Wat Suan Mokkh

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About Wat Suan Mokkh

The 10-day retreat is a unique experience that offers a chance to connect with nature and oneself. The retreat is set in a beautiful natural environment, with hot springs that provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The food served is delicious and the 10-day program is well-structured, allowing most participants to make significant progress. The accommodation is simple, with dormitories providing private rooms for each participant. The retreat is usually attended by a small group of around 40 participants, which allows for a more intimate and personal experience. A small shop on-site provides essentials like mosquito repellent, adding to the convenience of the retreat.

The retreat is designed to cater to beginners, with a focus on walking meditation to make the process easier for everyone. However, the guidance provided is more generic and includes a lot of introductions related to Buddhism. The retreat can be quite noisy, with morning talks, dhamma talks, food reflections, chanting, and yoga instructions. This can sometimes disrupt the calming atmosphere of the retreat. The constant change between sitting and walking meditation also results in a lot of movement. Participants are advised to bring earplugs to help maintain their focus during meditation.

The retreat provides straw mats for yoga and wooden mats and pillows for sleeping. The meditation cushions are quite old and worn out. Participants are advised to bring their own mats and cushions for a more comfortable experience. The yoga instructions are tailored to the course coordinator's needs, and participants are expected to follow along. Yoga sessions last for about 105 minutes each day.

The retreat includes a surprising "working meditation" on the 10th day, where participants are expected to shovel sand for a new building. This activity is presented as a meditation exercise, but some participants feel that it is more of a cost-saving measure by the retreat organizers.

Despite its many positive aspects, some participants have expressed disappointment with the retreat's lack of silence. The retreat includes many talks and individual comments, which can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. The retreat begins early in the morning with a long talk and guided meditation, followed by more talks before each meal. The dhamma talks are delivered via tapes, which some participants find hard to concentrate on. Chanting is mandatory, and there is more emphasis on comments than actual chanting.

Over the years, the retreat has undergone changes that have not been well-received by some participants. There is more talking by participants, and the retreat feels more like a backpackers' place than a meditation center. The talks are now delivered by westerners, and the retreat has lost its silence and tranquility.

Despite these criticisms, the retreat has been a profound and life-changing experience for many. It provides a structured and easy-to-understand introduction to Buddhism and meditation. The retreat includes various forms of meditation - sitting, walking, standing, and chanting - in a beautiful natural setting. The evening chanting sessions provide a touch of light relief and humor. The retreat also includes hot spring baths and basic cleaning chores. One of the most memorable experiences is the evening walking meditation under the starlit sky and the silent hot springs bath surrounded by fireflies.

However, some participants have raised concerns about the retreat's water supply. The retreat collects rainwater from asbestos roofs for cooking and drinking. Some of these roofs are old, and the water running off them may carry tiny bits of asbestos. This has led some participants to leave the retreat prematurely due to health concerns.

The retreat is a silent Buddhist retreat that offers a unique opportunity for personal development. The simple living conditions, vegan food, and strict daily routine provide a conducive environment for introspection and self-discovery. The retreat combines sitting and walking meditation and is heavily focused on Buddhism. The monks, staff, and volunteers do an amazing job of preparing, organizing, and providing personal support to the participants. The retreat can be a challenging experience, as it forces participants to confront their emotions and thoughts. However, it can also be a life-changing experience that leads to significant personal growth.