The main aims of the weekend are:

* To give participants a chance to intensify their practice
* To clarify the differences between Vipassana and Samatha practice
* To give meditators feedback on their practice and gently guide them away from misunderstandings and non-beneficial habits that may have developed over time

Location?

The two-day intensive workshop will be held in a rural location in a province near Bangkok. [The venue will be announced later.]

What activities can I expect during the weekend?

The proposed schedule is as follows:

Saturday
07.00: Breakfast (in nearby coffee shop)
08.00: Departure from the House of Dhamma by mini-van
10.00: Arrival at the centre and settling in
10.45: Opening session (including Going for Refuge and taking the 5 precepts)
11.30: Refreshments
12.00: Group meditation and feedback
13.00: Lunch followed by a rest period
15.00: Comparing Vipassana and Samatha aims and practice
16.00: Break
16.15: Private meditation
18.00: Light evening meal
19:00: Evening chanting and Dhamma talk
20:00: Group session including Metta practice
21.30: Rest

Sunday
05:00: Get up
06.00: Yoga or other mindful exercise outside
06.30: Morning chanting and Dhamma talk
07.30: Breakfast
09.00: Private meditation practice with individual feedback sessions with the Vipassana Acharns
13.00: Lunch followed by a rest period
15.00: Group meditation and questions
16.00: Free time (silent)
17.30: Closing session
18.00: Light evening meal
19.00: Departure

Note: The weekend is mainly silent though there will be ongoing feedback in groups and individual sessions as well.

Proposed Dates

September 27 and 28

Times

Saturday 08.00 to Sunday 19.00 (plus transportation back to Bangkok)

How much is it?

Energy Exchange

There is a suggested donation of 6,000 baht per person including accomodation, meals and transport to the centre and back to Bangkok.

Note: Some work exchange positions may be available for meditators who have participated in previous House of Dhamma activities

Is the weekend silent?

Rules

Participants keep 5 precepts during the weekend.

Alcohol, stimulants and any non-prescription drugs are not permitted. Smoking is not allowed in public spaces.

The use of mobile phones and any other communication media is very strongly discouraged - except in emergencies.

From arrival at the centre to departure, silence is to be observed except for scheduled feedback sessions and discussion times.

A booking fee of 3,500 baht is to be paid at least 14 days before the first day of the course with the balance paid on arrival at the House of Dhamma.

Applications must be made in writing and sent by post or fax: