The only mini bus company that runs past the monastery is Prempracha. Hi! 30-day Courses are open only to serious Old Students committed to this technique who have completed a minimum of six 10-day courses (one since their first 20-day course), one 20-day course, one Satipatthana Sutta course, and have been practicing regularly for at least two years. The monks fill their bowl with these small offerings, and this is what they will eat for the day. You mentioned low and high season. The visitor who is interested should apply online at https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/courses. Before each meal, you communally recite a mantra about food. I thought Id wait until the right time. This is the principal text in which the technique of Vipassana is systematically explained. For us, some of these experiences were akin to a psychedelic trip. Goenka or his Assistant Teachers. 50+ Places To Visit in Kathmandu: Museums, Temples, Hikes & More, Tipping in Nepal: How Much to Tip Guides, Porters, Drivers, Restaurants & more, The 21 Best Nepal Souvenirs & Where to Buy Them. 18:00PM: Evening Chanting. I thought of taking yoga training program in Thailand. Hi Bapu, yes there is an option to be silent. Suan Mokkh has a sister centre: the Dipabhvan Meditation Center in Koh Samui. By faxing or posting your application form The ride to the Forest Monastery should be about 2 hours., Be sure to tell the driver that you want off at the Wat Pa Tam Wua Forest Monastery. Any difficulty you may advise if it`s too difficult yo carry that if I travel with bus? Practice meditation in the main hall (walking, sitting, laying), 1:00 p.m. Please also note that the student must stay for the entire period of the course. Therefore, Dipabhavan has set up the foundation office in the Icon building at Hua Thanon and another office in Utopia resort in Lamai Beach. Vipassana Meditation Retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand - The Girly Travels She explained at the reception that she was planning to pay the fine at the airport for overstaying her allotted time (something that is rather common in Thailand), but the man checking us in explained that immigration officials regularly stop by the monastery to check on the guests visas, and he would not allow her to stay until she extended it. Moral of the story: No, you do not need to make reservations. We walked with our packs for a good 15 minutes, and as we approached I took in all of the surroundings. Hey there Metta. From Bangkoks main train station, take any southbound train and get off at Chaiya. See Comments for any special instructions for events in this section. (We used our own sleeping bag liners). And we found the people so loving and cheerful. 2019 Wpsoul.com Design. This page may contain affiliate links. This is in the morning after breakfast, in the afternoon after lunch and after the evening drink. At 7.15 pm there is a Q&A in the main mediation hall, and then silence begins. Expect at least 20% of participants to drop out throughout the retreat. There may be others on her same path as well that they can go together. Your mind just slows down. Ask at the government bus terminal in Phuket. Neither the Teacher nor the assistant teachers receive remuneration; they and Once everyone has arrived and registered, theres a tour of the grounds and some free time. THANK YOU. Donations towards the cost of the temple can be given to the teacher on 6th day of the retreat at the evening session 18:30h. They have previously worn white clothes that are from past visitors for you to borrow. There are 27 named Buddhas that have preceded Siddhartha, but he is the most recent. But there is a convience store down the road as well. The idea stuck, and soon it made it onto my bucket list. there is one wonderful place thats missing from this list, Indriya retreat in Koh Phangan. Since the former abbot of Suan Mokkh is the founder of Dipabhavan, hence, you may find that the teaching method of meditation is similar to that of Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage. Ayse. I am interested. You get two vegetarian meals a day. I have just one question, when is low season and when is high season? Those who complete a basic course will be eligible for an advanced 10-day insight meditation retreat. Please give these separately to MC Brigitte. So if youre thinking of taking the plunge and curious as to what its like, weve put this guide together to explain the process, the routine and what you can expect from a vipassana retreat in Thailand. If youre going to be removing yourself from most worldly comforts, you might as well do it in a place that is epically beautiful, right?! First, to clear your mind,you simply breathe in out in out. And there is no need to enroll, you just show up and they will take you. I would agree with this