wat tam wua
November 2012, I took a break from everything I knew as 'my life' and went off to volunteer at ISARA - an NGO in Nong Khai, Thailand. Being in a predominantly Buddhist country, one of the experiences I had to have during my time in Thailand was to live at a monastery. My research lead me to 'Wat Tam Wua'
The term Buddhist Monastery would immediately conjure up an image of golden pagodas gleaming in sunlight and towering structures to marvel at. That's definitely what I had in mind but Wat Tam Wua is different. Being a forest monastery, you find yourself surrounded by pristine & humbling nature all around.
Nestled among mountains of northern Thailand, almost hidden from civilization is this tranquil little world where about a hundred Vipassana practitioners & seekers find their abode for anything from a few days to a few months. Vipassana or Insight Meditation is a Buddhist Meditation technique, one which led Buddha to enlightenment. Any one who has ever been to one of the 10 days retreats at Dhamma Centres by S.N.Goenka will be familiar with the technique. Though if one doesn't have any experience in Vipassana, the head abbot Ajahn Luangta, who speaks English and has a very good sense of humor, is always accessible to answer questions.
You will find people from all over the world practicing walking meditation in lush green lawns or going about the daily cleaning chores or simply relaxing by the pond at any given time during the day. Time literally feels like it has slowed down allowing ample opportunities to reflect on the bigger questions of life! (I know I did.) Silence is observed by most though this is not mandatory as long as one respects and maintains the decorum of the place. I've attended a good share of retreats which normally have rigid rules to follow; though all for good reasons. However, what strikes you most at Wat Tam Wua is the sense of freedom that each practitioner has. There are guidelines but no rigidity to ruled carved in stone, which I personally feel is the true embodiment of Buddha's middle path.
From the minute I walked in, I was made to feel comfortable and at home. Everything about Wat Tam Wua made my stay here an absolutely surreal experience. With this website, I just want more people to find their way to Wat Tam Wua on their spiritual quest.
Check more information on the official website HERE and don't miss the Blog addition soon for a more detailed account of my week at the monastery.
The term Buddhist Monastery would immediately conjure up an image of golden pagodas gleaming in sunlight and towering structures to marvel at. That's definitely what I had in mind but Wat Tam Wua is different. Being a forest monastery, you find yourself surrounded by pristine & humbling nature all around.
Nestled among mountains of northern Thailand, almost hidden from civilization is this tranquil little world where about a hundred Vipassana practitioners & seekers find their abode for anything from a few days to a few months. Vipassana or Insight Meditation is a Buddhist Meditation technique, one which led Buddha to enlightenment. Any one who has ever been to one of the 10 days retreats at Dhamma Centres by S.N.Goenka will be familiar with the technique. Though if one doesn't have any experience in Vipassana, the head abbot Ajahn Luangta, who speaks English and has a very good sense of humor, is always accessible to answer questions.
You will find people from all over the world practicing walking meditation in lush green lawns or going about the daily cleaning chores or simply relaxing by the pond at any given time during the day. Time literally feels like it has slowed down allowing ample opportunities to reflect on the bigger questions of life! (I know I did.) Silence is observed by most though this is not mandatory as long as one respects and maintains the decorum of the place. I've attended a good share of retreats which normally have rigid rules to follow; though all for good reasons. However, what strikes you most at Wat Tam Wua is the sense of freedom that each practitioner has. There are guidelines but no rigidity to ruled carved in stone, which I personally feel is the true embodiment of Buddha's middle path.
From the minute I walked in, I was made to feel comfortable and at home. Everything about Wat Tam Wua made my stay here an absolutely surreal experience. With this website, I just want more people to find their way to Wat Tam Wua on their spiritual quest.
Check more information on the official website HERE and don't miss the Blog addition soon for a more detailed account of my week at the monastery.
About me
Hello! from Vaibhav. A 20 something guy from the city of pure crazy - Mumbai, India.
I work in the mad-ad world, take people on journeys to their past lives, paint stories and photograph truth.
In my free time, I keep plotting and planning such escapes.
I work in the mad-ad world, take people on journeys to their past lives, paint stories and photograph truth.
In my free time, I keep plotting and planning such escapes.