Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center
Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center
Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center
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Extended stay and possibilities to orda<strong>in</strong>: S<strong>in</strong>ce the monastery is not a retreat<br />
center for laypersons, it does not offer meditation courses. Hence there are no<br />
particular dates to adhere to. However, six male and six female guests can be<br />
accommodated for some time to participate <strong>in</strong> monastic everyday life. S<strong>in</strong>ce demand<br />
is high, early registration is highly recommended. Usually, guests have the option to<br />
practise several hours a day <strong>in</strong>dividually.<br />
Wat Pah Nanachat offers to the <strong>in</strong>terested the opportunity to live<br />
the authentic life of a Thai forest tradition monk. Laymen who want to be accepted<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the Sangha tra<strong>in</strong> about 6 months as pa-khao <strong>in</strong> white and 1 year as novice<br />
before be<strong>in</strong>g fully orda<strong>in</strong>ed as monks. There is no community of nuns/nunnery at Wat<br />
Pah Nanachat. However, women can apply to this monastery <strong>in</strong> England:<br />
Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Gt. Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire<br />
HP1 3 BZ, United K<strong>in</strong>gdom.<br />
Accommodation: For the first three days guests are accommodated <strong>in</strong> dorms. If you<br />
want to stay longer, you have to consult the abbot. Men are then asked to shave their<br />
heads, wear white cloth<strong>in</strong>g and move to a kuti (hut) <strong>in</strong> the forest. A light sleep<strong>in</strong>g bag<br />
is useful, especially dur<strong>in</strong>g the cooler season. Mosquito nets, sheets, blankets and<br />
pillows are provided by the monastery.<br />
What to br<strong>in</strong>g: Before arriv<strong>in</strong>g, be sure to get an alarm clock, a quality torch<br />
(spare bulb and batteries), flip-flops, water bottle, <strong>in</strong>sect repellant, toilet articles,<br />
candles and matches. All these th<strong>in</strong>gs are available <strong>in</strong> War<strong>in</strong> or Ubon. A warm jacket<br />
may be useful dur<strong>in</strong>g morn<strong>in</strong>g meditation.<br />
Food: The only meal of the day is breakfast at 8 a.m. Laypersons receive a share of<br />
the food offered to the monks.<br />
Medical care: Good by <strong>Asia</strong>n standards. The nearest hospital and pharmacies are <strong>in</strong><br />
the prov<strong>in</strong>ce capital Ubon. The area is not considered malaria area but <strong>in</strong> other parts<br />
of Thailand malaria is common.<br />
Rules: All guests commit themselves to adhere to the eight silas (moral precepts).<br />
Cloth<strong>in</strong>g should be white, comfortable, and decent (no shorts or tank tops). Female<br />
guests traditionally wear a white blouse and a black skirt.<br />
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