recommendation; especially since it takes some time to get there., As beginners, we thought 3 days was a good amount of time, but I think we would have gotten even more out of it had we been able to stay longer.. Suan Mokkh is located in the south of Thailand, 53 km northeast of Surat Thani. For new students ready to commit to this substantial undertaking please take the following steps. This Thailand meditation retreat center is located about 70 kilometers (43.4 miles) from Chiang Mai's city center, far away from the crowd and noise of the city, providing the perfect . Wat Rampoeng (official nameWat Tapotaram) is one of the most famous Vipassana meditation retreats in Chiang Mai. thanks, Hello,Thank you for this post very helpful!I know you got this question many times,but im arriving around 19-20th of march and i would really like to do the mediation for at least 4-5 days, ive been planning on doing it for the past 3 years, so im pretty excited! Hey Eli, we think youll really enjoy it there, especially if you already have an understanding of Buddhism. The schedule at Wat Pa Tam Wua is the same every day and is posted in the main hall. If you go, please be considerate of how much you take and save some for others.. Etc.. Bilingual courses Even though the registration to the course is free of charge, it is advisable to make some donation in order to help to finance the monasterys operation and other expenses. I have edited the photo to better represent the section. Whats under the covers, mister? Hope this helps! Required fields are marked *. When you arrive at Suan Mokkh, the first thing you do is register. There are 9 meditation centers that teaching Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. I would like to go there. At most vipassana meditation retreats exercise is not allowed, however, at Suan Mokkh they have a daily yoga practice. The monastery is smack-dab in the middle of the Southeast Asia jungle, so youll see bugs and spiders. Or maybe that was just my hunger speaking. I have read that you were also beginners when visited the monastery and have used some online resources to help you with meditating, but may the monks have provided any advice / guidance to you? The tried and tested way to best learn this ancient meditation technique is during a ten-day residential retreat. Skyscanner We use Skyscanner for the best deals on flights. Two Wandering Soles Copyright 2023. Introduction to Vipassana Meditation This is very important, because of all the creepy crawlies around (see above). Enjoy your journey! Or if you want to be sure you get a good fit, you can purchase white clothes at the Warorot Market in Chiang Mai. The mind can either focus on the feeling of the breath as it flows in and out or on the rising and falling of the chest and stomach. All Vipassana meditation retreat courses are run on a donation basis. One other thing if I may. The first time I heard about Vipassana silent meditation retreat was almost 10 years ago from a free spirited traveller on one of the islands in Thailand. Its important to know that you do get free time each day. my only concern are geckos/lizards because im very scared of them. 1. Today Ajahn Chahs teachings and disciples are dotted across the globe. its also a great way to meet like minded individuals and friends. For sleeping, you get a straw mat, a wooden pillow and a light blanket. SafetyWing For travel insurance, our go-to is SafetyWing. This difference may seem minimal, but when youre actually undertaking the retreat, trust us, youll notice that extra time. We also witnessed other couples not so subtly interacting and it didnt appear to work as well for them. A journey of ones mind is much deeper than Ive imagined. If youre all about catching that lofty email signature title, it could be a solid goal for 2018. Email: reservationchomtong@yahoo.com. And worst of all, the mosquitoes are terrible. The Two-Some: the couple that makes faces at each other when the monk says something ridiculous and/or questionable (like, a lot). By being more mindful and observing your thoughts and feelings, you can learn to experience life in the moment. Fortunately, I took solace in the fact that Dotti is super tough and ultimately, I knew that shed persevere. Wat Rampoeng offers 26-day basic course in Vipassana meditation retreat. The end goal here in Buddhist vipassana is enlightenment. This is a large cistern full of water and you wash by bucket. I added this experience to my bucket list and almost completely forgot about it until two years ago - when the pandemic hit the world and shifted our priorities. 