Source
Retreat guide by Bill Weir and buddhanet.net
Address
Wat Vivek Asom Vipassana Meditation Centre
Amper Muang, Chonburi 20000
Thailand
Tel: +66 38 283 766
Arrival
Best by one of the frequently running buses from Bangkok (Eastern Bus Terminal Ekamai) to Chonburi (approx. 2h for 40 Baht, air-conditioned buses double that). Get off at the intersection to Ban Bung and walk or take a motorcycle taxi to the meditation center.
Registration
Advance registration highly recommended!
Description
Wat Vivek Asom has a good reputation and is the first meditation center of the Mahasi tradition in Thailand. It was founded in 1953 by Phra Ajahn Asabha from Burma, who followed an invitation from the Thai government. It is located on the outskirts of Chonburi on the road to Ban Bung. The facility was built functionally and has little green space, but a beautiful Dhamma hall.
Tradition and Teacher
Mahasi tradition.
Meditation Technique
Intensive Vipassana meditation in the Mahasi tradition. Practitioners receive daily 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. The primary meditation object during sitting is the rising and falling of the abdomen, and during walking, the movement of the foot. Formal practice should be at least twelve hours daily. All other activities should also be performed with mindfulness.
Rules
All participants commit to observing the eight precepts (moral training rules) and noble silence (also no reading, writing, etc.).
Course Duration and Dates
Since there are individual courses, no particular start date needs to be observed. The recommended length of stay is at least 14 days.
Language(s)
The teachers generally do not speak English, but usually a translator can be arranged.
Accommodation
Single rooms or kutis (bungalows) with bath and toilet. Men and women live in separate areas.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch are varied and of good quality. Even higher safety of drinking water by bringing your own disinfectant.
Costs
A small daily fee is charged for the incurred costs. Further donations that serve the maintenance of the center are gladly accepted.
Climate
Humid-warm climate, best travel time November to March.
To Bring
Before the retreat, digital alarm clock, flashlight, bathing slippers, water bottle, insect repellent, and toiletries should be procured. A sleeping bag is very useful especially in the cooler season. A warm jacket for morning meditation is recommended.
Note
Well suited for practitioners of both sexes who want to intensively practice the Vipassana method according to Mahasi Sayadaw. Good for longer stays.