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Tag: Dhamma Retreats

  • Temple/Wat recommendation Chiang Mai – Thailand

    Bhikku Kittipuñño (Daniel van den Brink)

    Hi fellow dhamma enthusiasts 🙂
    My name is Kittipuñño bhikku. Two years ago I started my dhamma journey in Asia. I had a strong interest in staying somewhere long term. but it proved quite difficult to find a temple that was suitable for a westerner used to the comfort of life in the Netherlands. In Thailand the climate is much hotter, the food the locals eat is much spicier, there is the language barrier and plenty of nights were spent sleeping on the floor or thin mats. I am making this post to make dhamma practitioners aware of my recent residence; wat tam doi toan.

    Wat Tam Doi Toan
    Wat Tam Doi Toan is open to all practitioners who want to immerse themselves into the dhamma, there are no costs but donations are accepted. You can practice under guidance of the abbot with 40 years of experience or using your own technique. We ask all interested to first join a 7 day course that is held each month. Anyone serious about their practice is generally accepted to stay after the course with permission from the abbot. In the unlikely event that you’re not allowed to stay, there are a lot of other good temples you can stay nearby. We will help you find a comfortable temple to stay in any case.

    Life at wat tam doi toan
    The temple features a beautiful cave meditation hall, main Dhamma hall with two floors seperating men and women.

    two freshly cooked vegetarian meals a day with a lot of ingredients coming from our organic veggie garden. The food is very suitable for westerners, not too spicy and quite often we have things like pizza or croissants.

    The climate here is very comfortable (not too hot) as we’re located In the mountains outside the city.

    Your sleeping place (called kuti in Pali) is simple but clean. You will stay in a dormitory although sometimes there are secluded kuti’s available too, especially for those staying long term. Hot water is generally available for the female dorm but not in the male dorm.

    In the surrounding of the temple there are waterfalls, forests, river and mountain hiking trails and a lot of elephants. All in walking distance! You can explore this in your free time. The views are amazing as I will show in the photo’s.

    How to get to Wat Tam Doi Toan
    See; https://www.vimuttidhamma.net

    Photo’s see

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1VeuC1B1ccA3v4Z7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

    Visa
    Anyone wanting to stay long term we recommend to get a visa at hand2hand self defense school. Google it for more information. You can also do visa runs.

    Schedule
    Outside the course the schedule is very relaxed. You have plenty of time to enjoy your practice!
    6:30 breakfast
    11:00 lunch
    16:00-16:40 sweeping the temple grounds

    Ordaining
    While ordaining at Wat Tam Doi Toan is not possible, I have a lot of knowledge about how to do this in Thailand. Reach out to me if you need information. You can also get a monk visa in perpetuity this way.

     

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  • Wat Pah Pa Deng

    Wat Pah Pa Deng

    Waxhaw Luke

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    Wat Pah Pa Deng
    Tradition; Forest tradition as taught by Ajahn Mun
    Abbot; Long Por Dae
    https://maps.app.goo.gl/GtcWyKp3i8AVJqxTA?g_st=ic
    Description; Wat Pah Pa Deng is a secluded monastery on a mountain slope just north of Chiang Mai. Being on the mountain slope the temperature is much cooler than in the rest of Thailand, which is very pleasant for a farang. There are currently 8 monks of which one called Long Pur Khet speaks english. He has been ordained for three months and does a bit of teaching and guidance on day to day life. When i walked in without prior contact they offered me a kuti pretty much right away.

    It is possible to join pindabat/almsround every morning and other than that sweeping at 15:30 is asked of you and some other minor things every now and then. Plenty of time for secluded practice in a great natural environment. Nearby is also Pa Pae meditation center which is also a good Wat to switch to if you don’t enjoy Wat Pah Pa Deng.

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  • My visit to Wat Pah Nanachat

    My visit to Wat Pah Nanachat

    Thomas Hammon

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    My visit to Wat Pah Nanachat
    Date of Arrival: 8 July 2023
    Date of Leaving: 24 July 2023

    My experience:
    Before I went to Wat Pah Nanachat I had to send them an email which can be found on the website. The request has to be 2 to 3 weeks before arrival, but I sent an email about a week and a half before the date of arrival I requested so I was unsure of them accepting me. But they did!
    The arrival is preferably in the morning and has to be before 4 pm.I arrived in Ubon a day before, spent a night in a hotel and went there at 10 am. The taxi was unsure if he can enter the temple so he dropped me outside the gate, but you can surely get in the temple with a car if you want to. When I got in I asked a lay guest I saw there about the guest monk because for anyone who wants to stay he has to ask the guest monk. So I followed him to the guest monk Ajahn Akaliko and I found that there is already someone who is going to join on the same day as me. We introduced ourselves and the guest monk saw no problem of taking us as lay guests so he got a copy of our passports id and we were welcome to stay! Staying in Wat Pah Nanachat has some rules, for example there is no use of any electronics so the day you join you have to give your phone (and my kindle too) or any electronic for safe keeping. You get them back when you?re leaving. I stayed the first three days or so without shaving. Usually the first days are to see yourself if you really want to stay for longer and I think also for the monks to see if you are ready for that. After that period, they would ask you to shave your head beard and eyebrows, usually on the weekly holy day (half moons, full moon and black moon)
    About my stay there:
    The day I joined it was me and James from the US who came also on the same day. While he was staying for 6 months I was staying for 2 weeks. We soon became friends and started to discover the place together. While staying we have to wear white clothes, if you didn?t bring some there are white clothes at the temple that you can borrow, then we went to the place where we sleep, there are kutis and some rooms, I stayed at the ?dorm? it?s an open area, I found it really nice, so I set up my place there.
    The daily routine: we wake up at 3 AM and go for the morning chanting and meditation in the sala at 3:30. The chanting is sometimes in Pali and English and sometimes only English. There is a book there we follow for the chant, I find it helpful to understand the meanings of what we?re saying. After chanting we do meditation. We are free to practice our own meditation method whether sitting or walking or standing meditation. After we finish at 5am we do sweeping the leaves until 6am. We have some free time until 6:45 when we come to help with putting the food we receive in its places, then we help with offering the food to monks, then we go to the sala where we see Thai people also join there and sometimes there is a short talk in Thai. Usually on Sunday it gets crowded as many people come and they take the precepts at the temple. After that finishes the monks leave the sala first then the pah kaws then we the lay guests leave and go to a room for lay guest?s meals. We sit in the order of joining. The guest monk comes everyday at that time to tell us the daily schedule and inform us if there is any unusual event. After we wait for the monks and the pah kaws to get their meals we go to fill our bowls, and after us the Thai lay people. In Wat Pah Nanachat we get only 1 meal a day. So it is the only meal for the day. The food is plenty thanks to the generosity of the Thai people. After the meal we clean the toilets. And then we have free time. I usually take a nap, then go practice on my own. At 3pm we have sweeping until 4pm. And at 4:30 we have drinks: some juice/pepsi/ hot chocolate/tea. Then at 6 pm there is the bell and the evening chanting and meditation at 6:15.
    On special occasions of Uposatha days we have a group Q&A with senior monks at night and we can join the Thai people who come to the temple for night chant which is in Pali and in Thai. We also have a special drinks time around midnight with the monks where we can have discussions and ask questions.

    What I liked:
    The environment is clean, peaceful and harmonious. The place is in the forest, and everybody monks lay guests and Thai people love it and respect it and they?re all taking care of it. In Wat Pah Nanachat you get to meet new people from all over the world, each with a different background. But everyone is there for the Dhamma. You get to know good people but make sure you are a genuine person yourself. In Wat Pah Nanachat it is the Dhamma 24h, but everybody is doing that willingfully. Only people interested in the Dhamma want to stay there. And you will find many guys among the lay guests interested in ordaining and becoming monks, maybe not at their current stay but some time in the future. The chores we do, everybody does it because they want to, there is no one who is watching to tell us we did something wrong but everybody follows the schedule. I personally enjoyed the afternoon sweeping, I felt I was doing something wholesome and it helped me clear my mind.
    The focus is on meditation. And we have contact with the monks and we can ask them questions when we want which I find it very helpful. Ajahn Siripannyo the acting abbot was a very warm and inspiring monk. The way he answers our questions is satisfying.
    The 1 meal a day can be hard at first but you can adjust and I find it really good because it gives us a lot more free time for practice, and it disciplines the mind: that there?s going to be only 1 meal each day at the same time. At first I took too much food because I was so hungry but I learnt by the end of my stay how much food I really need.
    The day before last I asked to go to alms round with the monks and they said yes. I didn?t do any work but I liked following the monks and see people offer them food. After alms round I saw many people line up in front of the temple gates to offer food. I helped collect the food from the monks and bring it inside the monastery. It was so wholesome and reminds me of the generosity of Thai people and their intentness to protect the practice and keep the Buddha?s teachings alive. Not just by words but by their devoted actions.

