Here is a spiritual exercise to try: stop breathing. If you are still alive, you will have realised that this is impossible. Yogis have proudly proclaimed their ability to go without food for weeks and water for days – but as of yet, nobody...
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Self-discipline, seems to be a big deal these days. Social media is full of inspirational quotes inspiring us to push ourselves harder. Books which teach motivational techniques are always among the best-sellers. Parents constantly complain that their children are not disciplined enough, and many...
Jyoti Mantra Asato ma sat gamaya Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya Mrityor ma amritam gamaya Lead me from the unreal to the real; Lead me from darkness into light; From death to immortality This is a wish that many of us have...
Fire is vital, without the sun there would be no light and no life. The element of fire is associated with transformation – whatever is consumed by the fire will be transformed into heat and, eventually, ash. The digestive process can be thought of...
You may aspire to float up into the clouds and fly with the angels, and of course this would be a beautiful experience; but sometimes on the spiritual path, we need to remind ourselves of the value of being grounded. Without some grounding, whatever...
Ever had difficulties in a relationship? Ever had the same difficulties come up in another relationship? If you are a human being, the answer is probably “yes”, and it will probably remain “yes” if you substitute relationship with “job” or anything else. The same...
In the West, for many people religion has very negative connotations. This is not surprising given the history of our organised religions: we have Christians gleefully embarking on crusades to murder anybody who does not submit to their message of universal love; Jews declaring...
Tell somebody you are practising meditation and you may get a response along the lines of, “oh that’s too hard for me, I could never stop myself thinking!”. This is due to a common misconception that meditation is the process of trying not to...
Morning glory (tra kuen), is one of the most popular vegetables in Cambodia as it grows in abundance. The green stems and thin leaves have a slightly grassy flavour, quite similar to spinach. This delicious vegetable is rich in flavour and nutrition, so it’s...
At the Vagabond Temple we have a packed daily schedule of Yoga, meditation, talks and other activities. Our guests are supported by each-other and the teachers to attend as many classes as possible to make the most out of the experience. However, when leaving...
Anybody who has attempted meditation will know how difficult it can be. What seems like a simple practice, keeping the mind focused on single object, can seem almost impossible as an endless stream of thoughts and emotions pull for our attention. With practice, the...
Meditation is a beautiful spiritual practice that can bring us many benefits, although it can be very challenging. When new to meditation, rather than experiencing peace or bliss, we may find ourselves faced with the unsettling realisation that we have very little control of...
Often we have quite a romantic idea about meditation. Sit down, cross your legs, close your eyes, take a deep breath and you will be immediately transported to a state of transcendent bliss: listening to the angels whisper in your ears as all your...
Stir frying is a Chinese cooking technique in which ingredients are fried in oil on a high heat, while being stirred. We’ve prepared a simple, yet delicious vegetable stir-fry recipe that includes a combination of fresh herbs and spices. Experiment with this recipe by...
Well prepared broccoli is succulent, firm and still has its’ natural bright green colour. It can be roasted in the oven or for a quick method, try pan-roasting your broccoli like we do at the temple. You’ll have flavourful broccoli that is gently infused...
Okra, winter melon and broccoli are the perfect green ingredients to form a tasty, nutritious vegetarian/ vegan meal. Combined with spices, this dish offers a sensory journey that will delight any palate. Ingredients: Serving: for 1 person 150g okra 50g winter melon 50g...
Yardlong beans or Chinese long beans as they are affectionately known, can grow up to one and a half feet long and are sold in abundance in Asia. They are similar to green beans in taste but the texture of long beans differs slightly....
The banana blossom/ flower is an edible purple flower found on the banana plant, at the end of the banana cluster. It is considered a vegetable in Southeast Asia and is prepared and tastes similar to artichokes. Add other vegetables like corn and beetroot...
Here is a well rounded 30 minute core-strengthening practice to keep the flow of health and joy going. You can hold each position for 5 breaths unless it is specified otherwise. If you have more/less than 30 minutes you can hold for shorter/longer....
Tapioca pearls come from tapioca, which is a starch extracted from the cassava root. The little pearls are made by moistening the cassava starch, passing it through a sieve and then rolling it up into little balls when it dries. The Tapioca pearls, also...
