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Any
of us have at one time or another found the toll of living in the modern world hard to bear. Stress, depression and
disillusionment are some of the diseases of modern times that leave us yearning for a solution, a cure, so to speak.
More and more people are turning to meditation as they fail to find the answer through worldly paths.
Meditation is found in some form or other in all major religious traditions. Even those who are not religious use it
to focus the mind, to hone it, so that it works better. In Buddhism, meditation is the integral to the eight-fold path
to enlightenment. One trains one’s mind so that it can see the four-point Supreme Truth that forms the core of
Buddha’s teachings: suffering, what causes it, the end of suffering, and the path to that end. Even if you are not
interested in Buddhism, meditation is a valuable training that can be applied to daily life, for it helps with
concentration and when done correctly can lead to a state of peace and calmness that’s beyond worldly joys.
There are two main branches in Buddhist meditation: samatha (calmness, concentration) and vipassana (insight), which
stresses mindfulness. This doesn’t mean that the two are entirely separate, since you cannot be mindful unless you
have at least some level of concentration.
The techniques of samatha meditation are many, some older than Buddhism, others developed after the time of the
Buddha. Among the most commonly practiced here is anapanasati, or “mindfulness with breathing.” This technique was
advocated by the Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikku (1903-1993), founder of Suan Mokkh Forest Monastery in Surat Thani.
Meditators at Suan Mokkh (Garden of Liberation), follow the 16 steps of anapanasati as laid down in Pali texts.
Mantra meditation, in which you repeat a few words over and over, is also widely practiced. Followers of this
technique may chant “Buddh” as they inhale, and “dho” as they exhale. The words may vary, but the purpose of chanting
is really to get the mind focused. Yet another widely taught technique is kasinas, where meditators concentrate on an
object outside themselves, such as the flame of a candle, or a crystal ball.
Sati, or mindfulness, is key to vipassana meditation. You
train yourself to be aware of the body’s action, the rise and fall of your chest as you inhale and exhale, the
movement of your feet and legs as you walk, as well as your feelings, your thought, and finally, the state of mind you
are in. Walking, sitting and lying meditation are but a few of vipassana techniques. When the mind is untrained,
concentration can be shattered by the slightest stimuli—noise, smell, heat, hunger, pain, etc. The key is to become
aware of what happens, but not dwell on it. Still, a novice can only ward off so much distraction, and that’s one
reason why vipassana retreats are usually held in peaceful and isolated settings.
Meditation teachings are widely available in Thailand. You can attend a class at one of the teaching monasteries for
an afternoon or evening. Wat Mahadhatu near the Grand Palace, for example, has two meditation training centers open to
locals and tourists. Or you may join a vipassana retreat, which usually takes a weekend or longer. A number of retreat
centers, most of them located in the provinces, run intensive courses of up to four weeks on an ongoing basis. All
vipassana retreats require you to follow the Five Buddhist Precepts. These include refraining from harming all living
beings, from taking what is not given, from improper sexual behavior, from lying and incorrect speech, and from taking
liquors and drugs that will cloud the mind. Some retreats may require that you take you take the Eight Precepts, which
in addition to the first five include refraining from dinner, from all forms of entertainment and bodily decoration,
and from sleeping on high mattresses.
Respect for one’s teacher is inherent in Thai culture. At the start of a vipassana session, you must attend an
opening ceremony, where you pay respect to the meditation masters and present them with traditional Buddhist offerings
of incense sticks, candles and flowers—usually three lotuses or a hand garland. There is also a closing ceremony,
where you thank your teachers and bid them a formal farewell. Even if you cannot stay for the duration of the course,
be sure to perform this ritual before you leave, since not doing so is considered very rude.
Once you get enrolled in a course, be sure to follow
only the technique taught there. Mixing techniques will only confuse you. Usually, you are given instructions daily,
and required to report your progress—or lack of it—to your meditation master on the following day. After the interview
you will be given advice and new instructions, or old ones to repeat.
All-white, modest clothing is required at vipassana retreats. Check ahead if there is a shop on the compound, or if
you have to bring your own. At most monasteries, simple accommodation and food are provided, usually free of charge.