11:00AM: Lunch. Im pretty sure they had toliet paper, but I would recommend to bring a roll up there just in case. The maximum stay of 30 days is allowed for lay guest. ), Hiking the Path of the Gods: Guide + Tips. Thanks again , Hi, thank you for the very informative post. Wat Marp Jan welcomes all practitioners from all over the world. Either way, below is the link to the Doisuthep Vipassana Meditation Center that I described above. Hi James, August should be less crowded since it is the rainy season (low season) in the North of Thailand. At some Thailand meditation retreats, you can only wear white. Vipassana is taught at 10-day residential courses throughout the world. To Cover the costs of the Food, Free accommodation, electricity etc. Monthly Meditation Retreat Thailand Schedule, Pictures at Wat prayong Bangkok Meditation Retreats Thailand. This is guided yoga, but you are also allowed to do your own practice in a separate space. Insect repellant: there is some available at the monastery, but its nice to have your own too. This article will introduce 8 best Vipassana meditation retreats for practicing Vipassana meditation in Thailand. Heres a list of some of our favourite resources we use when planning any trip. It stops at the monastery at 8:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. and costs 100 baht. A Vipassana retreat is one of the most remarkable experiences a traveler can do in Thailand. Each day at the retreat follows the exact same schedule, which consists mostly of 30-minute long meditation sessions, alternating between sitting and walking meditations. There is not a lot of guidance or one-on-one during the course, but still can be done by a novice (ahem, moi) assuming you take into consideration and practice what the monk (teacher)asks of you. Practice meditation in the main hall (walking, sitting, laying), 4:00 p.m. These depart approximately every hour until 3.00 pm and take about 1.5 hours. The monastery is teaching the practice of Vipassana meditation which develops self-understanding through mindfulness training. Such a beautiful country. Deep blue with a dark circle around them. Also, you are not restricted from eating. And no talking? The first three days were the hardest for me, I struggled to focus during meditation and each initial session frustrated me even more. I would recommend everyone to challenge themselves to go for a Vipassana retreat at least once in a lifetime; the lessons Ive learned will stay with me forever, deeply imprinted into my consciousness. Generally, the practitioners will engage in studying and practicing meditation on their own. Here is a map on how top get to Wat Prayong Bangkok meditation Centre in Thailand, Online and traditional meditation retreats, Experience Vipassana Bangkok Meditation Retreat at Wat Prayong. Honest (no BS!) With discipline and restraint, comes appreciation. Or at least mine. The technique is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants learn the basics of the method . So, who are the people that attend this kind of retreat? For me, Dotti, the sleep deprivation was very difficult. James, Hey James, she will want to book a bus on the Prempracha bus line from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son (the bus will also stop in Pai). The entire course is in English. The participants must commit themselves at least 7 days in training. Homepage of Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. All correspondence will be through e-mail if you give an e-mail address in your application. I was happy to have my travel pillow with me, Silk sleeping bag liner: one of the women who shared my room swore hers kept her warm at night. THE 10 BEST Yoga Retreats in Thailand in 2023/2024 Unfortunately, the art of Vipassana meditation vanished from India for several centuries because of the fall on Buddhism. Students who speak neither English nor one of the other announced course languages may apply for the course, however acceptance into the course will depend on the availability of required course materials, suitable translators and permission of the teacher conducting the course. The wet season might be a little more buggy but I cant imagine too much. Once you get to Chiaya, take a blue songtaew (a pick-up truck) to Suan Mokkh. Read on, insightful travelers! Whether you are traveling in Thailand or have chosen Thailand as your home our Bangkok retreat Center provides Vipassana meditation for beginners & experiences meditators. The registration can be made either in person or by phone. I spent hours watching individual leaves fall from trees, listening to the wind, watching dogs get randy (pass me the popcorn), and observing various other natural events with what now seems to be way too much fascination. A large bell goes off, repeatedly, to wake you up bright and early. Log in. Maybe you have finally written me off as a hopeless case in reaching Nirvana. Stay at Wat Prayong Bangkok meditation Retreat Center and immerse yourself in our wonderful vipassana meditation program with experienced Samatha