    During my stay there I was pleasantly surprised by the arrival of Ajahn Jayasaro, who is a famous monk, who lives in a quite secluded hermitage in Thailand. I used to watch his Dhamma talks on youtube so I was very delighted to see him and talk with him! He came with 1 day prior notice. We met him after the meal and had the chance to ask him questions.

    There are books for free distribution there that we can get and usually the guest monk gives us some more when we are ready to leave. I found some very interesting books there. There is also a library in the dorm with a variety of books but only for borrowing.

    The day I was leaving, I felt sad. It was very wholesome and I was happy being there. I do recommend it for people who are genuinely interested in the practice, people who want to learn and not to impose their views about Buddhism. It is peaceful, relaxed place for practice where the rules are being followed which makes the practice more genuine.

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  • On Concentrating: A Misunderstood Practice

    Alexander Hipple

    When we talk about “concentration” within the context of meditation practice, the term isn’t quite right for us English speakers. A more accurate way to describe this might be “repeating,” where we repeatedly apply the mind to an object and sustain the mind on an object. This process is “applied and sustained thought” (vitakka and vicāra), two qualities found in the first jhāna. The other three qualities of the first jhāna are best talked about in English as something like “success” (pīti), “satisfaction” (sukkha, the opposite of dukkha or “dissatisfaction”), and “going at once to the object”, doing this “in one go”, directly (ekaggatā).
    The word “concentration” in English tends to suggest a kind of reduction or division, think of concentrated orange juice, where the water is removed. No one drinks concentrated orange juice straight from the package though; they add water back to make it whole once again. Similarly, in meditation practice, what we call “concentration” could be better understood and talked about as repeatedly “collecting” or “calming” the activities of the body and the mind.
    Personally, I refer to samatha as “stopping.”
    Samādhi, often translated as “concentration”, is more about the unification of the mind—a gathering together of scattered activities into a cohesive whole. It doesn’t fully arise until the second jhāna, when applied and sustained thought cease. So instead of thinking of samādhi as a “concentrated” or “one-pointed” mind, it’s more helpful to think of it as a “collected” or “unified” mind.
    This understanding also frees us from the pressure to focus on nostrils, count breaths, or chase a “peak meditation experience” in hopes of achieving some grand cessation of experience and earning a fancy title. Some people don’t like hearing this and may cling to their rituals or techniques, pretending they didn’t hear it at all.
    On a related note, it’s not easy to make a living by teaching to practice this way. It doesn’t lend itself to selling books or hosting retreats because if you learn to solve your own problems, you won’t need to follow a guru or buy the next $19.99 miracle technique. Perhaps this is why effective teachings are shared between friends rather than sold in the marketplace. But I digress…
    I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: dissatisfaction and the end of dissatisfaction—that’s all there is to it. It’s simple. Dissatisfaction is duality. Step out of it, right here and right now, and there’s nothing more to do. When the mind is free from dissatisfaction, the work is done, and life unfolds naturally.
    If you find yourself slipping back into dissatisfaction (as we often do, we could even call it a bad habit), it’s a wake-up call. Take a look at your state of mind (your attitude) and make a change. Shift from an unwholesome mental state of dissatisfaction to a wholesome state of satisfaction, and then congratulate yourself for doing so.
    This is one’s right noble effort.
    “Lather, rinse, repeat.” When adventitious defilements arise in the mind, clean them out immediately. The Dhamma is everywhere, even on your shampoo bottle, if you’re paying attention.
    Once the mind is free from the five hindrances, it’s fit for work. What work? The work of seeing clearly (vipassanā) the true nature of things. Stopping (samatha) and seeing (vipassanā) are not separate; they are two parts of the same path (or “method”). A mind burdened by hindrances can’t see clearly—by definition, it’s hindered!
    So, remember to stop chasing stories and see reality for what it is, as often as you can. This is the essence of correct practice. It’s why you’ll hear people say, “the first jhāna is the path”—if you’re associating with good friends who practice effectively and understand the way.
    This brings us to the importance of good friends. After his awakening, the Buddha didn’t write books or establish retreats; he built a community of practitioners. Through effective practice, this community transmits the Buddha’s teachings with minimal distortion, ensuring the door to liberation remains open for all who seek it.

