Samnak Songh Boonyawat

“Wat” Boonyawat in central Thailand is a 350 Rai (0.56 sq km) forest in the middle of a sparsely populated plantation landscape, quite remote at 90 km from the provincial capital. The monastery has a large multi-purpose Dhamma hall, a dining sala and kitchen, and about 25 kutis (bungalows) in the forest. About 15 monks live in the monastery, and occasionally a few lay practitioners of both sexes.

Tradition and Teacher

Than Ajahn Tan Dhiracitto is one of the four main disciples of Luang Pho Chah Subhatto. The over 300 branches of Ajahn Chah’s main monastery Wat Nong Pa Phong form one of the strictest forest traditions of the Mahanikaya and in general.

Ajahn Tan teaches in formal talks on the uposatha days. Daily or as needed in the morning, he receives lay guests and visitors. However, the main teaching activity takes place when the Ajahn takes his tea in the sala. He answers questions, and when the “ball gets rolling,” long and deep teaching conversations develop. Ajahn Tan speaks easily understandable Central Thai, but no English. Usually Western monks are available for translation, e.g., Ajahn Tejapañño (NZL) and Than Sudhammo (D).

Meditation Technique

Than Ajahn Tan places great emphasis on the investigative contemplation of the body alternating with phases of mental strengthening and sharpening in Samadhi. All methods of the first foundation of mindfulness are applied, with a focus on the contemplation of the 32 parts and charnel ground contemplation.

Rules

All guests commit to observing the eight silas (precepts). Men usually wear white or black trousers with a white shirt. Women wear a black or white phaa thung (wrap skirt) and a white blouse.

Daily Schedule

After the monks’ alms round, the morning meal takes place around 8 a.m.; afterwards, cleaning work around and in the kitchen. By 10 a.m. at the latest, lay guests must leave the kitchen and return to their kutis. In the afternoon, the community meets for sweeping the paths, etc. There is plenty of time for and great emphasis is placed on intensive individual practice.

Language(s)

Thai

Accommodation

All guests are assigned a kuti. There are probably few monasteries where – as here – women have equally good conditions in terms of accommodation as men. Here women live in the same secluded way in individual huts, due to the size of the Wat at an appropriate distance from neighbors. The kutis are modern and “nobly” furnished, but without electricity. The entire Wat is (still) lit at night with kerosene lamps, which contributes to the contemplative atmosphere of this place.

Food

The only daily meal is in the morning and is very rich and of very good quality. Lay people can set aside something for a snack shortly before noon. In the late afternoon there are juices or tea. The drinking water is filtered.

Medical Care

Good by Asian standards. In the provincial capital Chonburi there are hospitals and pharmacies. The area is not considered a malaria area.

Costs

Guests have the opportunity to give a donation.

Climate

Typical maritime climate in one of the rainiest areas of Thailand. It also rains a lot in the hot season, so temperatures rarely climb above 32 degrees, but the humidity takes some getting used to. Best time after the monsoon: October to February.

What to Bring

Before the stay, an alarm clock, a good flashlight (if necessary spare bulb and spare batteries), flip-flops, water bottle, insect repellent, and toiletries should be procured. These things are all available in Chonburi.

Note

Lay people can stay up to 15 days. The stay is repeatable. The monastery is run in a very traditional and Vinaya-faithful manner. Here one can experience the old Thai forest tradition in an authentic way. Mae Chees and monks are happy about very dark chocolate and Nescafe. Women are sometimes asked to help in the kitchen (Mae Chees are happy about knives, dish towels, etc.).

Source

Mettiko Bhikkhu 2003, updated March 2007

Arrival

From the eastern bus station Ekamai, buses run constantly the 80 km to Chonburi, about one to one and a half hours. From there 90 km by taxi (600 Baht) would be the simplest solution. The driver should take Highway 344 towards Chanthaburi. From the turnoff at km 60 the way is signposted. There are also buses that go to Chanthaburi (before departure clarify whether the bus takes the inland route via Highway 344. Get off on this Hwy at km 60 and take the last good 20 km by motorcycle taxi to the Wat (not more than 100 Baht).

Registration

Registration required.

Center Details

Address:
Khun Suwaree
c/o Toyota Interyont
24/99 Mu 6
Th. Bypass,

A. Meuang
Chonburi 20000

Contact:
Tel: +66 81 865 465 8
Jira Butrdee
Fax: +66 83 798 833 / +66 38 798 834

Website:
www.watboonyawad.com