Wat Suan Mokk

[losarse]

I'm going to wat suan mokk next month.

Any advice from anyone that has been there for the 10-day retreat?

thanks, ...

[NewGuy]

Get there a day or two before the course starts ... before the end of the month. You'll have to hand in electronic gear (phone, camera, mp3 etc.), important documents (passport), money etc - or at least I did. There was no problem. Don't worry about being hungry because of not having an evening meal; there is ample food earlier in the day (I was concerned about my blood sugar, being a diabetic ... but it read even keel all the way). Don't compare to others about being as accomplished in sitting postures, yoga class, seeing inward etc and don't kick yourself for doing so. At the end some will tell you they envied your skills (even if you didn't know you had any). Concentrate on being mindful. Don't dress in saffron (fisherman's pants are fine), just be yourself. If you bump into show offs or peacocks, don't pay any attention - they'll drop out before the end of the course. I coped with a chatty lesbian mafia that took over one of the salas by moving to a different sala (and they thought this was a good idea too, ha ha). Bring anti-mozzie cream - you might be allowed to use it - you're not supposed to swat the buzzing nasties if you can help it. Try to guess what nationalities others are, and when you speak to them at the end, check out your assumptions (oops, you're supposed to clear your mind). The pillows are hard (mine was wood or marble or cement) but sleep comes quickly. If the Abbot tells you about "the botten being half empty or half full", translate that into bottle .... some Europeans at the end of my session were completely baffled. Watch out for falling fronds. Have low expectations and lots of perseverance. Join in the directed chanting. You'll have a wonderful time.

Thanks for posting the question, thinking about Suan Mohk brings back terrific memories. I'll do the 10 days plus again ... one day.

NewGuy

[khaowong1]

Get there a day or two before the course starts ... before the end of the month. You'll have to hand in electronic gear (phone, camera, mp3 etc.), important documents (passport), money etc - or at least I did. There was no problem. Don't worry about being hungry because of not having an evening meal; there is ample food earlier in the day (I was concerned about my blood sugar, being a diabetic ... but it read even keel all the way). Don't compare to others about being as accomplished in sitting postures, yoga class, seeing inward etc and don't kick yourself for doing so. At the end some will tell you they envied your skills (even if you didn't know you had any). Concentrate on being mindful. Don't dress in saffron (fisherman's pants are fine), just be yourself. If you bump into show offs or peacocks, don't pay any attention - they'll drop out before the end of the course. I coped with a chatty lesbian mafia that took over one of the salas by moving to a different sala (and they thought this was a good idea too, ha ha). Bring anti-mozzie cream - you might be allowed to use it - you're not supposed to swat the buzzing nasties if you can help it. Try to guess what nationalities others are, and when you speak to them at the end, check out your assumptions (oops, you're supposed to clear your mind). The pillows are hard (mine was wood or marble or cement) but sleep comes quickly. If the Abbot tells you about "the botten being half empty or half full", translate that into bottle .... some Europeans at the end of my session were completely baffled. Watch out for falling fronds. Have low expectations and lots of perseverance. Join in the directed chanting. You'll have a wonderful time.

Thanks for posting the question, thinking about Suan Mohk brings back terrific memories. I'll do the 10 days plus again ... one day.

NewGuy

very good suggestions all.. the one I especially like is; don't compare your self to others. believe it or not, some are going to be comparing their selves to you. concentrate on being mindfull.. your own mind, not others minds.

[rockyysdt]

Get there a day or two before the course starts ... before the end of the month. You'll have to hand in electronic gear (phone, camera, mp3 etc.), important documents (passport), money etc - or at least I did.

NewGuy

Hi New Guy.

Great report.

When was your last visit?

I'll be attending their June Retreat.

I'm coming from overseas with a travel case & cabin bag.

When they take your valuables can it include your entire travel case for safe keeping?

How safe is it (hate to have that thought for 10 days)?

I was planning on using my cabin bag for personal items such as , clothing, torch, alarm, toiletries, mozzie repellent etc for the retreat period.