Yoga is all about balance. Balance in body, balance in mind, balance in life. Hatha yoga, the yoga commonly practiced in the Western world, is comprised of “ha” (“sun” in Sanskrit) and “tha” (“moon” in Sanskrit). This balance is better known by their names...
Eggplants are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and dietary fibre but it is often ignored because of its bitter taste. The spongy texture of eggplants absorbs all the flavours of its accompanying ingredients and it is perfectly complemented by tomatoes, which gives...
Who says vegans have to give up on flavour? We’ve prepared a delicious, mildly spicy, vegan curry that combines local ingredients, which are accessible enough to prepare anywhere around the world. This specific version of this recipe is inspired by Khmer flavours as our...
Cambodia still finds itself a hotspot for backpackers, and those seeking out a history-rich, temple-hopping, tranquil beach destination. Yet it can be difficult to go beyond the temple exteriors to witness a deeper glimpse into Buddhist spirituality and the beautiful Cambodian spirit. A yoga...
I was enthusiastic to start Vagabond Temple’s 7-day detox programme because it was an opportunity to reboot my digestive system and perhaps shift my attitude towards food once and for all. After 26 hours of processed plane food and a lifetime of food angst it felt...
Drop the can, this peanut butter is fresh! Lime and coconut add a tropical twist. Serve chilled with baguette and fruit like we do here at the Temple for a great start to the day! Ingredients: peanuts coconut cream powder palm sugar pinch of...
These festive treats will bring holiday cheer to your home or party. Enjoy nature’s sweetest ingredients as they come together to delight your senses. Perfect for a New Year’s celebration! Ingredients: Serving: Makes 12 patties Patties: 1/3 cup dried coconut shreds 1/3 cup peanuts...
Sweet mango, fragrant basil and zesty lime make up this delicious traditional Asian salad. A Vagabond Temple favorite, it’s both easy to make and packed with flavor; perfect for a light and healthy lunch. We like ours with a fiery kick but f you...
Since most Cambodians are farmers, the majority of sweet treats originate in the fields. Rice, beans and bananas are combined with condensed milk, palm syrup and coconut milk for inexpensive yet indulgent flavors. Sticky rice is vegan, gluten-free and so delicious you’ll be going...
5 Days of Summer Sun, Fresh Foods, Yin Yoga & Massage “If you eat dead food, you are going to feel dead. If you eat live food, you are going to feel alive.” – Jason Vale, The Juice Master Summer is the perfect...
Two worlds collide, or rather, collaborate beautifully in this hummus recipe that gets its green color from mung bean. The Middle East and Asia bring two of their biggest players to the table. If you’re not familiar with mung bean, it’s a super-food –...
A light tzatziki recipe perfect for summer get-togethers – everyone will ask you what the secret ingredient is (fresh mint and dill!). Ingredients: Serving: For 4-5 people 1 cup tahini 2 lemons 4 cucumbers 1 branch fresh dill 1 branch fresh mint 1 cup...
No we are not talking about your bank account – this article introduces a simple, yet powerful system of medicine from ancient India, and explains how it can be used to improve your health and well-being. Before continuing, it is important to point out...
This recipe has been passed down in the Vagabond Temple family, and will be a welcome refreshment in the summer heat. Enjoy the natural sweetness of the apples, or add just a spoonful of sugar, and you’ve got a most delightful sweet treat with...
In modern society, many of us simply do not have the time to take a moment to turn inwards and check up on how we really feel. Pressures of work, family life, and other aspects of society can turn life into a “to do”...
Vagabond Temple’s famous tofu-based cheese, wrapped up in blankets of lightly fried zucchini slices. You are guaranteed to impress your guests by serving these sophisticated and healthy vegan rolls! Ingredients: Serving: 15-20 rolls 2 zucchini 200 gm tofu 100 gm dried tomatoes 2 lemons 1...
Want to know who you really are? You’re a diamond in the sky (remember the Rihanna song?) Well, you’re a human, on earth, with a body, a mind, emotions, and a personality. But these are mere materials for play. “Why am I doing this?” “What...
If onions are your jam, then why not try this easy recipe for a healthy and delicious preserve? Ingredients: Serving: 1 small jar onion x 1 kg palm sugar x 1/2 kg oil x 2 tablespoons Method: Slice the onion as thin as you can and fry it with the oil...
