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Mindfulness and Insight Training Course
with Luang Por Pramote
9 – 13 April 2015
Chonburi Province
Overview:
Meditation retreat in English, organised by students and assistant teachers of Ajahn Pramote Pramojjo, abbot of Wat Suan Santitam in Chonbrui province. This is one of Thailand’s most respected teachers of the current time, whose teachings have touched many lives in Thailand. Ajahn Pramote will be giving 3 of the talks (translated from the Thai).
- Date : April the 9th – 13th 2015
- Venue : Suwan Driving Range and Resort, Sri-Racha, Chonburi, Thailand.
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Course Description
This course is for English-speaking people living in, or visiting Thailand, who have an interest in practicing Mindfulness and Insight Meditation.
The teaching offered follows the style of the N.E. Thailand Forest Masters; monks, who strongly emphasize the importance of Mindfulness in the development of Vipassana insight, among other essential Dhamma practices.
Through the 5 days of the course there will be 3 Dhamma Talks plus Q&A sessions given by Luangpor Pramote at Wat Suan Santidham for regular attending students as well as the course participants. These are given in Thai, with professional simultaneous English translation (with headset).
Other than the sessions with Luang Phor Pramote, there will be practical meditation instructions and group sessions led by Luangpor’s assistant teachers at the resort. Participants will be divided into smaller groups for discussion and guidance by mentors regarding progress in meditation, and how to deal with any difficulties. These are given by the Thai teachers with a translator.
There will also be time for individual practice and relaxation.
The structure of this course is intended to help yogis gain confidence in understanding the principles of mindfulness – so that the meditation principles may be applied to daily life in a way that suits their lifestyle and keeps them happy.
Although Luangpor Pramote and his assistant teachers will be teaching, they did not initiate this course nor are they involved in any other way. The responsibility lies with a group of Luangpor’s students who have perceived a need for such a course in the English language. It also arises from a wish to share the benefits of the gift of Dhamma with others.
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About Venerable Luangpor Pramote Pramojjo
Luangpor Pramote is a highly respected and appreciated Dhamma Teacher. His teachings are especially appealing to modern urban people, helping them to become successful mindfulness and insight practitioners within their busy lifestyles.
Although he offers a complete practice, emphasis is given to the development of strong mindfulness for effective Vipassana Practice. He teaches that Samatha (concentration meditation) and Vipassana (Insight meditation) are interdependent and that both are necessary for Dhamma practice, provided there is understanding of when and how to use them effectively.
Luangpor’s style is easy, relaxed and intuitive. This allows him to guide the meditators in developing the skills they need to apply to his teaching and become self-sufficient Dhamma practitioners.
He has had many teachers in the Thai forest monk tradition, but regards Luangpu Dune as his primary teacher. The late Luangpu Dune was one of the first students of the legendary Ajahn Mun.
Luangpor Pramote lives at Wat Suan Santhidham where he guides his own monks, visiting monks and his large lay Sangha. He travels frequently throughout Thailand to teach his many lay followers and sometimes teaches internationally.
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Resources:
You can find a variety of teaching material, audios, videos, practical instruction and downloadable books related to Luang Phor Pramote and associated teachers at dhamma.com.
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Venue:
The Dhamma Talks and Q. and A. sessions with Venerable Luangpor Pramote himself will be held together with the general public at Wat Suan Santidham on scheduled days.
All the rest of the activity will be Suwan Driving Range and Resort.
This is a new resort about 15 km from Wat Suan Santidham. The resort is quiet, pleasant, comfortable and in a peaceful natural setting. The facilities include a swimming pool, a driving range, a restaurant, a meeting room and free Wi-Fi in your room.
There is a choice of a double bed or twin beds in each room. Smoking is not allowed.
Men and women will be separately accommodated.
Food: Meals will be served 3 times a day (mostly Thai food and salad). There will also be coffee breaks.
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Cost
Costs: The cost is for accommodation, meals (3 times a day), coffee breaks and transport, to and from Bangkok as well as to and from Wat Suan Santidham. The final cost is linked to your choice of accommodation.
There is no charge for the Teaching. The organsiers only wish to cover costs.
Single occupancy: 8,000 Bt
Double occupancy: 6,000 Bt
Once your application is accepted, a deposit of 2,000 Bt is required to guarantee the registration for the course. We’ll give you the details of how to deposit this when you apply.
The deposit of 2,000 Bt is non-refundable. The rest of the cost can be paid on the first day of the course. If you want to cancel, please inform us as soon as possible so that we can enroll other participants on the waiting list.
On arrival: You will be welcomed by the Management Team who will provide introductions, orientation and information about checking in and accommodation. They will also be happy to answer questions you may have.
Should you encounter any difficulties or have any further questions please feel free to approach one of us. Problems related to the practice are best dealt with, by the mentors. Everyone will be willing to assist you.
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Preparation:
Take minimal luggage because space in the van is limited. Bring your own meditation mat and cushions if you prefer sitting on the floor. Chairs are provided. Also bring a torch, mosquito repellant, sandals, a second towel. Also, if relevant, bring your own medication.
