Learn Thai

Thai Beaches

Thai Festivals

Thai Baht Rates

Thai Weather

Thai Recipes

Thai Music

Thai Tales

Thai Visa???

Bangkok Maps

Meditation in Southern Thailand

This page lists the Temples in Southern Thailand where you can learn meditation, click the links for other parts of Thailand you maybe interested in.

Learn Meditation in Bangkok
Learn Meditation in Central Thailand
Meditation in Isaan
Learn Meditation in Northern Thailand

So you want to learn to meditate in Thailand, Thailand has many Wats that we as non speaking Thais can attend and stay at to learn to meditate, you will need to be able to speak English though, from Temples in Bangkok to places in the Thai forests, you are sure to find one that suits your needs in your quest to learn meditation.

Some of these Temples listed below also have famous Thai Monks residing in them to help with tuition of meditation, also most of these Temples allow people to visit first to see if it is suitable for them, some may be considered a bit too basic for a farang to stay at, but you really shouldn't be expecting hot water baths, air-con and king sized beds, you won't see much of that in these Temples.

Listing of Thai Temples that have Meditation Courses

Meditation Lessons in Southern Thailand

Suan Mokkh

MEANING OF NAME :

"Garden of liberation"

FULL NAME :

Suan Mokkhabalarama ("Garden of the power of liberation")

ADDRESS :

Amper Chaiya, Surat Thani 84110

TEL :

077 431 552, 077 431 597

WEBSITE :

http://www.suanmokkh.org/

DIRECTIONS :

Suan Mokkh is about 640 km south of Bangkok and just west of the Asian Highway (Hwy. 41); Surat Thani, 53 km southeast, is the nearest city. From Bangkok, take any southbound Rapid train and get off at Chaiya, about 40 km north of Surat Thani's Phun Phin station, then take a songtaew to Suan Mokkh.

Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal is on the Buddha-Monthon Road in Thonburi; both air-conditioned and non-AC buses depart here for southern Thailand. Take a bus bound for Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat and ask to be let off at Suan Mokkh; buses will either let you off directly in front (KM post 71) or at the Shell station 1 km north.

From the south, take trains that stop in Surat Thani (Phun Phin) or Chaiya. At Phun Phin station, ask at the bus stop in front for a bus going by Suan Mokkh. (Phun Phin, Surat Thani's train station, is 14 km west of the city.) Buses from Surat Thani bus station depart about hourly during the day. THAI flies direct to Surat Thani from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, and Trang; the airport is 27 km south of Suan Mokkh and 2 km west of he highway.

MEDITATION SYSTEM :

Anapanasati (mindfulness with breathing) according to the Buddha's Anapanasati Sutta. New students first learn some theoretical background and the purpose of Dhamma practice, then the preparations for and the 16 lessons (objects of investigation) which make up mindfulness with breathing.

Walking meditation is also done using mindfulness with breathing; if one has difficulty doing this, one can observe sensations in feet or legs. One practices the first 4 lessons (the body foundation of mindfulness) to calm one's breathing and body and to stabilize the mind.

Then one refines both the calmness of the mind and one's understanding of how it works by working with lessons 5-8 (the feelings foundation of mindfulness) and 9-12 (the mind foundation of mindfulness). At any time that the mind is sufficiently calm and stable, while practicing with right understanding and motivation, insight can take place, even during the first lessons.

Lessons 13-16 (the Dhamma foundation of mindfulness) further develop and perfect insight into right knowledge (vijja ) and liberation (vimutti ). The goal of this practice is to realize the voidness-emptiness of the 5 skhandhas (body, feelings, memory, thought, and sense awareness), that there is nothing worth attaching to as "I" or "mine."

To aid the development of right understanding (sammaditthi ), the Buddha's teachings on anatta (not-self) andpaticcasamuppada (dependent origination) are examined in detail and depth. The study and investigation of these principles are considered essential at Suan Mokkh.

TEACHING METHOD :

Formal instruction is given only during monthly 10-day retreats; at other times interviews, books, and tapes are available. Retreats feature Dhamma talks, interviews, group sittings, walking meditation, and morning hatha yoga.

TEACHERS :

Ajarn Poh, abbot (Thai; age 60) (Foreign monks and nuns do most of the English teaching.)

LANGUAGE :

English is the medium of instruction for foreigners.

