cimi
Planets: Mars, Saturn and Asteroid Belt or Planet Maldek.
KIN 206, White Spectral Worldbridger
Key vibration: Resonate into the open space of integration, release, compassion and acceptance.
The natural flow or supportive spiral movement energy of courage in being who you are in Here and Now together with the inner guidance of messages to be in the spiral movement of releasing letting go of that which no longer serves who you are together with the collective of all.
The challenge, strengthening and open opportunity of not staying in the past of drama’s or trauma’s by picking up the staff to go to the other shore using your Intelligence to explore and discover the vision and dreams you have as they are awakened into the Now.
To allow and surrender to be in this centered, grounded and anchored open space of opportunities and openness.
Friday, March 31 – Continuation of Volunteer Training Day at Open Mind Projects, Head Office Nong Khai www.openmindprojects.org
We started the Friday morning with, Joiy as teacher, daily Thai language “words that can be used in the classroom”:
Ngiap Kha – Chaa Chaa Kha – Dang – Reow Reow Kha – Ee Krang Kha – Ma Nee Kha – Pood taam Kha – Dee mak Kha – Kao jai mai?
Be Quiet – Slow – Loud – Fast – Again – Come Here – Repeat – Very Good – Do you understand?
Friday, March 31 – Continuation of Volunteer Training Day at Open Mind Projects, Head Office Nong Khai www.openmindprojects.org
This morning we practiced some words for in the classroom with Joiy.
Ngiap Kha quiet
Chaa Chaa slow
Dang loud
Reow Reow fast
Ee(k) Krang again
Ma Mee come here
Pood taam repeat
Dee maak very good
Kao jai mai do you understand?
The rest of the morning and afternoon was working on camp training, working out the theme of Environment/Global warming etc.
The movement via the Tzolkin in its resonance:
Chant: Eb, Cauac, Caban, Ix, Manik
Planets: Earth, Pluto, Uranus and Asteroid Belt or Planet Maldek.
KIN 207, Blue Crystal Hand
Key vibration: Resonate into the creation of global and universal open space of commitment and working together.
The natural flow or supportive spiral movement energy of wisdom in being able to make choices from your free will in whatever situation to allow the spiral movement of transformation or changes to be in the self-generative energy flow.
The challenge, strengthening and open opportunity of synergy to navigate and discover within which step is asked for or received to explore and discover the hidden power or talent of integrity or magical moment of celebrations.
To allow the flow of being in this centered, grounded and anchored open space of accomplishment step by step of projects, goals, creations included the healing.
Blessings to All.
Carla Harren 
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