“Wat” Boonyawat in central Thailand is a 350 Rai (0.56 sq km) forest amidst 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. Around 15 monks live in the monastery, and occasionally a few lay practitioners of both genders.
Source: Mettiko Bhikkhu 2003, updated March 2007
Arrival: From the eastern bus terminal 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 highway at km 60 and take a motorcycle taxi the last good 20 km to the Wat (not more than 100 Baht).
Registration: Registration required.
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. The main teaching activity, however, 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 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 contemplation of the 32 parts and cemetery contemplation.
Rules: All guests commit to observing the eight Silas (virtue rules). Men usually wear white or black trousers, plus 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 as men in terms of accommodation. 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.
Meals: 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 rains a lot even 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), bathing slippers, water bottle, insect repellent, and toiletries should be procured. These items 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, the old Thai forest tradition can be experienced authentically. 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.).