Source: Dieter Baltruschat, Flyer, Internet and Steve Weissman. As of October 2009
Update 04.2013: The long-time teachers of Wat Kow Tahm, Steve and Rosemary Weissman, retired and moved to Australia after the March 2013 retreat. Hopefully other teachers will offer Wat Kow Tahm retreats in the future.
Address: P.O. Box 18
Koh Pahngan
Surat Thani 84280
Thailand
Internet: www.watkowtahm.org
eMail:
Arrival: From Bangkok by train or plane to Surat Thani. The train journey takes about 13 hours, with the 2nd class sleeper being highly recommended (reserve in advance if possible!). From Surat Thani or Phun Phin (train station) to the ferry pier and then on to Koh Phangan. Purchasing a combined train-ferry ticket is recommended. It is faster to fly directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui and from there take the ferry to Koh Phangan. There are two ferry lines from Ko Samui to Ko Pangang. One from Nathong, and a shorter one from Big Buddha Beach, which is also much closer to the airport. From the pier in Thong Sala continue by taxi or motorcycle taxi. Since not all taxi drivers go the last stretch from the main road up to the Wat, one often has to walk this relatively short distance.
Registration: Register as early as possible and arrive one day before the course starts between 1-2 pm!
Description: Wat Kow Tahm is beautifully situated on a wooded hill near the village of Ban Khai on the well-known beach island of Koh Phangan. The facility is of manageable size, feels cozy, and entices with beautiful views of the island and sea. It essentially consists of the meditation hall, kitchen and dining hall, a few small dormitories (multi-bed bungalows) for participants, sanitary facilities, and huts for monks and nuns.
Tradition and Teachers: Rosemary and Steve Weissman have been teaching since 1988. There is a pleasant atmosphere, and the two can give very helpful guidance for practice and also for everyday problems in the three interviews. The May and September retreats are led by Mike and Helge Sansom.
Rules: All participants commit to completing the entire retreat, adhering to the schedule, maintaining silence, not reading or writing (except notes and meditation diary). In addition, sexual activities are to be ceased and the five Silas (moral precepts) are to be observed. Clothing should be comfortable, practical, and appropriate (no shorts or sleeveless T-shirts). Each participant should take on a task for the community (e.g., sweeping, cleaning the bathroom, etc.).
Course Duration and Dates: A course usually lasts ten days. The program includes insight meditation (in all body postures), development of loving-kindness, reflections, morning stretching exercises, and quite interesting talks. For old students of Rosemary and Steve Weissman, a 20-day course is held every two years. After the ten days, there is often the possibility to stay two to three days longer in the monastery to let the course wind down with a reduced program.
Language(s): English, a sheet with commonly used English/German vocabulary is available.
Accommodation: Relatively small multi-bed bungalows. Bathroom and toilet are located somewhat apart, washing facilities for laundry are available. Women and men live in separate areas. Bunk beds with thin straw mats are provided. Blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping and sitting cushions, and sitting mats can be borrowed. A sleeping bag can be useful especially in the cooler season. People with back problems should bring a good insulating mat. Overnight stays are not possible outside retreat times.
Meals: Excellent Asian cuisine (self-service). Breakfast, lunch with rice and two to three vegetarian dishes, and fruit in the evening. Drinking water is available.
Everyday items are available in Thong Sala (ferry arrival). Before the retreat, a flashlight, flip-flops, water bottle, insect repellent, detergent, and toiletries should be purchased.
Medical Care: Very good by Asian standards, the nearest hospital and pharmacy are in Thong Sala. The area is not considered a malaria zone, but malaria is prevalent in other parts of Thailand. The hygienic conditions in the Wat are very good.
Costs: The course fee of 4500 Baht for the 10-day course covers accommodation and meals. Further donations are gladly accepted.
Climate: Humid-warm climate, best travel time Jan, Feb, March. In the main travel season from Dec-Feb and July-August it is very crowded.
Note: Multivitamin tablets and electrolyte powder are very suitable as gifts.
Very suitable for beginners, apart from the cramped accommodation, very good conditions. The book “Compassionate Understanding” by Rosemary and Steve Weissman has been published.
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