Meditation in Asia - Retreat Infos

1.7 Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Source: Chanda von Keyserlingk; last updated August 2007
Address: International Buddhism Center Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Tambol Suthep, Amphur Muang, 14 Srivichai Road
Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Tel: 0066-53-29 50 12, Fax: 0066-53-29 50 00
web: www.fivethousandyears.org
e-mail: doisuthepinfo@gmail.com,
contact@fivethousandyears.org
Location: Doi Suthep is famed for its serene and peaceful environment, giving
visitors the impression that there really might be angels guarding its pristine beauty.
Close enough to be seen from Chiang Mai City, and with a breathtaking view of
Thailand's Northern Capital, the monastery is quiet and peaceful, with ancient trees,
birds and the occasional fog covering the grounds. The meditation center is fully
functional and growing always.
How to get there: From Bangkok take the night train (about 13 hours), bus or plane
(about 1 hour) to Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep with Tuk Tuk (200-300
Baht) or red-taxi (about 40-80 Baht). Here walk the 290 steps or take the lift (30
Baht).
Tradition and Focus: Theravada, Vipassana-Meditation in the Mahasi Sayadaw
Tradition. Intensive meditation practice. Ajaan Tong is in his early eighties and one of
Thailand’s most famous meditation teachers.
Teacher: Speaks and English and Thai. Pleasant atmosphere. In the daily interviews
meditators receive very helpful and clear instructions for practice.
Meditation technique and course of retreat: Practitioners practice in their own
bungalows or in the meditation hall. All practitioners receive individual meditation
instructions. During the retreat the four bases of mindfulness (observing body,
feelings, mind, and mind objects) are practiced and all arising phenomena are noted
mentally. Initially the rising and falling of the abdomen is the primary object of
meditation during sitting, and the movement of the foot during walking. Each period
of meditation begins with a mindful prostration. A period of walking meditation and a
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