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  • Santacittarama (IT) review

    Santacittarama (IT) review

    Yesu Upasaka (Jesus)

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    Santacittarama: (Pali) The garden of the peaceful heart.

    Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Italy, Santacittarama stands as a testament to serenity and spiritual nourishment. As a visitor, my experience at this Buddhist monastery was nothing short of extraordinary, encompassing a myriad of elements that made my stay truly enriching.

    Gorgeous Monastery: Santacittarama is a visual delight. The monastery’s architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. The meticulous design and landscaping enhance the overall aesthetic, making it a feast for the eyes.

    Modern and Comfortable Accommodation: The accommodation provided is a perfect harmony of modern comfort and simplicity. Equipped with everything one might need, the living quarters offer a peaceful retreat after a day of introspection and meditation.

    Beautiful and Spacious Temple: The temple, nucleus of the monastery, exudes a serene energy. Its spaciousness allows for a sense of expansiveness, fostering a conducive environment for meditation and contemplation.

    Diverse and Kind Monastic Community: The monks at Santacittarama represent a harmonious blend of Thai and European backgrounds. Their kindness, humor, and helpfulness create a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Interacting with this diverse monastic community adds a unique dimension to the overall experience.

    Opportunities for Spiritual Growth: The monastery provides ample opportunities for spiritual growth. Question-and-answer sessions with the senior monk or abbot, as well as private interviews, allow for personalized guidance on the path to self-discovery. Regular meetings contribute to a sense of community and shared spiritual journey.

    Diverse and Nutritious Cuisine: The simplicity of the daily meals at Santacittarama belies the richness of flavors and nutritional balance. Catering to various dietary preferences, the food not only nourishes the body but also supports the practice of mindful eating.

    Expansive Forest and Meditation Spaces: The monastery’s extensive forest, dotted with kutis and caves, offers a sanctuary for contemplation. Whether wandering through nature or engaging in meditation, the surroundings provide a conducive environment for inner exploration. The presence of an old abandoned cemetery/crypt adds a poignant dimension to the contemplation of impermanence and the cycle of life.

    Invaluable Benefits of the Stay: The rewards of my stay at Santacittarama extend far beyond the tangible. The tranquility of the surroundings, the wisdom shared by the monks, and the self-discovery facilitated through meditation and reflection make the experience invaluable. It’s a journey that leaves a lasting impact on the citta.

    In conclusion, Santacittarama is not merely a physical space but a sanctuary for the soul. Its beauty, combined with the modern amenities, the warmth of the monastic community, and the diverse opportunities for spiritual growth, creates an environment where one can truly embark on a transformative journey. My time at Santacittarama was not just a stay; it was a profound and enriching encounter with the essence of  self-discovery.

     

    Yesu

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  • Experience at Sumedharama in Portugal

    Joe Stanski

    I would like to write about my experience staying at Sumedharama in Portugal for 2.5 weeks.

    This is a monastery in the Ajahn Chah Thai Forest tradition, usually with about 4-6 lay friends visiting, 8-12 monks, and a lot of people that come for the night meditation. Its a really nice environment to practice in for people that know how to practice already and don’t need a lot of guidance. Ajahn Vajiro and Ajahn Appamado were available for some discussions in the afternoon and I got a lot of benefit talking to them, as well as talking to some of the other monks and lay practitioners during my stay.

    It really gave me a lot of time to reflect with space from my life at home. Also in terms of personal practice, I noticed a willingness to let go of the physical sensation of the breath and fall more calmin and looking into the other aspects of the 16 steps of anapanasati; the vedana, citta, and dhamma. Opening more to the mind in this way, and really noticing where the thoughts were arising from really brought a lot of clarity and confidence to my practice.

    I would highly recommend a stay here to people; you can stay for one week on an initial visit, longer on subsequent visits.

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