13 Feb 2010
TAIPING, PERAK - A Thai monk walks 20 kilometres on
barefoot a day to remind those who pursue a material life to
protect and concern about mother nature.
Master Jinshen started his journey from Hat Yat and arrived at
Simpang on Sunday (31 Jan). After staying in Simpang for a night,
he started to walk again the next day. He was heading to Singapore,
Indonesia and Australia.
He stressed that his main purpose is to practice Buddhist rules
and at the same time, lead the people to the path of virtue. It is
also meant to develop the Buddhist spirit.
When he was staying in Simpang, he urged everyone to concern
about and appreciate mother nature. Also, he promoted an
environmental friendly and simple lifestyle of eating and consuming
less but to walk more.
He said that he had visited many countries, including Thailand,
Laos, Vietnam and India over the past 30 years. And he walked more
than 10 thousand kilometres every year.
"Not many monks live an ascetic life nowadays. That's why
everyone looks at me with curiosity as they think ascetic monks can
only be found in books," he said.
He also said that he walks five to six hours for more than 10
kilometres everyday. He has no money but a lot of people give him
alms. Although his soles are blistered and painful, he feels
happy.
"Some people work hard everyday to earn money in order to pursue
a material life. They destroy natural resources but they are not
truly happy."
He said that it is applies to human relationships, too.
"As long as you treat others friendly and reduce hatred, you'll
get a peaceful mind in return," he added.
He also advised people to be vegetarians for health purposes and
to reduce killing lives.
(Translated by YOU HSUEH LIN/ Sin Chew Daily)
<!-- CONTENT : end --><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN
-->