subject: Meditation Travel In Thailand [print this page] The kingdom of Thailand is a South East Asian country, lying in the gulf of Thailand. Bordered by Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, Thailand has a long cultural history, and it has been heavily influenced by its surrounding countries, the Chinese and Malay, not to mention other minority groups including the Mons, the Khmers and various other hill tribe groups that still occupy areas in the north of the region. This has made Thailand something of a cultural, religious and migratory crossroads.
Comprised of a large land area which is mountainous in the north and interspersed with steep river valleys in the upland areas. The country has a long coastline, with flatter land in the south, and many islands in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Thailand literally then, has something for everyone. Now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, visitors flock to Thailand in massive numbers ready to enjoy some of the old world charm, natural beauty, and quiet contemplation of this peaceful land.
Predominantly Buddhist, there are many temples in Thailand. In the northern province of Chiang Mai alone there are over two thousand temples, some dating back to the 1300s. One of them, "Wat Umong" is known as a forest temple, or "wat". The stone "chedi" or "stupa" sits amid a silent, wooded grove, a perfect place for some quiet contemplation, and a sense of serenity prevails. Down a stone staircase encompassed by 2 sleeping dragons, lies a lake filled to the brim with catfish and turtles who like to eat the food thrown in by well-wishing locals and tourist who want to increase their karma.
"Wat Suan Dok" is another temple in Chiang Mai, that dates back to the 14th century. It was built in honor of a revered monk who was visiting the temple to escape the monsoon rains. Now, something of a Buddhist place of learning, or university, monks from across the world pursue studies in Buddhism. Every Wednesday afternoon tourists can partake in "monk chat", a chance for foreigners to sit and talk to these novices about Buddhism, and for the monks to try to improve their fluency in English.
Just north of Bangkok in Kanchanaburi Province is the Tiger Temple. A forest temple and something of an animal sanctuary, the temple is home to over 50 tigers. For visitors it affords an almost impossibly close experience of the big cats, as they can quite literally sit with the animals and stroke them. The monks at the temple keep the tigers under control and lovingly feed wash and care for the big cats, which they say, are the victims or poachers or unwanted pets.
Down in the south of Thailand, is located one of the most important temples in Surratani province, "Suan Mok". Here at selected times throughout the year, tourists can take part in a vipassana meditation retreat.
Vipassana is a silent retreat, where for 10 days, practitioners are prohibited from speaking, writing, or communication in any form. Those who decide to experience this form of retreat also find that they are required to rise at 4 am in order to begin the day with meditation, and stay mindful throughout the entire process, following the basic Buddhist precepts.
by: Lucy Lee
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