Ajahn Brahm in Penang

Ajahn Brahmavamso, the ever-popular Buddhist monk with a wicked sense of humour, is finally here in Penang and he'll be conducting a three-day retreat at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Kampar Road to a group of lucky people who had registered early with the Temple committee.

But don't fret if you aren't one of them. You can still enjoy the wit of Ajahn Brahm because he'll be giving two talks at the temple on Sunday and Monday evenings. Both talks are open to the non-Muslim public (you don't have to be a Buddhist to understand and enjoy his talks) and they will begin at 8pm. There's also the usual Question And Answers sessions at the end of the talks.

The topic for Sunday is quite interesting, considering that we are in the midst of an economic downturn. "Calming your worrries in uncertain times," that's what Sunday's talk will cover. Then on Monday, Ajahn Brahm will talk about "mindfulness is more than you think." You can take it from me that both talks will be quite up-to-date and not rehashed material.