WAT- English ?

[swissie]

Was approached by a Farang friend, mentioning that he would like to spend his annual holiday in a Buddhist Temple in Thailand. (4 to 5 weeks).

Since not at all familiar with the language, he asks if there is a WAT that is conveying the teachings of Buddha in English?

I am not in the position to answer his question, but I mention to him that this would be somewhat of a "special-situation' and would probably not be "free off charge".

WAT's to accommodate him? And where ?

Thanks.

[pramaprow]

Temples (wats) in Thailand are not big (a twenty minute 'sermon' on Uposatha days being about the extent) on conveying the teachings of the Buddha...and in English, nonexistent...a lifetime of study can be found on the net...start with accesstoinsight.org and buddhanet.net...with a plethora of other sites from which to choose...

[Suradit69]

Maybe he could get a start by looking through Lonely Planet:

Meditation

Thailand has long been a popular place for Buddhist meditation study. Unique to Buddhism, particularly Theravada and to a lesser extent Tibetan Buddhism, is a system of meditation known as vipassana (wípàtsànaa in Thai), a Pali word that roughly translates as 'insight'. Foreigners who come to Thailand to study vipassana can choose from dozens of temples and meditation centres specialising in these teachings. Teaching methods vary but the general emphasis is on observing mind-body processes from moment to moment. Thai language is usually the medium of instruction but several places also provide instruction in English.

Instruction and accommodation are free of charge at temples, although donations are expected.

Some places require that you wear white clothes when staying overnight. For even a brief visit, wear clean and neat clothing (ie long trousers or skirt and sleeves that cover the shoulders).

For a detailed look at vipassana study in Thailand, read A Guide to Buddhist Monasteries & Meditation Centres in Thailand, which is available from the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Bangkok.

And reading this book

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/work-study-volunteering/study#ixzz2y6lkGSvK

Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand Paperback \

by PHRA PETER PANNAPADIPO

[Brucenkhamen]

It sounds like your friend wants to do a retreat.

There are hundreds of places that deliver teaching and organise retreat practice for foreigners in english.

You can see an extended list here http://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/search.php?keyword=&search=Search&type_id%5B%5D=1&type_id%5B%5D=2&country_id=53&province_id=0&tradition%5B%5D=theravada&offset=25 though the quality is variable so you should get a recommendation once you've found somewhere you might like.

Here are a couple i can recommend;

http://www.suanmokkh.org/

http://www.watkowtahm.org/

[swissie]

Thanks folks. Will pass along the www-coordinates, so he can take a look at the info's himself.

THX.

[fabianfred]

This is where he need to go...stays from a few days to a month or more and the chance to ordain as a novice monk for a while if required.

https://www.facebook.com/TempleStayThailand

http://www.templeretreatthailand.com/

[kranuan]

maybe its for you ? why not get your friend to ask ? isnt he over 18 years old and can speak for himself.

[rockyysdt]

Wat Suan Mokkh would be ideal for him.

It is tailored to International retreat ants.

Headed by a Thai Ajahn, there are a number of speakers (Monks, Nuns, & Assistants) who give their instructions & presentations in English.

The International Retreat runs for 10 days.

Your friend will have his own room.

After the 10 day retreat, visitors can then stay as long as they wish in the Wat Dormitory.

There is twice daily vegetarian food offered buffet style and opportunity to continue ones practice.

There is also access to English speaking Monks.

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

There are 12 Retreats held annually.

Each begins on the first day of each month.

Enrollment must occur no later than 3.00pm on the day prior.

Edited April 11, 2014 by rockyysdt

[AyG]

Wat Suan Mokh is good for the monthly 10 day retreat. If the OP's friend hasn't already got similar experience it's a good place to start, otherwise going from zero to 4-5 weeks on retreat would probably be very tough.

Another resource with details of retreats in Thailand is http://www.dhammathai.org/e/meditation/page1.php

[rockyysdt]

Wat Suan Mokh is good for the monthly 10 day retreat. If the OP's friend hasn't already got similar experience it's a good place to start, otherwise going from zero to 4-5 weeks on retreat would probably be very tough.

Another resource with details of retreats in Thailand is http://www.dhammathai.org/e/meditation/page1.php

Agreed.

That's why Wat Suan Mokkh may suit.

1. English speakers.

2. 10 Day retreat.

3. Opportunity to stay for an unlimited period (or 4-5 weeks) in the Wat Dormitory to further extend his/her experience in a non retreat environment.