Wat Suanmokkhaphalaram Surat Thani
Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, the “Grove of the Powers of Liberation”, was founded by the venerated Buddhadasa Bhikkhu in 1932 in Surat Thani Province. At the time it was the only forest Dhamma centre and one of the few places dedicated to Vipassana meditation in southern Thailand. Today Wat Suan Mokkh is world famous as a place of retreat and contemplation. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu’s teachings focused on the importance of being in the present moment and of understanding the natural laws on interconnectedness and non-self. He emphasised the need for followers of all religions to understand the essence of their beliefs, to promote inter-faith understanding and to free themselves from materialism.
Suan Mokkh is now a site for the holistic study and practice of Dhamma in serene and pleasant surroundings. The 10-day retreats have been very popular, providing a unique opportunity to experience the Anapanasati technique in a remote setting. Retreats begin on the first of every month. Registration in person should be made a day or two in advance as the 110-person capacity of the retreat cannot always accommodate all who come. On acceptance, the visitor is expected to follow the instructions given and be committed to staying for the entire 10-day course. Retreats take place at the International Dhamma Hermitage 1.5 km east, across the highway from Suan Mokkh. During retreats, meditators have small individual rooms, with separate buildings for men and women. Bathing is Thai-style from tanks and toilets are Asian-style. At other times visitors may stay at Suan Mokkh, where there are dormitories for men, and where women may stay in individual rooms or
dormitories. Most buildings and kuti (self-sufficient huts that house monks) have electricity. It is difficult to receive foreign visitors at Suan Mokkh when retreats are under way, so they are advised to plan there arrival after the 11th of each month. Dhammadana Meditation lessons are conducted for both Thais and foreign visitors. Training for foreigners is from 1st-10th and for Thais 20th-27th of each month. Registration for retreats must be made in person. The writings of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu are available online at www.bia.or.th, www.buddhadasa-archives.com, and www.buddhadasa-archives.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram 68/1 Chaiya District, Surat Thani 84110 Tel: 0 7743 1552, 0 7743 1597 Email: santikaro@suanmokkh.org Website: www.suanmokkh.org
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