| City: | Mae Hong Son, Thailand |
|---|---|
| Weather: | 70-85°, cloudy and sometimes drizzly |
| Site: | Wat Pa Tham Wua (Forrest Monastery) |
| Activity: | Practicing Meditation, learning about Buddhism, slapping mosquitos |
We are really interested in the differences between Eastern and Western peoples' mindset and to get at the core of the differences, religion is a great place to start. We stayed at this monastery for 3 nights. They welcome anyone and everyone to stay for free as long as they would like. They provide bedding, food, and meditation guidance. So it was pretty great.
The site itself was amazing. The monastery is nestled between two rock faces that have their own caves. The grounds have two koi ponds and dozens of fruit trees: mango, jack fruit, and pineapple. I got my own kuti to stay in. Yes, the bed is a wood platform with a thin piece of padding so not the best night's sleep, but don't worry, there was plenty of “lying meditation” we practiced during the day.
7am Offering alms to monks in the sala(main hall), followed by breakfast for the rest of the community.
8.30am Group meditation-Vipassana in the main sala.
1030am Offering meal to monks in the sala, followed by main mealfor the rest of the community(note: no eating after midday)
1pm Group meditation-Vipassana in the main sala
4pm Community chores: sweeping the grounds, cleaning the sala, monastery areas, laundry (note: while cleaning be mindful)
5pm Relax time Afternoon tea(no Eating)
6pm Evening Chanting and meditation at main Dhamma Hall in the Sangha area. This session usually finishes by 7.30 Practice individual meditation in your kuti untill sleep. Lights go out around 8.30pm
10pm Sleeping
