Last week at MAF, we welcomed three monks from a temple in Ranong for our celebration of Buddhist Lent, or Khao Phansa. The atmosphere was sincere and meaningful, giving students an opportunity to learn while quietly reflecting on mindfulness and caring for others.
The monks began the day by leading everyone in prayer. Their presence helped create a peaceful mood, providing students with a quiet moment to connect inwardly. Afterwards, they invited the students to consider how the mind shapes everything we do—our thoughts guide our words and actions, and developing awareness of that connection is a lifelong practice.
One message stood out clearly: when we support the temple, it’s not only about the wellbeing of any one monk. The monks reminded us that donations should address the needs of the temple as a whole, keeping the entire spiritual community healthy and sustained. This subtle shift—focusing on collective support instead of individual attention—felt especially meaningful for our students to grasp.
We ended the day by sharing a meal together. It was a simple lunch, but an unmistakably warm one—an occasion to talk, connect, and appreciate each other beyond the routines of school life.
