Northern Insight Meditation Center, Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram)
Source
Maggy, Dieter Baltruschat, Flyer, updated by Florian, as of January 2007
Address
Northern Insight Meditation Center
Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram)
Tambol Suthep
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai 50200
Thailand
Tel: +66 532 786 20
Fax: +66 538 101 97
e-mail:
Arrival
From Bangkok, best by night train (travel time approx. 13 h), bus, or plane (flight time approx. 1 h) to Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai, by tuk-tuk or shared taxi to the Wat (depending on bargaining skills, 50-100 Baht). Shared taxi (pickup) from the airport to the monastery 100 Baht. Taxi a bit more expensive but still reasonable. Prices for taxi to the monastery are posted at a stand at the exit of the domestic terminal.
Registration
Advance registration highly recommended.
Description
The Insight Meditation Center is located a few km northwest of Chiang Mai (not far from the airport). On the grounds there is a beautiful old stupa, smaller building complexes with individual cells for meditators, bungalows, kitchen and dining hall, as well as some other buildings.
Tradition and Teacher
Theravada, Vipassana meditation in the Mahasi tradition.
Ajahn Suphan (who is also considered an expert in Abhidhamma). There is a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. In the daily interviews, meditators receive very helpful and clear instructions for practice. Focus: Intensive meditation practice.
Meditation Technique
Meditation practice takes place in the room or at another place of one’s own choice. All practitioners receive individual meditation instructions. During the retreat, the four foundations of mindfulness (contemplation of the body, feelings, mind, and mind objects) are practiced, whereby all arising phenomena should be mentally noted.
Initially, the primary meditation object during sitting is the rising and falling of the abdomen, and during walking, the movement of the foot. Each meditation period begins with a mindful prostration, followed by walking meditation and then a sitting period. Walking and sitting meditation have the same duration. Beginners start with ten minutes and slowly increase up to one hour.
Rules
Each participant commits to observing eight silas (moral training rules). Clothing should be white, comfortable, and appropriate (no shorts or sleeveless T-shirts). Wake-up is at 4 a.m.
Course Duration and Dates
An introductory course lasts about four weeks (26 days). Since there are individual courses, no particular date needs to be observed. The retreat starts after an opening ceremony. Persons who have already completed a course at the center can participate in a ten-day course.
Language(s)
Interviews in English or Thai.
Accommodation
Women and men live in nice small single rooms with bathroom in separate areas. Sleeping is on a thin mattress placed directly on a concrete or wooden base. If this seems too hard, one can bring a foam mat. Blankets can be borrowed. A sleeping bag is very useful, especially in the cooler season.
Shopping Facilities
Daily necessities such as toothpaste, chocolate, coffee, cola, and washing powder are available in a small shop in the Wat. Sitting cushions and digital alarm clocks are available in Chiang Mai; white clothing may possibly be borrowed.
Meals
Breakfast (6 a.m.) and lunch (10:30 a.m.) are varied and of good quality. For breakfast, there is usually rice soup with various vegetable side dishes.
For lunch, there is a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian food counter, plus side dishes (rice, many different vegetable side dishes), and tea to drink. With all meals, there is plenty of soy sauce, brown sugar (raw cane sugar), and hot red chili; one can season to taste.
After 12 noon, no more solid food should be taken (drinks such as milk, tea, coffee, and yogurt are allowed). Drinking water is filtered and therefore safe to drink (even higher safety with brought disinfectant or boiling).
At 5 p.m., there is warm soy milk to drink.
Medical Care
Very good by Asian standards. The nearest hospitals are in Chiang Mai. The area is not considered a malaria zone, but malaria is prevalent in other parts of Thailand. Hygienic conditions in the Wat are good.
Costs
On a donation basis.
Climate
Humid-warm climate, best travel time November to March.
Note
A warm jacket is useful for morning meditation. Good framework conditions, intensive practice, and knowledgeable individual guidance.
Photo Gallery
(Images not included in text)
Video
(Video not included in text)
Center Details
Address:
Northern Insight Meditation Center
Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram)
Tambol Suthep
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai 50200
Thailand
Contact:
Tel: +66 532 786 20
Fax: +66 538 101 97