SUAN MOKKH STYLE :

The purpose of Dhamma practice here is to get free of the tyranny of ego in order to live peacefully (inrealization of Nibbana) and usefully (in service to Dhamma and humanity). Thus residents try to practice unselfishness in everything they do -- meditation, study, work, talk, sleep, and whatever life asks.

Suan Mokkh is not a "meditation center" per se where people come only to "meditate." This is a Garden of Liberation,a place to study and practice Dhamma in a wholistic way. Study and investigation of Buddha-Dhamma given in the Pali suttas is an essential foundation for practice. Joyful service for others is the context of practice Thus cultivating Right Understanding and Right Aspiration with the path of samatha and vipassana becomes liberation now. Each person integrates the three as pects of study, service, and meditation in the way that works for them. With growing mindfulness and wisdom, temporary liberation blossoms into the perfect voidness empty of "I" and "mine," full of wisdom and peace.

SIZE :

monks 40-70 novices sometimes a few nuns 15-25 laypeople 15-20 Thai, 15-25 foreign; (numbers increase greatly during retreats and conferences)

DAILY ROUTINE :

Retreat schedules change through the ten-day period according to the teachers, but wakeup time is 4.00 am., breakfast 8.00 am., and lunch 12.30 pm. A typical schedule for meditators staying "between" retreats is 4.00 am. wakeup; 5.00 am. meditation; 6.00 a.m. yoga or other exercise (optional); 8.00 am. breakfast; 9.00 a.m. chores; 11.30 am. meditation; 1.00 pm. lunch; 4.30 p.m. meditation; 5.30 p.m. drinks; 7.00 pm. tape or talk; 8.00 pm. meditation; 9.00 pm. individual practice; 10.00 pm. lights out.

BETWEEN RETREATS :

The 10-day retreats have been very popular. They provide a unique opportunity to experience the anapanasati technique in a retreat setting. (Most other meditation centres in the Theravadan tradition teach the vipassana system based on Mahasi Sayadaw's techniques.)

Retreats begin on the first of every month; you must register in person a day or 2 in advance. Sometimes the 110-person capacity of the retreat cannot accommodate everyone who comes, hence the importance of coming beforehand.

Upon acceptance, one must follow instructions given and be committed to staying the entire 10-day course. Late arrivals aren't possible. Retreats take place at the International Dhamma Hermitage 1.5 km east across the highway from Suan Mokkh.

Foreign visitors cannot be received easily at Suan Mokkh when retreats are under way, so plan arrival after the 11th of each month. Participation in community activities is expected. One is encouraged to practice in the Suan Mokkh style. Experienced meditators who have done a retreat here before may request permission for long-term stays.

ACCOMMODATIONS :

During retreats at the International Dhamma Hermitage, meditators have small individual rooms; separate buildings for men and women. Bathing is Thai-style from tanks; toilets are Asian-style. Other times visitors stay at Suan Mokkh; men have small dormitory rooms; women stay in individual rooms or dormitories; Thai-style bathing from tanks (most men's areas are in the open); mostly Asian-style toilets.

Monks and novices stay in individual kutis scattered through the forest or in monk's dormitories if all kutis are occupied (they often are). Most buildings and kutis have electricity.

WRITE IN ADVANCE? :

Don't. Retreat registration has to be done in person.

OTHER INFORMATION :

Although Suan Mokkh prefers not to make rules, it is much appreciated when visitors dress and behave within the rather conservative traditions of Thai forest wats. Laypeople observe 5 precepts. A daily charge of 50 baht (US $2) covers food and accommodation expenses during and between retreats.

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu founded Suan Mokkh in 1932 and moved it to its present location about 10 years later. He has sought to provide a natural setting where visitors can forget "themselves" and study, practice, and realize the Dhamma. His many books, some translated into English, skilfully explain anapanasati meditation and other aspects of the Buddha's teaching.

Ajarn Buddhadasa died at Suan Mokkh on July 8, 1993; He was 87 years old.

The "Evolution/Liberation" newsletter comes out once a year with articles and news; it's available free by mail or at Suan Mokkh; donations support publication and distribution. The foreign library at Suan Mokkh has a variety of books on Buddhist and related topics. Most are in English, though German, French, and other languages are represented too.

