Bansong, one of the oldest villages in Thailand, is a territory of Weangsra town in Surat Thani province. There have been many historical artifacts found in Bansong such as prehistoric stone tools and Buddha Statues from many different eras which have confirmed that this village was originally home to many important ancient communities of the South and was thriving since the 7th century BC.

Weangsra Temple

The ancient Weangsra town used to be located at the historic site of Weangsra Temple, which still stands today. The people in this town were very skillful and they protected themselves from enemies by building walls and digging canals all around their village.

An ruins ancient tower

An old swimming pool

A red sandstone Buddha Statue

The ruins of Weangsra Temple include the ancient tower, the old swimming pool (for which the temple and the town were named), and the dilapidated remains of a red sandstone Buddha Statue.

Path to an ancient Weangsra temple

Weangsra is truly one of the hidden treasures of Thailand. There has been little or no advertising or promotion of this area since the people who live there believe ancient and sacred places should not be disturbed. This has allowed the Weangsra Temple to be preserved in it’s natural state for centuries. Although the ruins and the temple may not be as gigantic as others; this does not diminish the fact that when you are in the space, you can sense the collective energy from ancient times that has been gathered for generations, leaving many with a sense of awe.

Travelling to Bansong is very simple; you just hop on a bus or train from Bangkok, then hop off at Bansong’s station.

Map to Bansong

If you decide to drive, from the mainland route # 41 on the highway between Surat Thani province – Nakhon Si Thammarat province, you will see a sign that directs you to Bansong (Sub-path 4009). Also, since lot of transportation is easily available, Bansong can easily be added to your travel plans if you’re already visiting any of the following:
Surat Thani, Phuket, Krab, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Hopefully, you will keep this in mind the next time you visit.

Center of Bansong

An old area near train station

Coffee parties

Upon hearing the name “Bansong”, many people will immediately question the origins of it’s name since they associate the word with something negative. Many years ago, communists had established their division in the area in hopes of expanding their dominion. Often times, the people who lived in the area would get caught in the middle of fighting between Thai soldiers and the communists, and many people got hurt and many died. They lived their lives in great fear at that time.

The word “song” means “division” (referring to the groups of communist invaders) and the word “ban” means “home”, so put these two together it means “the home of invaders.” Over time, the local people came to regularly use the name “Bansong” for this area because it was a part of their lives for a very long time and they never forget.

Mining

Busy Market

Agriculture

With the war now long over, Bansong has emerged as a charming small town with strong economic interests in several areas, such as mining, agriculture, trade and several other attractive things that I’ll be excited to share with you later in this post.

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Translated from http://bansong.blogspot.com/ (my younger brother)

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The other day I was thinking about crafting a message for the New Year, and what I might say. First I had to consider its purpose. Was it merely to be part of a new tradition based on the warm response to last year’s message? No, of course not. If I were to do another the reason would have to be more compelling than that. So, I thought quite long and hard, and following this period of rich reflection, the answer emerged – the reason would be that I am a teacher. And as I begin my 45^th year of teaching, I recognize that one of the reasons I have always found teaching so rewarding is the opportunity to make a difference in another person’s life.

Fortunately, somewhere quite early in my journey, I realized that if there was even the slightest chance for such a presumptuous possibility manifesting- to truly have the honor of becoming the teacher I envisioned- one that created opportunity for transformative, depthful and authentic learning and the requisite changes commensurate with this level of learning to take place – I would first have to develop the skills – technical/philosophical/intellectual/spiritual, within myself to be even marginally qualified for such a noble undertaking. I recognized that for me to teach I would first have to be willing to learn. To learn how to: communicate/listen/see/ know/risk/ trust/act/ be patient/reveal/claim/accept – but not settle/discover the questions you want to ask and the unceasing passion to need the answers/let go/persevere/surrender/comfort/nurture/stand for something/how to work/how to play/be with my Self/how to be with others how to – just be!

I also realized I would have to learn how to dream and to turn the dream into a vision to be fulfilled. For that to happen, I had to learn to be a “pragmatic visionary” – a man who didn’t merely dream, but strived to make the dream come true – to show others how to fulfill their dreams - to make them “real.” To help others take their journey as empoweringly as possible – I first had to try and do this for my Self.

With the recognition of what was/is required – I began.

One of my favorite books- for myriad reasons - is Cervantes’ Don Quixote. One of my favorite musicals is the “Man of La Mancha”, loosely based both on Miguel de Cervantes extraordinary life/ journey, as well as on his profound novel. One of my favorite songs to sing is from “Man of La Mancha”- “The Impossible Dream,” by Joe Darion and Mitch Leigh.

Earlier this week, when I was in solitude- in conversation with my Deeper Self, I thought about this song. I have literally sung it hundreds of times, but until this week, I never quite recognized there really are no “Impossible Dreams.” For, if we can imagine it, dream it, envision it, we can make it come true.

So, my wish as we embark upon our journey this January 2009, is that we all “Dream the Possible Dream!” Dream and know that it is possible to: have world peace, economic stability, eradicate all disease, rid our planet of poverty, be happy, be wealthy - in all ways and always, be a best friend, have a best friend, be healthy, be happy, sing, dance, finger paint, cook really well, care for others and to be cared for as well, to give - boundlessly and to receive abundantly as well, serve God and your Deeper Self in synchronistic bliss each and every day!

As I begin my 45^th year of teaching and learning and my 63^rd year this January 23^rd, I lovingly offer my New Year’s message to listen deeply, hear keenly and believe – unflinchingly, unequivocably in the possibility of our dream/s coming true, and to do all in your power to make this happen.

How you take the journey and who you are matters. Act accordingly.

Sincerely - in faith and gratitude,

ARTHUR SAMUEL JOSEPH

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