Vipassana Meditation teachers. Unlike other monasteries, the international forest monastery doesnt provide a Vipassana meditation retreat course to the participant but rather let the participant experience the challenging lifestyle of forest monk and eventually learn from that. experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the same opportunity. Women wear their sarongs whilst bathing for modesty. + Vipassana tips and silent meditation retreat experience. Are you interested in meditation? FOOD: Its something I had thought about on and off for many years, but I was too nervous to commit to it. You are not allowed to wear shorts or tank tops. The Loud Breather:the man who practically snores during meditation. 7.00 am Dhamma talk and sitting meditation. No talking, no phone, vegetarian meals, and 12 hours of meditation each day. To access the Old Student Regional Site please click At the retreat, you will find that there are absolutely no mirrors. There are many places to take a vipassana retreat. Today Thailand has been recognized as one of the best countries for Vipassana meditation retreat. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced by disciplined attention to the physical sensations such as breath. Just like that, I was committed. Sounds like the monastery would be a great spot for you to check out. I remember thinking on day 3 that day 11 felt like an eternity away. And very specific to Suan Mokkh, the heat and humidity got really intense. Thank you very much for good advice. ith experienced Samatha Vipassana Meditation teachers. Home Blog Thailand Beginner Meditation Retreat in Thailand. If we can return next year this will be on our list of activities. Browse Photos, read reviews and Reserve your spot now at BookRetreats. I know it sounds a bit scary to head into the middle of the Thai countryside hours away from the nearest sizable town, with no accommodation booked in advance, but trust us here.Youll understand once you get there. The Girly Travels is reader-supported and earns money when you click on links and make purchases. And then, when Zandy and I were discussing things we wanted to do in Thailand, he oh-so-casually mentioned that we were going to do a vipassana silent meditation retreat. The registration can be made in advance by phone or in person at Vipassana meditation retreat center, Tel: (66)53-342-184 to 6. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Two Wandering Soles are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Can I ask you what the cleaning monastery areas are? Easy. Meditation courses are held at both center and non-center locations. They have course options ranging from 4 to 21 days. Upon arrival, staffs will take visitors free of charge to the meditation center. My . Mr. S.N. Thanks so much for your post. And again. Hey Bo! Great work on the content. Reporting is either in the morning or afternoon. 'Vipassana' means to see things as they really are. The beauty of this individual meditation schedule is that you can meditate as little or as much as you desire. All expenses are met by donations from those who, having completed a course and WhatsApp: +66 93 318 1662. We had a small group of about 25, but have heard of almost a hundred. The Code of Discipline includes, amongst others, abstention from eating after midday, using intoxicants, or using high or luxurious beds. I have not participated in meditation retreats or stayed in monasteries before, and I have very limited knowledge on how to meditate (self-taught amateur). BEST VIPASSANA 10 DAY SILENT MEDITATION IN THAILAND - YouTube The monastery is situated at Ban Mae Sapok village in Mae Win district, about 67 km south of Chiang Mai town. The monastery is located in Chomtong district, Chiang Mai province. The main dorm can sleep many, many more people. Its something youll rarely, if ever, do again in your life. Looks like there arent nets, and I dont have malaria meds. //THE 10 BEST Meditation Retreats in Thailand in 2023/2024 No alcohol or smoking while youre at the monastery. Confused Cathy: the woman always wandering around looking perplexed. Questions may be addressed to Email: [emailprotected]. The word Vipassana has derived from Pali ancient language which means to see things as they really are. More info in our. Be sure to arrive at the bus station at least 1 hour before departure to confirm your reservation., If you are already in Pai, you can book a Prempracha minivan from the bus station on walking street to Mae Hong Son. In fact, we tried texting a number we found online, and they just told us to show up. The interaction either in oral or gesture between each participant is strictly prohibited. For me, Zandy, this was my 3rd vipassana retreat. From the south, take a train that stops in Surat Thani (Phun Phin) or Chaiya. Vipassana is a word