I noticed the Meditation Hall 5 appears to have a sand floor.

http://www.suanmokkh-idh.org/idh-pic11.html

Is this to aid sitting posture?

Should I bring a sitting cushion or are these things catered for?

Although I'm practicing various leg muscle exercises I need an elevated bottom to sit without cutting off circulation to my legs?

I'll be coming from Bangkok & plan to travel on the overnight train.

Do you recommend rail?

Which travel method did you use?

You mentioned fishermans pants as suitable clothing.

I have a black pair. Is that too stark or should I look for something lighter like khaki or white?

Are there any places in Bangkok you can recommend which sell affordable fishermans pants & shirts?

I won't have much time in transit so need to plan ahead.

I won't forget about "the botten being half empty or half full"?

Rocky

[orchis]

Hi New Guy.

Great report.

When was your last visit?

I'll be attending their June Retreat.

I'm coming from overseas with a travel case & cabin bag.

When they take your valuables can it include your entire travel case for safe keeping? They can keep it in the office but it won't sit in a locker, however I think a suitcase will be safe in your individual room, esp. if you lock it.

How safe is it (hate to have that thought for 10 days)? My deposited valuables were safe and nothing went missing from my bag in my room

I was planning on using my cabin bag for personal items such as , clothing, torch, alarm, toiletries, mozzie repellent etc for the retreat period.

toilet paper and washing powder are useful, too.

I noticed the Meditation Hall 5 appears to have a sand floor. yes, sand floor, it resembles nature, I don't know if it helps posture, I think it's not better nor worse, sitting materials (cushion, bench, chair if needed, ultimately ) are provided.

http://www.suanmokkh-idh.org/idh-pic11.html

Is this to aid sitting posture?

Should I bring a sitting cushion or are these things catered for?

Although I'm practicing various leg muscle exercises I need an elevated bottom to sit without cutting off circulation to my legs? bench or cushion, however your legs will get used to it.

I'll be coming from Bangkok & plan to travel on the overnight train.

Do you recommend rail? Airasia has a few flights a day, train (sleeper) is fine but can be teribly cold or noisy (backpackers from BKK on way to south)

Which travel method did you use?

You mentioned fishermans pants as suitable clothing.

I have a black pair. Is that too stark or should I look for something lighter like khaki or white?

Are there any places in Bangkok you can recommend which sell affordable fishermans pants & shirts?can be bought in the little town of chaya or in wat suan mokh first three days (while supplies last), black etc is ok, but lighter colors don't attract musquitoes as much, also avoid loud coloured shirts or with prints or lettering, keep it neutral, sober.

I won't have much time in transit so need to plan ahead.

I won't forget about "the botten being half empty or half full"? smile.gi

You will be fine, you don't have to prepare so much or think for a retreat like this,

the necessities and conditions you justly inquire about are only there to make a simple and functioning environment,

there are booklets that guide you through the essentials upon arrival,

after a few days it tends to become an inward experience and if not you can meditate on the many birds flying around

[rockyysdt]

When they take your valuables can it include your entire travel case for safe keeping? They can keep it in the office but it won't sit in a locker, however I think a suitcase will be safe in your individual room, esp. if you lock it.

How safe is it (hate to have that thought for 10 days)? My deposited valuables were safe and nothing went missing from my bag in my room

Thanks Orchis.

Is accommodation mostly individual rooms, not dorms?

Is it worth handing over your mobile, passport, wallet, camera, etc in a pouch to keep it together?

Should I bring my mosquito net or are these provided?

Lastly the travel case being left in the room doesn't sound too secure. I keep a bicycle lock/chain for security.

Do you think it's possible to chain the case to something in ones room?

I know that I should have trust as it is a Buddhist Wat after all. It's just that I'd hate to spend hours in meditation stuck on such thoughts. I also feel its wrong to unnecessarily create temptations, not to mention dealing with the result should the worst occur.

You mentioned toilet paper.

Are the conveniences the squat type with a hand held hose?

I don't mind this type of toilet but just curious.

