Contacts
Khun Suwaree
c/o Toyota Interyont
24/99 Mu 6, Th. Bypass, A. Meuang, Chonburi 20000
Tel: +66 81 865 4658
Jira Butrdee
Fax: +66 83 798833 | +66 38 798834
E-Mail: kondee149@hotmail.com
Web site: www.palungjit.com/club/kondee/ | www.geocities.com/easyji2005/
Registration obligatory!
Khun Suwaree is the proprietor of a large car sales company in Chonburi and the main supporter of the Wat. All contact in writing or phone is with her because the postman does not reach Boonwyawat and there is is no telephone there. She speaks a fair English.
Location
“Wat” Boonyawat in Central Thailand is a 350 rai (0.56 sqkm) forest in sparsely populated area dominated by plantations, 90 km away from the provincial capital and therefore rather out of the way. The monastery has a large multipurpose dhamma hall and about 25 kutis (bungalows) in the forest. About 15 monks live there, and from time to time some laymen and -women.
Tradition
Than Ajahn Tan Dhiracitto is one of Luang Pho Chah Subhatto’s four main teaching disciples. Over 300 monasteries belong to Ajahn Chah’s main monastery Wat Nong Pa Phong. They are committed to one of the strictest forest traditions of Mahanikaya and the entire faith.
Teacher
Ajahn Tan teaches in formal talks at uposatha days. Daily or when required he receives lay guests and visitors. The main teaching, though, takes place when the Ajahn takes his tea in the sala. He answers questions and when the ball gets rolling, long and in-depth Dhamma talks develop. Ajahn Tan speaks a clear and Central Thai, but no English. Usually, western monks are available for translation, e.g. Ajahn Tejapañño (NZL) and Than Sudhammo (D).
Language
Thai.Meditation Technique
Ajahn Tan places much importance on the probing contemplation of the body, alternating with periods of mental training and sharpening (samadhi). All methods of the first basis of mindfulness are used, and emphasis is placed on observation of the 32 parts and recollection of death.
Costs
Guests may give a donation.
Lodging
All guests receive a kuti. This is one of the few monasteries in which women find lodging conditions that equal the mens’. Because of the size of the Wat there are appropriate distances between neighbours, so women live equally isolated in individual huts as men do. Kutis are modern and well-appointed but without electricity. The entire Wat is still lit by petrol lamps at night which contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
What To Bring
Before your stay you should bring an alarm clock, a good flashlight (spare bulb and batteries), flip-flops, water bottle, insect repellent and toiletries. All these things are available in Chonburi.
Food
The only meal of the day is breakfast. It is nourishing and very good. Laypersons can put aside some for a snack just before noon. Late afternoons, there is juice or tea. Drinking water is filtered.
Medical Care
Good by Asian standards. In the province’s capital, Chonburi, there are clinics and pharmacies. The area is not considered malaria area.
Rules
All guests commit themselves to adhere to the eight silas (moral precepts). Men usually wear white or black trousers and a white shirt. Women wear a black or white Phaa Thung (wrap-around skirt) and a white blouse.
Daily Schedule
Morning meal is after the monks’ alms rounds at 8 a.m. After that, tidying and cleaning in and around the kitchen. At 10 a.m. the latest lay guests must leave the kitchen and return to their kutis. Afternoons, the community meets to sweep the paths etc. Much value is placed on intensive individual practice and there is much time for it.
Language(s)
Simple English, translation into German is possible.
Climate and Best Time To Go
Typical sea climate in one of the rainiest regions of Thailand. There is plenty of rain also in the hot season, so temperatures rarely are above 32 degrees Celsius, but the humidity takes some getting used to. Best time after monsoon: October to February.
Note
Laypersons may stay up to 15 days. Repeated stays are possible. The monastery is very traditional and faithful to the vinaya way. Here you can experience authentic old Thai forest tradition. Mae Chees and monks rejoice over dark chocolate and Nescafe. Women are expected to help in the kitchen.
