Source: Chanda von Keyserlingk, as of August 2007.
Address: International Buddhism Center Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Tambol Suthep
Amphur Muang
14 Srivichai Road
Chiang Mai 50200
Thailand
Tel: +66 53 295 012
Fax: +66 53 295 000
web: www.fivethousandyears.org
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, take a tuk-tuk (200-300 Baht) or shared taxi to the Wat (depending on bargaining skills, 40-80 Baht). Here, either climb the 290 steps or take the lift (30 Baht).
Description: The Insight Meditation Center is located 30 km northwest of Chiang Mai on the 1000 m high Doi Suthep mountain. On the grounds, there is a beautiful old chedi with Buddha relics, smaller building complexes with individual cells for meditators, bungalows, kitchen and dining hall, as well as some other buildings. A new meditation hall is under construction and will be completed in summer 2005.
Tradition and Teacher: Theravada, Vipassana meditation in the Mahasi tradition.
Bhikkhu Noah Yuttadhammo (student of Ajahn Tong). There is a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. In the daily interviews, meditators receive helpful and clear instructions for intensive meditation practice.
Meditation Technique: Meditation practice takes place in the room or in the meditation hall.
All practitioners receive individual meditation instructions. During the retreat, the four foundations of mindfulness (contemplation of the body, feelings, mind, and mental 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 bow, 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 to one hour.
Once a week, there is a Dhamma talk.
Participation in the daily morning and evening chanting is possible.
Rules: Each participant commits to observing eight silas (moral training rules). Clothing should be white, comfortable, and appropriate (no shorts or sleeveless T-shirts). Women wear a sabai (white scarf covering the left shoulder). Wake-up is at 4 a.m.
Course Duration and Dates: An introductory course lasts 21 days. Since there are individual courses, no specific date needs to be observed. The retreat starts after an opening ceremony and ends with a closing ceremony. People who have already done 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 single rooms in separate areas. Sleeping is on a thin mattress placed directly on a concrete or wooden base. If this seems too hard, you can bring a foam mat. Blankets, pillows, and meditation cushions can be borrowed. A sleeping bag is very useful, especially in the cooler season (December).
Meals: Breakfast (6:30 a.m.) and lunch (11:00 a.m.) are varied and of good quality. There are always two to three vegetarian dishes and sometimes fruit. After 12 noon, no more solid food should be taken (drinks such as milk, tea, juice, and yogurt are allowed). At 6 p.m., there is often warm soy milk. Drinking water is filtered and therefore safe to drink (even higher safety with brought disinfectant or boiling).
Everyday items such as toothpaste, drinking yogurt, juice, and washing powder are available in the Wat shop. Digital alarm clocks are available in Chiang Mai; white clothing may possibly be borrowed.
Cost: Donation basis.
Climate: Humid-warm climate, best travel time November to March.
Note: A warm jacket is useful for morning meditation.
Good conditions, intensive practice, and knowledgeable individual guidance. The center is still under development and is therefore looking for people who would like to help out there for a longer period.
Video: [Embedded YouTube video]