[orchis]

When they take your valuables can it include your entire travel case for safe keeping? They can keep it in the office but it won't sit in a locker, however I think a suitcase will be safe in your individual room, esp. if you lock it.

How safe is it (hate to have that thought for 10 days)? My deposited valuables were safe and nothing went missing from my bag in my room

Thanks Orchis.

Is accommodation mostly individual rooms, not dorms? not dorms, individual 'rooms' though I would opt for the term 'cells'

Is it worth handing over your mobile, passport, wallet, camera, etc in a pouch to keep it together? Yes, I did bring my own, but they also have pouches.

Should I bring my mosquito net or are these provided? provided

Lastly the travel case being left in the room doesn't sound too secure. I keep a bicycle lock/chain for security.

Do you think it's possible to chain the case to something in ones room? no

I know that I should have trust as it is a Buddhist Wat after all. It's just that I'd hate to spend hours in meditation stuck on such thoughts. I also feel its wrong to unnecessarily create temptations, not to mention dealing with the result should the worst occur. I didn't have those worries, if you're that worried maybe it's not a good place/time for you, did you look at their web site?, it's quite complete

You mentioned toilet paper.

Are the conveniences the squat type with a hand held hose?

I don't mind this type of toilet but just curious. western style

[thailandfaq]

Get there a day or two before the course starts ... before the end of the month. You'll have to hand in electronic gear (phone, camera, mp3 etc.), important documents (passport), money etc - or at least I did. There was no problem. Don't worry about being hungry because of not having an evening meal; there is ample food earlier in the day (I was concerned about my blood sugar, being a diabetic ... but it read even keel all the way). Don't compare to others about being as accomplished in sitting postures, yoga class, seeing inward etc and don't kick yourself for doing so. At the end some will tell you they envied your skills (even if you didn't know you had any). Concentrate on being mindful. Don't dress in saffron (fisherman's pants are fine), just be yourself. If you bump into show offs or peacocks, don't pay any attention - they'll drop out before the end of the course. I coped with a chatty lesbian mafia that took over one of the salas by moving to a different sala (and they thought this was a good idea too, ha ha). Bring anti-mozzie cream - you might be allowed to use it - you're not supposed to swat the buzzing nasties if you can help it. Try to guess what nationalities others are, and when you speak to them at the end, check out your assumptions (oops, you're supposed to clear your mind). The pillows are hard (mine was wood or marble or cement) but sleep comes quickly. If the Abbot tells you about "the botten being half empty or half full", translate that into bottle .... some Europeans at the end of my session were completely baffled. Watch out for falling fronds. Have low expectations and lots of perseverance. Join in the directed chanting. You'll have a wonderful time.

Thanks for posting the question, thinking about Suan Mohk brings back terrific memories. I'll do the 10 days plus again ... one day.

NewGuy

Very astute and useful suggestions for people about how to apply one's mind to the practise of dhamma.

There is so much about Dhamma written but there is actually little by way of "how to manifest it into actual practise"

Your hints are extremey clear and will help anyone who wishes not only to make a retreat at Suan Mokkh, but also about how to apply one's attitude and self observance 9mindfulness) in their daily practise.

[rockyysdt]

I know that I should have trust as it is a Buddhist Wat after all. It's just that I'd hate to spend hours in meditation stuck on such thoughts. I also feel its wrong to unnecessarily create temptations, not to mention dealing with the result should the worst occur. I didn't have those worries, if you're that worried maybe it's not a good place/time for you, did you look at their web site?, it's quite complete

It'll be a great place & time for me Orchis.

I'm really looking forward to it, especially the wooden pillow.

I just have the luxury of planning ahead to minimize my egocentric distractions.

Whilst still grounded with the ego my mind will play games.

By eliminating possible issues I can focus on improving my concentration skills & mindfulness.

NB: You mentioned the overnight train might be very cold. Is the air con set too high? Which airport is nearby?

[orchis]

from their website :

Surat Thani airport is about 27km south of Suan Mokkh and 2km west of the high­way. It may take up to 1 hour to cover this distance by public transport.