Symbols are a significant part of the yoga tradition and play an integral role in yoga practices. Although today many yoga practitioners overlook this aspect of yoga, we can still find traces of these symbols throughout the yoga journey. Many mystics from India have...
A colorful and flavorful vegan version of the classic North Indian dish. This recipe gets its creamy texture from coconut cream instead of ghee. Ingredients: Serving: For 4-5 people 1 kg spinach 4 potatoes 2 garlic cloves 2 fresh red chili peppers 1/2 cup...
Not your typical birthday cake, for not your average birthday. You don’t even have to eat our delicious vegan banana cake on a birthday at all. Indulge in this healthy treat that harnesses the natural sweetness of coconut, vanilla and banana, whenever you get...
So what is Yoga? An attempt to attain spiritual enlightenment through bending the body into a series of increasingly uncomfortable positions? A great way of building strength and flexibility, toning the body and losing weight? A form of meditation where moving the body through...
Do you think about the life you live? What is your purpose? Do we even have a purpose? If so how are you meant to find out what yours is? If not then what are we even doing here? What does it all mean?...
One common misconception people have regarding Buddhism, and meditation in general, is that we are supposed to stop thinking all together. It is not surprising that many of us reach this conclusion: we learn that our thinking patterns bring us suffering: that “I will...
For Alice Chan, the prospect of going without food for five days seemed impossible, if not altogether ludicrous. In this post, she explains how she fared on our Detox Cleanse Program and shares the invaluable wisdom she gained while fasting – a must-read for anyone...
If we closely watch our minds, we will find a tendency to label or categorize other people, based on our pre-existing ideas and standards. When you meet somebody for the first time what do you notice? Are they ugly or beautiful? Kind or rude?...
When black-eyed beans dream, they hope to be mixed up with coconut cream. Cooked up with anti-inflammatory garlic, anti-ageing carrots, and carotenoid-rich bell peppers and tomatoes, this hearty dish is everything a health nut could desire from their comfort food. Ingredients For 4-5 People...
Alice Chan, our social media guru here at Vagabond Temple, was an absolute yoga beginner when she joined us back in February. Now she practices every single day and can’t get over how much progress she’s made in a few short weeks! In this...
Discovering the mountain Most of us don’t know how to stand properly. We spend our days walking and standing in closed shoes on hard concrete surfaces. This interferes with our ability to distribute our weight evenly across our feet. Our toes don’t have room...
Vagaballs are a delicious and totally vegan sweet snack. They’re so popular here at Vagabond Temple that we find ourselves coming back to this recipe several times a week. They’re easy to make and fun to eat, and we usually have guests queuing up...
What is energy healing? Pranic Healing is a system of energy healing that enables us to understand and tap into these laws, and into the very fabric of our existence – Universal Life Force Energy. It is an internationally renowned, non-religious, touch-free, drug-free healing therapy...
Once a non-vegan friend put his plate of scrambled eggs down next to a dish of our tofu scramble and when we turned our heads, the plate of eggs went crashing to the ground. No one saw what happened, but I think it’s safe...
Just imagine what an awful place the world would be if we were all happy the whole time. For a start it would be terrible for the economy: nobody would need to buy endless consumer products, distract themselves with TV and video games, or numb...
The benefits of meditation are widely reported, but with so many different types to choose from, and so much different information about, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. Also common misconceptions about meditation may prevent us from taking up any...
Yoga is a powerful spiritual system, developed over 2500 years ago to bring the mind and body into harmony and eradicate suffering. The poses we associate with modern Yoga were developed much later, as a means of preparing the body for deep meditation without...
The society we live in often places us under great strain. Many of us feel exhausted and stressed from work, with little time for our friends and families. Our bodies often ache from because due to the unnatural postures we have to adopt: working...
Potatoes spend their whole lives underground deciding how they will grow to be delicious. This dish represents their master plan, mixing a seamless blend of herbs and spices with tomatoes and onions along for the delicious ride. Floating in the background garlic comes in...
Sitting for an extended period of time, doing nothing other than focusing your breath or another object, may seem like an unusual thing to do. Many of us have limited free time, so surely it would be better to use it for something more...
