Tam Wua Forest Monastery is unique due to the close relationship of people with the indescribable environment surrounded by the silence of nature. A place of people and for humanity. For centuries, the caves in the temple have been a refuge and practice place for many outstanding monks. The environment offers a safe and protected place for proper mental development in close connection with nature.
Tradition and Teacher
The main teacher Luang Tah Sayud combines the experience of traveling around the world with the knowledge acquired through years of solitary practice in the forest. He warmly welcomes everyone who wants to gain experience in meditation. Luang Ta Sayud is by far the happiest person I have ever seen, and so are the people who live around him. In the more than 50 years in which he lived in various forests and taught meditation in different countries, he developed a sensitive and awakened awareness for nature and people.
Meditation Technique
Teachings on all different levels. Anapanasati – the art of breathing and Samadhi – concentration are techniques for developing mindfulness – awareness and attention. Together they form the basis of Vipassana – insight and wisdom. Together with the Metta practice, to improve the heart qualities and fill the mind with compassion and kindness for others, these methods enable in an integrated and harmonious way the understanding of ourselves and the realization of our true responsibility towards everything and everyone that exists in nature (Dhamma).
05.00 AM: Morning individual meditation
07.00 AM: Rice offering to the monks
07.30 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Community practice – walking, sitting and lying meditation
10.30 AM: Offering food to the monks
01.30 PM: Group meditation – walking, sitting and lying meditation
04.00 PM: Cleaning the monastery areas
05.00 PM: Relaxation time – with coffee/tea.
06.00 PM: Evening chanting and sitting meditation
08.00 PM: Evening individual meditation
10.00 PM: Sleep
In addition to teachings for individuals and groups of all nationalities and religions, special courses are also organized for doctors and nurses, teachers and students.
Rules
Follow the schedule and the 8 or 5 precepts – Sila. Respectful behavior towards the monks present and all meditators.
Language(s)
Thai, English
Accommodation
There are 32 single kutis (huts), 4 family accommodations and 6 dormitories for 50 people each – the dormitories and some kutis have a hot shower. After your arrival you will receive a simple and thin mattress, blankets and pillows. Your accommodation depends on current availability.
Meals
Twice daily vegetarian food cooked on a wood fire. Generally, the Thais donate selected foods. The friendly people of the village work hard to prepare the meals and keep the Wat in good condition. They deserve our appreciation.
Medical Care
There is a hospital 8 km away.
Costs
Donation
What to Bring
To bring for personal use and as a donation: White clothing and washing powder. Drinks such as tea, coffee, coffee creamer, chocolate powder and sugar. Mosquito protection. It is useful to bring electrolytes, gastrointestinal remedies and possibly skin cream.
Note
Wat Tam Wua is located in Mae Hong Son Province in northern Thailand. Here there are the most mountains and the fewest inhabitants. The magic begins already on the way in the bus on the journey over the winding mountain roads of the impressive nature. The monastery has no large buildings or luxury pagodas. The temple is nature itself, just as our body is part of nature, and it will surely be the best Wat you will visit.
Notes: “Friends of Wat Tam Wua” is a Facebook page created and operated by those who have already practiced in the monastery to show its qualities and spread loving kindness.
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfWatTamWua
Arrival
Take a bus or mini-van from the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai or from Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok with destination to Mae Hong Son. Ask the driver to let you off at Wat Tam Wua in Baan Mae Suya village. Walk 2km to the Wat.
Climate and best travel time: From November to February is winter season. It is cold at night time, but hot all day long. You need warm clothing.
Registration is not necessary. You can arrive at any time before 5 PM.