If you’re looking for a quiet sanctuary this coming Visaka Bucha Day, Wat Sanghathan is the perfect place to escape the clamour of Bangkok’s busy temples and relax in peaceful surroundings. Located just outside of Bangkok, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this temple is just off the tourist radar and often gets overlooked by the majority of visitors. The best way to get there is to take the express boat to Nonthaburi pier and cross the river with the ferry then take a taxi or get in one of the red pick-up trucks. The temple is located off Rattanathibet Road down mangrove-lined roads and has 50 acres of secluded landscape gardens.
George W. Bush in a Buddhist Temple
Meditation centre
The temple is most popular as a meditation centre and visitors are allowed to stay at the centre for 7 days. If you want to stay for longer, you have to request permission from Ajarn Sanong Katapunyo. The temple is friendly to foreigners and some of the monks can speak English. People who wish to stay there have to show there passport and provide two passport-sized photographs. You will also be required to agree to the eight precepts:
– Refrain from killing any living creature.
– Refrain from taking anything which does not belong to you.
– Refrain from any sexual activity.
– Refrain from telling lies or speaking impolitely.
– Refrain from drinking intoxicating liquors and taking drugs.
– Refrain from eating after 12 o’clock mid-day.
– Refrain from dancing, singing, listening to music, wearing jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics.
– Refrain from lying on a high and luxurious bed.
If you do wish to stay at the temple, be aware that mobile phones and smoking are not permitted and there is a daily schedule that must be followed:
– 04.00 a.m. Morning chanting until 04.30 – followed by sitting meditation.
– 06.00 a.m. Warm drinks.
– 07.30 a.m. Walking meditation.
– 09.00 a.m. Food from the Buffet.
– 12.30 p.m. Chanting and Meditation until 13.30 p.m.
– 15.30 p.m. Communal cleaning.
– 16.30 p.m. Walking meditation.
– 17.30 p.m. Drinks and rest period.
– 19.00 p.m. Evening chanting.
– 20.00 p.m. Sitting meditation at the Dhamma Hall.
Staying at the temple is a great way to immerse yourself in a different side of Thai culture and escape the hectic pace of modern life. The temple has modern amenities such as payphones and an ATM and there are a few toilets located around the vicinity.
For more information about retreats at Wat Sanghathan, contact:
Wat Sanghathan Meditation Center Bangphai, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)89 0500052, +66 (0)84 0066080 E-mail: vimokkha@hotmail.com อ้างอิงจาก