Wat Luang Phor Sodh Buddhist Meditation Institute
An Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University
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1. Meditation Courses
Who?
Workshops and retreats are open to ALL. No prior experience is required.
What?
Wat Luang Phor Sodh Buddhist Meditation Institute, an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University, now offers 20 meditation courses year-round: 18 2-week workshops and two major retreats (May 1-14 & December 1-14). They feature Concentration-Insight Meditation (Samatha-Vipassana), which has proved extremely effective for a wide range of meditators. In the first retreat, all participants attained inner peace, half achieved transcendence (Dhammakaya); and one-fourth were able to reach Nirvana, Heaven & Hell (temporarily). If possible, participants are urged to sign up for two to four weeks. It usually requires one week to develop the inner calm needed for further progress.
When?
Workshops start on the 1st and 15th of each month (except the 15th of April, May, November and December). Retreats replace workshops for 1-14 May and 1-14 December.
Where?
In Damnoen Saduak, Rajburi, THAILAND, two hours from Bangkok by #78 air-conditioned bus, which leaves the Southern Bus Terminal every 20 minutes throughout the day. The campus is a beautifully landscaped 33-acre park, featuring a lake and rivers surrounded by grass and trees. Temple buildings are vividly white, signifying purity.
Why?
The Wat Luang Phor Sodh Buddhist Meditation Institute and the World Buddhist University are dedicated to strengthening meditation practice worldwide to promote world peace.
How?
Workshops and retreats are conducted in English by Phra Bart (Phra Khru Baitika Dr. Barton Yanathiro), an American monk, with advanced instruction given by the Principal Chao Khun Phra Rajyanvisith, a venerable Meditation Master, who is also fluent in English, assisted by Vice-Principal Phra Maha Wannapongse (M.Sc., Oregon State University, USA), Manager of Vipassana Meditation.
Workshops are usually intimate, with not more than 10 participants. They schedule three meditation sessions per day at 07:00, 13:00 and 16:30, plus one Q&A session at 14:00. Meditations are recorded on MP3 for individual practice. Advanced meditators and others so inclined can join Evening Chanting and Meditation at 19:30 and be taught directly by the abbot.
Participants take eight precepts [NO killing, stealing, sex, lying, intoxicants, eating after noon, sensual playing (shows, music, ornaments, perfumes, etc.), and high or luxurious beds] to facilitate meditation progress, and dress in simple white clothing (available at the temple store) to signify purity. For workshops, women stay in a screened traditional Thai Sala (pavilion) by the lake and men in a modern house across the street from the temple. For retreats, women stay in the school buildings, and the men stay in the Thai Sala. Sleeping is generally on the floor, on thin mattresses, under mosquito nets. All facilities have clean restrooms. We do not practice Noble Silence. No smoking is permitted at the temple. The staff will hold valuables for you. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are available. Please register online below, and specify your preference.
Retreats are more intensive, with a fourth meditation session added at 05:30. Retreats involve about 30-50 international meditators and several hundred Thai monks and laity. During retreats there is more access to the venerable Meditation Master.
Cost?
A minimum contribution of 1,000 Thai Baht (about US$25) per week is requested to cover expenses. Please specify your donation for the "Buddhist Meditation Institute" (BMI).