We call it vegetable soup, but we might as well call it the vegan all star dish. The cast of vegetables includes carrots for healthy skin, zucchini for your long-term health, phytonutrient rich egg plant, immune system boosting garlic, nutrient and mineral rich tomatoes, and...
In the dietary fibre world, the zucchini reigns king, and is the best source of dietary fiber of all the vegetables on Earth. But this king couldn’t make a healthy vegan soup alone, so he called on his friends the potato and tomato to...
The image above is detail from the centre of the Wheel of Life, the iconic Tibetan Buddhist image which depicts the cyclical nature of the lives of all living beings. The image provides a visual representation of the entire Buddhist world-view, with concepts such...
Negative emotions are a fact of life: all of us are going to feel frightened, sad, angry, anxious, or a myriad of other painful feelings from time to time. There are many ways we can choose to deal with these emotions, some more helpful...
Some sages believe that the key to world peace lies somewhere within an irresistible pumpkin soup. Whether or not that is true, we will not hold back from this pumpkin soup recipe, which certainly is a key to culinary satisfaction. Pumpkins are a package...
Your bowl won’t believe that A) this curry exists, and B) it gets to be the vessel to hold it! With an all-star cast of garden vegetables, mixed with seasoned secrets from the Buddha’s homeland, one taste of this curry has been known to...
Like yin and yang, tofu cheese and Rachel’s matbucha complement each other on a cosmic level and belong side-by-side at your table. At Vagabond Temple, we serve both these dishes at breakfast with soft, crusty bread and fresh salad, but they’re both a great addition...
Dal is a delicious and comforting Indian dish that uses lentils as a base ingredient. Lentils are packed full of protein, making them a regular feature on any vegan grocery list. For our dal, we like to include carrots, onions, zucchini, eggplant and lots...
Yoga is about so much more than the postures we perform in classes; it is multifaceted system designed to bring our body mind into harmony, and ultimately leading us into unity with all beings. Rather than being at the mercy of our thoughts and...
Practising Yoga is about much more than the postures; the main practice goes on “off the mat” in our daily lives. Our thoughts, interactions with others, and our daily routines can all be integrated into the Yoga practice. Only this way the ultimate goal...
But where do you get your protein from? A common question asked by those interested in exploring more about the vegan diet. Green mung beans are a perfect example of protein rich food that we can use to create delicious vegan dishes with. Mung beans can...
When people think of Yoga, they are most likely to think about the postures that we see performed in Yoga classes. However Yoga, as it was originally developed in Ancient India, had much more to do with meditation than it did postures. In one...
A simple, fresh recipe to create your very own vegan spring rolls. You can change up the fillings when making this at home, using more of your favourite vegetables, marinating some tofu or even adding mango slices. Included is smooth and creamy asian inspired peanut dipping...
The human body is an incredibly sophisticated organism, capable of performing numerous complex tasks simultaneously. However, certain functions can consume such a huge amount of energy that they cause others to slow down: especially digestion of food, and the experience of strong emotions. For...
Anybody who has attempted to lose weight or lead a healthier lifestyle through dieting will know just how much of a struggle it can be. So often people try one fad diet after another, either failing to stick with it once the inevitable boredom...
In our modern society, when we experience bodily pain or discomfort such a headache or an upset stomach, we often respond by taking a tablet. While this approach certainly works in that the troubling symptoms are reduced, often the underlying cause of the problem...
Mindful and purposeful eating has many advantages for us mentally and physically. In contrast, the consequences of overeating can have severe effects on our physical and mental body. Generally we overeat because we are not dedicated to the act of eating. We watch...
Reiki is a energy healing and spiritual system that was re-discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui. The origins for the re-emergence of Reiki lie in the curiosity of one man determined to understand how the ancient healers of the various religions could physically heal their...
Cobra pose, also known as Bhujangasana, is a wonderful pose for chest-opening and spine flexibility. First, it allows for deeper breathing through the expansion of the chest, and can alleviate problems with rheumatism, arthritis, and other pain in the back. Cobra also massages the...
When we truly face the reality of our life, we realize that our life is not optimal – it is not even close to the best life we could have. Our potential is not being fulfilled. With more self-awareness in life, we come to...
Yoga can create freedom of the body and mind. It is a spiritual path that helps us to find refuge, discover our true self and experience what life really means. The most well known aspect of yoga is asana which means posture, specifically a...