Talking, reading and writing are discouraged, as they will distract you from your meditation. And meditators are not
allowed to leave the retreat compound unless absolutely necessary, so be sure to bring enough change of clothes,
toiletries and personal items for the duration of the course.
For first-time meditators, it might help to attend a day session or two before you join a long retreat. Bangkok has a
number of meditation centers offering day classes in English. Many temples around the country also teach samatha and
vipassana meditation. Contact the nearest office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for a list of local temples
where English-speaking classes can be arranged.
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| □ International Buddhist Meditation Center (IBMC) |
Dhamma Vicaya Hall, Wat Mahadhatu, Tha Prachan, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 623-6326, 623-6328 (Afternoons only, 1-7.30 p.m.)
IBMC is the vipassana teaching center of Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the highest seats of Buddhist
learning in the country. Mindfulness meditation classes in English are held daily, from 1-6 p.m. except on Buddhist
holidays and Sundays. Bring flowers, nine sticks of incense and a candle for the opening ceremony. The Center also
organizes vipassana retreats at Buddha Monthon in Nakhon Pathom, usually on major Buddhist holidays and long weekends.
Dhamma talks to groups can be arranged by request.
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| □ Section Five, Wat Mahadhatu |
Tha Prachan, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 222-6011
Thais and foreigners have long come to Section Five of Wat Mahadhatu to learn mindfulness meditation. Classes are held
from 7-10 p.m., 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. These are mixed; at any given session there will be beginners and advanced
meditators, monks and laymen, locals and tourists. English-speaking instruction is available on Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays. You can come for a retreat of three days or longer. Meals and accommodation are provided on the compounds
free of charge. Bring enough sets of clothes, toiletries and personal items, and an offering of flowers, a candle and
nine sticks of incense for the opening ceremony. Donations are accepted but not solicited.
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| □ Wat Bhaddanta Asahba Theravada & Sommitre Pranee
Vipassana Center |
118/1 Moo 1, Baan Nong Pru, Nong Pai Kaiw, Baan Bung, Chonburi 20220
Tel: (66-38) 292-361, 01 455-2360, 01-343-7295, email: [email protected]
Capacity: 30 persons (Recommend booking in advance)
Meditation Master : Ajahn Bhaddanta Asabha, Ajahn Somsak Sorado
The retreat is widely open for both beginner and experienced meditators. On the retreat, all meditators are expected
to keep silence at all times except when giving meditation reports. All meditators must keep the eight training
precepts. Meditators need only bring conservative clothing (preferably white colored clothing), personal hygiene
accessories and essential medication.
Ajahn Asabha was Head Meditation Master at Vivek Asom Meditation Center (Chonburi, Thailand), where he taught
vipassana meditation for 37 years. In 1999, Ajahn Asabha became President of Wat Bhaddanta Asabha Theravada and Head
Meditation Master at Sommit Pranee Vipassana Meditation Center, where he now resides.
Ajahn Somsak Sorado, a disciple of Ajahn Asabha, has been teaching vipassana meditation at Vivek Asom Meditation
Center for over 5 years. He was in the United States on Buddhist missionary duties for 2 years and is now permanently
stationed at Wat Bhaddanta Asabha Theravada.
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| □ Northern Insight Meditation Center at Wat Rampoeng (Tapotharam) |
Tumbon Suthep, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai
Tel/Fax: (66-53) 278-620
The Northern Insight Meditation Center has been teaching mindfulness meditation to thousands of tourists and locals
for more than 20 years. It has English-speaking monks, nuns and volunteer facilitators on staff. The center offers a
26-day basic course on an ongoing basis. After you have completed this course you can join the 10-day Insight
Meditation Retreat. Tourists are required to present two passport photos, two copies each of a valid passport and visa
with entry stamp. Modest white clothing is required; this can be bought at the Temple’s store. Dormitory-style
accommodation and meals are provided free of charge. Donations are accepted but not solicited.
