Meditation centres and retreats
Of the hundreds of meditation temples in Thailand, a few
cater specifically for foreigners by holding meditation sessions
and retreats in English. The meditation taught is mostly Vipassana
or "insight", which emphasizes the minute observation of internal
physical sensation. Novices and practised meditators alike are
welcome. To join a short session in Bangkok, drop in at Wat
Mahathat
. Longer retreats are for the serious-minded only. Days are
dominated by meditation; there's no talking at all; tobacco,
alcohol, drugs and sex are forbidden; and conditions are spartan.
The most popular foreigner-oriented retreat takes place the first
ten days of every month at Wat Suan Mokkh near Surat Thani
. Frequent ten-day retreats (Vipassana meditation) led by foreign
teachers are also held at Wat Khao Tham, Surat Thani
.
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