Clothes:
Polite dress cloth is required during the course: no shorts and no sleeveless garments.
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Schedule: (April 9th – 13th 2015)
(might be a good idea to print out this schedule and bring with you)
April 9th 2015
- 08.30 Meet at the meeting point in Bangkok (details below)
- 09.00 Departure
- 10.30 Arrive Suwan Driving Range and Resort
- 11.00 – 12.00 Course Orientation and allocation of accommodation
- 12.00 – 13.30 Lunch, check-in, rest
- 13.30 – 15.30 Dhamma talk/activities by Luangpor Pramote’s assistant teacher
- 15.30 – 16.00 Coffee break
- 16.00 – 17.00 Small group discussion with mentors
- 17.00 – 18.00 Individual mindfulness practice in silence
- 18.00 – 19.00 Dinner
- 19.00 Individual practice/rest
April 10th 2015
- 06.00 – 07.00 Morning practice, individual silent mindfulness practice
- 07.00 – 08.00 Breakfast
- 09.00 – 11.00 Dhamma talk/activities by Luangpor Pramote’s assistant teacher
- 12.00 – 13.30 Lunch/rest
- 13.30 – 15.30 Dhamma talk/activities by Luangpor Pramote’s assistant teacher
- 15.30 – 16.00 Coffee break
- 16.00 – 17.00 Small group discussion with mentors
- 17.00 – 18.00 Individual mindfulness practice in silence
- 18.00 – 19.00 Dinner
- 19.00 Individual practice/rest
April 11th 2015
- 06.00 – 06.45 Breakfast
- 06.45 – 07.00 Transport to Wat Suan Santidham
- 07.30 – 08.00 Dhamma talk by Venerable Luangpor Pramote Pramojjo
- 08.30 – 08.45 Break
- 08.45 – 10.00 Dhamma talk and Q. and A. by Luangpor Pramote
- 10.00 Group photo with Luangpor Pramote
- 10.30 Return to Suwan Driving Range and Resort with transport
- 12.00 – 13.30 Lunch/rest
- 13.30 – 15.30 Dhamma talk/activities by Luangpor Pramote’s assistant teacher
- 15.30 – 16.00 Coffee break
- 16.00 – 17.00 Small group discussion with mentors
- 17.00 – 18.00 Individual mindfulness practice in silence
- 18.00 – 19.00 Dinner
- 19.00 Individual practice/rest
April 12th 2015
- 06.00 – 06.45 Breakfast
- 06.45 – 07.00 Transport to Wat Suan Santidham
- 07.30 – 08.00 Dhamma talk by Venerable Luangpor Pramote Pramojjo
- 08.30 – 08.45 Break
- 08.45 – 10.00 Dhamma talk and Q. and A. by Luangpor Pramote
- 10.30 Return to Suwan Driving Range and Resort
- 12.00 – 13.30 Lunch/rest
- 13.30 – 15.30 Dhamma talk/activities by Luangpor Pramote’s assistant teacher
- 15.30 – 16.00 Coffee break
- 16.00 – 17.00 Small group discussion with mentors
- 17.00 – 18.00 Individual mindfulness practice in silence
- 18.00 – 19.00 Dinner
- 19.00 Individual practice/rest
April 13th 2015
- 06.00 – 06.45 Breakfast
- 06.45 – 07.00 Transport to Wat Suan Santidham
- 07.30 – 08.00 Dhamma talk by Venerable Luangpor Pramote Pramojjo
- 08.30 – 08.45 Break
- 08.45 – 10.00 Dhamma talk and Q. and A. by Luangpor Pramote
- 10.30 Return to Suwan Driving Range and Resort
- 11.00 – 12.00 Concluding activities and feedback
- 12.00 – 13.30 Lunch, prepare for departure and Check out
- 13.30 Departure
- 15:00 Arrive Bangkok
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General Guidelines:
We ask for yogis to participate fully in the program and schedule. Full participation in the whole program will strengthen the group and individual energy and lead to an enhanced Dhamma practice.
Remembering to remain aware as much as possible, especially of speech as well as silent mindfulness when practicing individually will further benefit your practice.
Personal practices like Tai Chi, Chi Gong, walking in nature and exercises may be practised in free time.
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Meeting point:
Meet 8:30am at Wat Yannawa, close to the Sathorn BTS Station (Silom line). Look for the mini-vans in the car park as you enter.
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Booking
Please complete the form below. If you did not make any typos in your email address, then you will receive a reply within 3 days. Preference will be given to non-Thai as there are few opportunities for English speakers to access the teachings of this forest master.
General questions can go below:
Greetings in the Dhamma, Bhante!
I am very interested in this retreat…IF I can work out the details for someone to look after Mom while I’m away.
I could stand the single-occupancy room if other arrangements for monks are not set.
Let me know what you think.
Yours in the Dhamma,
Phra Frank Adhicitto
Do you accept Thai national with a good understanding English? I am strongly interested to the course.