Wat Kow Tahm International Meditation Center

MEANING OF NAME :

"Mountain cave monastery"

ALSO SPELLED :

Wat Kow Tahm

ADDRESS :

International Meditation Center, Wat Kow Tahm, Bantai, Koh Pah-Ngan, Surat-thani 08280 Postal address: PO Box 18, Tong Sala Post Office, Koh Pah-Ngan, Surat-thani 08280

WEBSITE :

http://www.watkowtahm.org/

DIRECTIONS :

Koh Pha-Ngan, an idyllic island with many beaches, lies just north of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Daily boats connect the islands with each other and direct to ferry terminals in the Surat Thani area.

Bangkok Airways has daily flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui. Surat Thani has good bus, train, and air connections with Bangkok and other centers.

On arrival at the pier in Thong Sala on Koh Pha-Ngan, take a songtaew or taxi southeast 4 km to the junction for Wat Kow Tham, then turn inland 1 km up a steep road to the wat.

MEDITATION SYSTEM :

Vipassana similar to techniques taught by Mahasi Sayadaw. Primary concentration development is on the breathing and physical sensations; mental noting helps focus on moment to moment awareness.

Teachers emphasize compassion as the basis of mental development and meditation practice. Compassion and loving kindness have a close connection and receive much attention. Standing meditation is taught as a formal practice along with sitting and walking postures.

Wise reflections are encouraged on compassion-loving kindness, sympathetic joy, how fortunate we are, karma, death, dukkha, and impermanence.

TEACHING METHOD :

During 10-day retreats, scheduled most months, teachers present a short Dhamma talk in the morning and a longer one in the evening. Further instructions are given during individual interviews.

The teachers are often available for guidance between retreats too. The retreat talks can be purchased in a book and on audio tapes; people have found this material useful as an introduction before attending a retreat and a review afterward.

TEACHERS :

Steve Weissman (American; age 42) Rosemary Weissman (Australian; age 39) LANGUAGE :

English; some German material is available. Teachers also speak Thai.

DESCRIPTION :

Beautiful island setting near the south coast. The wat covers 33 rai (13 acres) on a wooded hill; you can gaze out across the water to Koh Samui and other islands.

SIZE :

monks 2-5 novices usually 0 nuns 4-6 laypeople Steve and Rosemary Weissman are resident

DAILY ROUTINE :

The day begins at 4 am. and is largely devoted to periods of (ON RETREAT) sitting, walking, and standing meditation.

A morning exercise session aids in developing mindfulness of body and improving flexibility. Teachers give morning and evening talks. Everyone is expected to keep noble silence and to follow the schedule.

FOOD :

Wholesome Thai vegetarian. The kitchen serves 2 meals in the morning. A light dinner in the afternoon is also available during retreats; hot drinks are served in the afternoon between retreats. Some non vegetarian food may be served between retreats.

ACCOMMODATIONS :

Simple dormitories and some shared rooms; Thai-style bathrooms have running water. Buildings have electricity.

WRITE IN ADVANCE :

A good idea to obtain retreat dates and registration information. Also, the wat closes occasionally when monastic retreats take place. Mail can be slow and unreliable, so it's best to visit in person in advance of your intended stay.

OTHER INFORMATION :

Ten-day intensive retreats take place most months. They usually begin about mid month (dates vary). The 40- person retreat capacity sometimes fills, so it's a good idea to pre register by mail or in person. A 90 baht (US $3.60) daily fee covers food expenses. Teaching and monastery facilities are offered freely.

Visitors are usually welcome to practice meditation here between retreats too. A simplified schedule is followed with more freedom for one to organize one's own time. Teachers may not be available, however.

Note that the wat closes occasionally. Two new programs have been developed for approved old students an intensive 20-day retreat and a less- intensive 3-month work retreat scholarship; both are designed to help the student understand more fully how to incorporate their formal practice into their normal life.

Much of the teaching centers on further development of yoniso manasikara (wise reflection) in developing Right Understanding and Right Intention. Attention is also given to the 10 paramis (perfections) and the 8 worldly conditions so that one can understand more clearly the difference between beneficial conditioning and un-beneficial conditioning.

A Thai nun, Maechee Ah Mohn Pahn, is in charge of the center (nuns rarely have such a position in Thailand). She speaks English but does not teach the foreigners about meditation.