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| □ Wat Phra Dhatu Sri Chomthong |
Tumbon Baan Luang, Amphoe Chomthong, Chiang Mai
Tel: (66-53) 826-869
This temple is headed by the monk who founded the Northern Insight Meditation Center at Wat Rampoeng. Meditation
retreats are held on an ongoing basis. Meditators must present identification card or valid passport, and inform the
temple of their intended length of stay. Then they can choose whether to follow the Five or Eight Precepts. The temple
provides meals and simple, dormitory-style lodgings, most with their own bathroom. Proper clothing is available at a
shop next door to the monastery. Bookings are advised, since the retreats draw large crowds during major Buddhist
holidays and Chinese vegetarian festival.
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| □ Suan Mokkh Forest Monastery |
Amphoe Chaiya, Surat Thani
Tel: (66-77) 431-596-7 Fax:(66-77) 431-597
e-mail: [email protected] website:
www.suanmokkh.org
Founded in 1932 by the late Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikku, meditation master and Buddhist scholar, Suan Mokkh holds a
10-day meditation course on an ongoing basis. During the course participants will explore two inter-related subjects:
dhamma and meditation. Meditation instruction focuses on mindfulness with breathing (anapanasati), a system of
training used and taught most often by the Buddha. Dhamma talks are held daily, and everyone is encouraged to
participate. English-speaking facilitators called “Friends” offer guidance on meditation practice and all other
aspects of the course.
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The Middle Way Meditation Retreat in Koh Samui |
The Samudra Retreat Samui
Tel: 01-694-0193, 01-375-0212 or (6677) 428-100 Fax: (6677) 428-133
e-mail : [email protected]
At the "Koh Samui" Monthly Meditation Session, conducted "Free of Charge" courtesy of the beautiful 5 Star Samui Peninsula Resort & Spa you will learn the Technique, one of the most ancient methods of meditation in the world. Its simplicity, originality and effectiveness has made the Dhammakaya method among the most popular meditation techniques in Thailand, and its international popularity is growing fast.
The practice of this meditation technique is not in conflict with any religion or belief system whatsoever, and is open for anyone to try for themselves.
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The Middle Way Meditation Retreat in Chiang Mai |
Dhamma Research for Environment Foundation
Tel: 09-109-9219, 04-661-5057 or (6653) 211-424
E-mail : [email protected] website:
www.meditationthai.org
Surrounded by picturesque hills and lofty mountains at 1,120 meters above sea level. The Middle way Meditation Village has magnificent vistas, fresh cool mountain air and our facilities provide immaculate and comfortable accommodations, all designed to enable you to learn and practice Meditation while living in close touch with the natural beauty that will surround you.
There you will learn the Dhammakaya method of Meditation which is both the simplest and the oldest known technique in the world, taught by ordained highly trained Buddhist Monks expert Meditation instructors!
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More Detail |
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□ Young Buddhists Association of Thailand (YBAT)
58/8 Soi Petchkasem 54, Petchkasem Road, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 413-3131, 413-1706
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□ Sthiradhamma Sthana
24/5 Soi Watcharapol, Ramindra Soi 55, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 510-6697, 510-4765 Fax: (662) 519-4633
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□ Sorn-Thawee Meditation Center, Chachoengsao
Tel: (66-38) 541-405
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□ Wat Kow Tham International Meditation Center
Ko Phangan, Surat Thani 84280
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□ House of Dhamma (Vipassana) Insight Meditation Center
26/9 Chompol Lane, Lat Phrao Soi 15 Chatuchak, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 511-0439 (weekends or evenings only) Fax: (662) 512-6083
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□ Vivek Ashram Vipassana Meditation Center, Chonburi
Tel: (66-38) 283-766
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□ Wat Pah Nanachart (International Forest Monastery)
Ban Bung Wai, Amphoe Warin, Ubon Ratchathani 34310
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The Middle Way Meditation Retreat in Koh Samui
The Samudra Retreat Samui
24/73, Moo 5, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320, Thailand.
Tel: 01-694-0193, 01-375-0212
or (6677) 428-100 Fax: (6677) 428-133
E-mail : [email protected]
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The Middle Way Meditation Retreat in Chiang Mai
Dhamma Research for Environment Foundation
Boluang, Hod, Chiang Mai, 50240, Thailand.
Tel: 09-109-9219, 04-661-5057
or (6653) 211-424
E-mail : [email protected] |
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