Retreats for all the family.

[Deserted]

Hello all, I was wondering if you could help. My wife and her mother, being Thai, are practicing Buddhists and frequently spend time in our local temple as well as praying at home every day. We were thinking of taking our child to a nice temple in the country somewhere not too far from Bangkok where we could spend a day or two, and where I could also gain spend some time trying to understand Buddhism further. Does anyone know of a temple where we could stay nearby or even in the temple for a day or two, ideally with one or two monks that can speak English. It doesn't have to be a mountain retreat, just somewhere quiet where we can all get away from the city and not too difficult to get to.

Any help is much appreciated.

[Brucenkhamen]

For what you are trying to achieve and the time you have available you'd probably be better off getting a good book on Buddhism and renting a bungalow.

[AlQaholic]

I would recommend this retreat:

http://www.dhamma.org/en/

it is a free 10 day course in Vipassana meditation (real meditation, not prayer). I have done it a couple of times and know exactly what it is. They have many retreats in Thailand and all over the world. I would recommend the one in Phitsanulook or Prachinburi. They also have some places around Bangkok I think but never been there.

The teachings is done directly in accordance to what the Buddha himself taught more than 2500 years ago.

Other than that I would recommend you look for retreats that cater to foreigners as those places are more likely to offer real meditation retreats rather than the fake thing one often see in local Thai temples, one example would be Suan Mokh down south. see:

http://www.dhammathai.org/e/meditation/page1.php

Do not go to any place that charges you a lot of money, those are frauds, some places charge a minimal amount just for food and lodging, some are free like the one I go to (10 day retreat). If they charge you more than just the minimum rest assured its a fraud.

As mentioned by Brucenkhamen 3 days is not enough to learn anything about Buddhism. Although there are some retreats that do offer 3 days retreats. I think also the Buddhism center in Bangkok (near the British embassy I think) offer weekend intro courses in meditation.

As a side note, please be aware that Buddhism that you observe in Thai Temples may be quiet different from the actual teachings of Buddha. For Buddha himself; the most accurately documented enlightened person in human history (who by the way never ever mentioned the word "Buddhism") the focus was always on meditation, that was the one and only thing that mattered. There was nothing else but meditation, no statues, no incense, no prostrating, no chanting, nothing but meditation 24h, that is all there is to Buddhism, period.

[arjunadawn]

Actually, your first response is correct. The "air of sanctity" is overrated and rarely do people get wisdom by proximity. Would you listen to a few dharma talks or just ask series of questions? What do you need to know? It differs for all. A bookstore with many books would zero you in quite quickly, or the internet maybe, and then you would know where to fill in the blanks. It seems the effort to bond would frustrate you either without self context or social context- what is going on here? Is it ritual or is it social bonding or spiritual training.

Or go to a vipasanna retreat. It has all you asked for is outside Chiang Mai called Wat Rampoeng- http://www.watrampoeng.net/watrampoeng/

[AlQaholic]

Actually, your first response is correct. The "air of sanctity" is overrated and rarely do people get wisdom by proximity. Would you listen to a few dharma talks or just ask series of questions? What do you need to know? It differs for all. A bookstore with many books would zero you in quite quickly, or the internet maybe, and then you would know where to fill in the blanks. It seems the effort to bond would frustrate you either without self context or social context- what is going on here? Is it ritual or is it social bonding or spiritual training.

Or go to a vipasanna retreat. It has all you asked for is outside Chiang Mai called Wat Rampoeng- http://www.watrampoeng.net/watrampoeng/

Yes I agree, it seems more like a bonding exercise rather than actual search for knowledge about "Buddhism". Rather than trying to learn about Thai religious rituals (which is not Buddhism) just go to any 3 day retreat and be happy with your family.

[lifeisadream]

If you try to get everybody enlightened at the same time it won't work. Your mind will remain attached to the family. Just find a good meditation environment and teacher for YOURSELF. Obviously your intention is good, but meditation practice is clearly yourself in relation to what is. Your kids can learn to meditate when they are mature enough. In the beginning we need books. Some excellent ones have been written by an American monk by the name of Ajahn Sumano.. Good luck.

[Lupatria]

No need to travel- just send the oranges your money and you'll be blessed for looong time.

[Pompey50]

Here is a link to the website of a monastery in the UK http://www.cittaviveka.org you will find links to Dharma talks in English. It is one founded over 30 years ago by disciples of the late Ajahn Chah

The main monastery is in Thailand and they do operate a retreat centre, though it is some distance from Bangkok in Ubon Rachathani http://www.watpahnanachat.org

As others have said if they want to charge you money to pay for anything beyond basics then don't bother with them.

[Deserted]

Thank you all for your thoughts.

[roath]

For a western orientated experience, you can try pophouse near Wat Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani. It teaches the Dhammakaya method which is the same method taught at Wat Pak Nam in Bangkok. They run 3 day courses as an introduction and is geared towards Westerners. http://pophouse.info/home/index.php In BKK itself, there is Little Bang Sangha run by an English Monk which often runs retreats.http://www.littlebang.org/ For a more Thai experience, there is Wat Amphavan in Singburi which is well known and teaches Vipassana. It is a couple of hours out of BKK. You can get a bus there from Mo Chit which drops you at the Temple gates. There is usually an English speaking nun there, but if you need instruction in English, it is best to check first. 0-3659-9381. I would mention that the Vipassana (Goenka-style) courses are very full on, and may be off-putting for newcomers or those looking to ease into meditation. There is also very little instruction on Dhamma as it is a secular-run organisation. Further afield, there are more options including Suan Mokh in Surat Thani and also retreat centres on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui that run regular retreats for foreigners (and Thais).