[rockyysdt]

from their website :

Surat Thani airport is about 27km south of Suan Mokkh and 2km west of the high­way. It may take up to 1 hour to cover this distance by public transport.

AirAsia has 12:55pm arrivals at Surat Thani airport each day.

An hours journey from the airport & an hour buffer would make arrival at Suan Mokkh approx 3:00pm which is the cut off point for registrations.

The alternative would be to arrive a day early.

I wonder if other airlines service this route?

[orchis]

http://www.suanmokkh-idh.org/suanmokkh-idh.html

[NewGuy]

Sorry for not replying earlier. The other posters are very helpful.

I was there for the May 2003 session. My valuables were put into large kraft envelopes (I might have supplied them), sealed with tape and signed by me across a seam. While there I felt absolutely safe, day and night. I did see a police-escorted young desperado speaking to the Abbot (his wish, or requested by his parents or the authorities - I'd love to have known, had a fantasy that it was court ordered).

While in my single room, I stowed backpack and stuff I hadn't handed in (locked it as usual with a bicycle chain). Cell IS a great description; I grew fond of the place, sweeping it out, keeping it tidy. We all had chores, so good to feel useful, in a minimalist kind of way. Some guys signed up early for toilet scrubbing but I did fine with light sweeping (should I clean around the building clockwise or anti-clockwise, hmm). Thinking about the meditation hall, I tried various cross and side-legged positions but I also used a wooden step ladder affair to sit on. That picture makes me think that it's probably more comfortable now. The retreat provided the only cushions I saw (our Yoga classes had gym mats). Increasing strength and leg flexibility would be a good idea - but really, don't pay it so much mind. You won't be judged. When I went I took an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, not seeing so much on the way. If you choose rail, consider the second class sleepers - quiet comfortable and not as cold as first class compartments. Take water and snacks and get to the dining car early (avoiding the pre-prepared sandwiches brought around); order a fresh cooked meal (quite good) before the staff is mao. But considering the terrible safety record of the railway these days I'd take Air Asia to Surat. Cheaper than the train or bus if you book well in advance (they do e-tickets). I had a pair of fairly heavy fisherman's pants from Burma and bought a couple more (blue and pink) at Suan Mohk - 100 Baht each at that time. Black or white would have been fine too. They are widely available; if you've a chance, check out the interesting night markets in Surat and taste the spicy food. Its quite bland at the retreat; the "tea" is delicious but not stimulating. Oh, my shirts are no logo, not "fear is in the eye of the beholder".

Orchis made a good point about toilet paper - I always have a stash. You might be told by staff to just use your left hand and pour lots of water using those little buckets. BTW, your showers will be bracing. ha ha.

I think there is a mozzie net on posts over the bed - made it cosy. Ear plugs might be good to have at night; I heard about one guy whose snoring kept rooms on either side shaking.

If you think I think you plan too much, read on. I was 58 years old (and a newish backpacker), chatting with a young German girl in Rangoon; she told me of her experiences, her lack of confidence and how hard it was at first. Told her I couldn't do that. She laughed and said "sure you can" so I said "okay, I will" and six months later took the train to Surat and checked the place out; it seemed fine. Silly doubts. I re-arrived two weeks later by bus from Krabi confident I would have a great experience. Didn't think about checking its internet site.

I'll never forget one excellent moment. After a few days I was getting better with not minding the flies. But one was persistent and was taking my concentration. I tried to shoo it away but my hand moved so slowly, imperceptibly. Later, the fly flew on and I went back to meditating. Wow, I felt so lucky.

[NewGuy]

Now I remember about the difficulty I had in following some of the talks. Can't remember if I read about this or just found it fitting: in the West we present ideas in a linear fashion (point a leads to b; if b, then c ... and so on). But that didn't seem to be the way when listening to the Abbot. He didn't use logical building blocks. It is more of first hear / accept everything and then you will understand. A "little" thing at the end could be of overwhelming importance. I'm not saying this well, but essentially don't judge arguments as they are being made, try to take them in as a whole.

I try to use this approach when reading political speeches and even news stories in the Bangkok Post and The Nation.