in the Pali language (Middle Indo-Aryan Indian language) which, depending on certain interpretations, is translated as "insight," "seeing clearly," "see into," "seeing deeply," "seeing in a special way," or "seeing that which is essential nature," among many other translations. This is certainly not a hit-it-and-quit-it activity, and going to this retreat was just the first step in getting the benefits from meditation. You wont need much for this meditation retreat, and if youre staying in Pai before or after your time at the monastery, you might want to consider putting some of your stuff in storage at your hotel. and to (pay it forwards) to others on their meditation journey Donations are always appreciated with utmost gratitude. Pui Dog and this white dog play together, like old friends. They leave every hour on the half hour from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the trip takes 5 hours. Overall, my experience was refreshing and eye-opening. All rights reserved. On this occasion, the heat and mosquitoes were an absolute killer! And thus began an experience that was both challenging and beautiful. 118 T here's this thing I do, every now and then. Vipassana meditation retreats: enjoy the silence My sone lives there and is a teacher. In Metta. A non-refundable registration fee of 2,000 Baht will be charged upon arrival. There is no way to pre-register, email or call and ask questions. Your email address will not be published. We constantly get emails from people who have read this article and still ask if they need to make reservations. An application is required to register for all courses. This also means you cant walk off the premises to smoke. 474) or Ranong (no. It really puts my mind at ease. Looking for more offbeat things to do in Thailand? If so, are you curious as to what its like? And he sat, silently during practice. Avid traveler, dog addict, caffeine abuser. Hi Pablo, thanks for the kind words. You have to do a simple chore every day, such as sweeping, gathering leaves, or mopping the dining room floor. All Meditation Teachings are given FREE of Charge by MCBrigitte. They have different options for courses, including an option to do a 3-day course. Basic toiletries (youll be able to shower daily if youd like), Travel pillow: basic bedding is provided, but the pillow is very tiny. But honestly, intermittent fasting wasnt all that bad. For 11 days straight, you will: How often can you say that you endured all those challenges, and made it through? For example, sweeping leaves from the grassy grounds or chopping up vegetable scraps to feed the fish. About how they see the world differently and have given up harmful and restrictive mindsets. But there is nothing to be scared of, they are harmless creatures (they probably meditate more than the visitors on the retreat , Hi!. Fully and completely fill out all the sections of application form and submit it. The leaders at the retreat ask that you stay at least 3 days if possible. The Gawker: the girl who stares way too long during meals. I was happy to discover that we had an hour of yoga every morning, which helped to relieve the tense muscles of legs and shoulders. Mind gone wild, amirite? You are presumed to sign up for a chore such as washing the dishes or sweeping the floors and encouraged to do so during a couple hours of free time. If this sounds like an experience that youd enjoy, the next sections will cover exactly how to get to this meditation center as well as what to expect once youre there. Nice review, thanks so much for taking the time to write it! The participant is required to register in person at least 1 day prior to the beginning of each course. Think about it. I did take the 4 days seriously and feel that I have gotten a lot out of this short period of time in terms of gaining more control of my mind and thoughts. And again. This past month, I took part in a 4-day vipassana meditation course on the Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Tel: 093 318 1662. Are you meditating or is there bok choy on my forehead? We . 5:00 a.m. Due to the large volume of applications, it may take up to two weeks before receiving notification. HELLO! Therefore, the participant should have some basic knowledge of Vipassana meditation from elsewhere. Believe it or not, Siddhartha Gautama is one of many buddhas, or people who have become awakened. No, you do not need to make reservations. I am interested if the monastery can accommodate a big group, e.g. Wat Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage The core of Vipassana meditation retreat in Wat Suan Mokkh aims to lay down the groundwork for Anapanasati or mindfulness with breathing. Their plans are flexible, affordable and designed with the long-term traveller in mind.

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