Is The Weather In Thailand Conducive To Many Hours Of Contemplation?

[rockyysdt]

It seems that the extreme temperatures and humidity of Thailand can be far from conducive when practicing many hours of silent contemplation.

Quote:

The summer period, or hot and dry season, is from March to June. At this time temperatures in Bangkok average around 34º C, but can often reach 40º C with humidity. April is the hottest month across the country. levels of 75%.

From July to October the humidity averages just under 90%, with temperatures averaging around 29º C in Bangkok.

The monsoons finish when the wind direction changes, bringing dry weather from the northeast. At best this season can be described as unpredictable and not the constant downpour of rain like you would expect. The middle months of this season may hold particularly heavy rains for the north of the country.

I remember heading for a public park to escape the chaotic disturbances of a young family, only to be thwarted by stinging bullants running rampant around a park bench I had selected.

There can be many external influences which conspire to thwart our practice, but incessant heat and high humidity can be daunting.

I constant unnatural drying air stream emitted from air conditioners also affects me.

Is Thailands weather an issue for many?

Edited September 13, 2008 by rockyysdt

[sabaijai]

In my experience, one eventually becomes acclimated, either to the environment or to the effects of the environment.

In their favour, the sensations of unpleasant environments make convenient objects for satipatthana vipassana.

[Brucenkhamen]

Developing equanimity with difficulties is an important part of the practice, having said that sometimes you know that you are going to have more difficulties than you can handle so it's understandable if you feel you need to minimise them. Monks of the Thai forest tradition used to seek out difficulties much worse than a little heat, that doesn't mean you are ready for it.

If you've meditated in a Thai forest one thing you'll notice is on a hot day the temperature is so much more pleasant under tall trees, this is probably part of the reason that the Buddha encouraged his disciples to go to the forest. I remember one time I stayed in a Kuti in the open, during the day it was too hot and I struggled to meditate, I tried throwing buckets of water over my head but it didn't help much. My Jongroom path was in between two rows of tall trees and I noticed the temperature was much better. So I sat on my Jongrom path, of course then ants and mosquitoes were the next problem.

So if you are struggling with the heat try to meditate anyway, when you feel you've had enough then find a way to have a more agreeable climate, know your limits and test them.

You do get acclimatised over time, personally I have more difficulty with noise than I do with heat in Thailand.

[rockyysdt]

You do get acclimatised over time, personally I have more difficulty with noise than I do with heat in Thailand.

I'm still at the stage where I'm developing my practice and concentration so need a relatively comfortable environment but hope to progress in time.

Edited September 14, 2008 by rockyysdt

[sabaijai]

Rocky I know what that feels like. My first years in Thailand the heat and mosquitoes drove me away from many a wat. Perhaps you should take a break in the Himalayas, somewhere like Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu Valley.

[rockyysdt]

Rocky I know what that feels like. My first years in Thailand the heat and mosquitoes drove me away from many a wat. Perhaps you should take a break in the Himalayas, somewhere like Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu Valley.

Thanks for the Kopan Monastery suggestion S J.

I don't think it's a coincidence that I've been drawn to Thailand and need to see where this will take me.

On my last trip I spent quite a bit of time in a village in Isaan.

It wasn't only the heat but also the acrid smoke bellowing from the open cooking fires and wafting into the open upstairs windows.

It seemed that there was no place I could find solace for contemplation.

On my next trip I'm going to try some regular practice under a rice farmers shelter.

These shelters have a tin roof and elevated floor for protection against the hot sun and monsoonal rains.

I just have to make sure I have plenty of mosquito repellant.

They say if you overcome obstacles your meditation is deeper and more rewarding, but clean air can never be undervalued.

Edited September 15, 2008 by rockyysdt

[Brucenkhamen]

On my last trip I spent quite a bit of time in a village in Isaan.

It wasn't only the heat but also the acrid smoke bellowing from the open cooking fires and wafting into the open upstairs windows.

It seemed that there was no place I could find solace for contemplation.

They say if you overcome obstacles your meditation is deeper and more rewarding, but clean air can never be undervalued.

An Isaan village is hardly the optimum place to deepen your meditation. If you can't go somewhere else then sure make the most of it, but expect it to be a struggle, I'm sure if you persevere it will pay off.

[NotYetArahan]

If weather is the issue, why not start your practise in the cool season?

Personnaly I have no problems with the heat. When sitting you are just sweating. It is not realy an obstacle. Only if you think it is an obstacle, it is an obstacle.