WAT SANGHATHAN
MEDITATION CENTER


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  • ADDRESS : Bangphai, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

  • TELEPHONE : +66(0)9 0500052, +66(2)447-0800 ext. 117

  • FAX : +66(2)447-2784

  • E-MAIL : vimokkha@hotmail.com

  • Directions : From Bangkok take "Chao Phraya Express Boat" to Nonthaburi. Cross the river with the ferry and take the red pick-up truck (the last one in the row) to WAT SANGHATHAN.



  • Meditation System : Meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Mindfulness on breathing and other methods as taught in the Tripitaka (Scriptures).

  • Teaching Method : New arrivals are provided with instructions, then interviews are given as needed. There is group sitting and walking Meditation (see daily schedule).

  • Teacher : Acharn Sanong Katapunyo, Abbot (Thai; age 61)
    Acharn Sanong speaks english; a few monks and nuns speak english and help with translations.

  • Description : The Center covers about 50 acres of land near the Chao Phraya River.
    Many trees and ponds make it a beautiful
    place in nature very near to Bangkok.
  • Size : monks: 100 - 300
    novices: 10 - 300 (when school holiday in April)
    nuns: 30 layperson: 40 - 100

  • Accomodations : Laypeople stay in their own rooms
    or in dormitories. Womens- and mens-areas are seperated.
    Should one write in advance?
    This is recommended if you want to participate a course at "Wat Thamkrissana Dhammaram" (see Our Center near the Khao Yai Nationalpark) .

  • Ordination : One can request to ordain as a monk or novice. One must practise as ordained layperson (Phra Kao) for some time before ordination.

  • Food : Good quality and variety Thai food is offered at 9.00 a.m. at the buffet, some vegetarian dishes available (see daily schedule).

  • Information : WAT SANGHATHAN does not charge you for your stay. However donations are welcomeand needed to support the temples running costs.

    RULES AND CONDITIONS FOR STAYING AT WAT SANGHATHAN

    You are welcome at WAT SANGHATHAN!

    1. 1. You are allowed to stay at WAT SANGHATHAN for seven days to learn about meditation and the Lord Buddha's teachings. If you want to continue with your practise after the first seven days you must ask permission from the venerable Acharn Sanong Katapunyo or the nun who is in charge.
    2. When you arrive at WAT SANGHATHAN for the first time please give two passport photos and show your passport to the staff at the office.
    3. On future visits you will only have to sign on arrival.
    4. During you retreat you should wear white clothing. These can be bought at the shop. (Do not wear shorts or improper clothes).
    5. If you decide to ordain, you should stay in the temple grounds, leave other outside activities behind you. Do not bring mobile-phones and pagers in the temple.
    6. We do not accept people for ordination, who have received money in order to do so.
    7. People who have commited crimes against the laws are not allowed to ordain at WAT SANGHATHAN.
    8. Do not bring valuables like jewellery or large amounts of money when you come to the temple. If you do and they go missing WAT SANGHATHAN doesn't take responsibility.
    9. Before you start your retreat you must take the precepts at the preceptor.
    10. People, who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are not allowed to ordain. It's not allowed to smoke cigarettes in the temple-area.
    11. It is your duty to do the regular chantings, walking and sitting meditations. After these you should return to your resting place (Kuti). If for some reason you are unable to attend the chanting and meditation, please inform the nun who is in charge.
    12. We should keep the place where we live clean and tidy. Do not throw away rubbish but put it in the prepared containers.
    13. Please keep noble silence. (No talking at all to anyone but your teacher). You are not allowed to have guests in private rooms. If you have a visitor, you can meet with him in the dining area. Ordained nuns should not talk to a man alone, they should be accompanied by at least one other female. Try to follow the temples-rules, be mindful at all times. It's important for the development of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Four Satipatthana).
    14. Fortune-telling or any other kind of black magic is prohibited in the temple area.
    15. If you have some business with a monk, you can only go there with another person. While talking to the monk you should fold your hands and sit in a correct position.
    16. If you have an important duty outside of the temple, you must inform the nun in charge and you have to go with a friend.
    17. You should eat only one meal a day at 9.00 in the morning. Be mindful when you pick up the food and while eating. When you eat or drink sit first. You are not allowed to drink milk, ovaltine or any other milk drinks after 12 o'clock midday.
    18. When you take the precepts or disrobe, you must go to the preceptor with the nun responsible for you. After disrobing you shouldn't pick up food dressed as a nun, you should change back into your normal dress.

    DAILY SCHEDULE

  • 04.00 a.m. : Morning chanting until 04.30 - after sitting meditation.
  • 06.00 a.m. : Some warm drinks are prepared at the kitchen.
  • 07.30 a.m. : Walking meditation at "Lahn Dhamm", in the back of the Uposatha Hall "Kaew" (a beautiful Dhamma hall made of glass, which houses the main Buddha Image of WAT SANGHATHAN named Luang Por Tho).
  • 09.00 a.m. : You can pick up food at the buffet. Monks pick up food first, then novices, ordained layman, nuns, lay-nuns and after them laypeople pick up their food. Monks and nuns take their food together at "Lahn Dhamm".
  • 12.30 p.m. : Chanting and Meditation at"Lahn Dhamm"until 13.30 p.m.
  • 15.30 p.m. : Everyone should help together to clean up rooms, bathroom and the area around your living-place.
  • 16.30 p.m. : Walking meditation at "Lahn Dhamm".
  • 17.30 p.m. : After doing walking meditation you can take some afternoon drink, which are prepared at the kitchen. After that you have time for taking a shower and resting.
  • 19.00 p.m. : Evening chanting
  • 20.00 p.m. : Sitting meditation at the Dhamma Hall. On every Wan Phra - the "Buddha Day" and on every saturday, there is meditation and Dhamma-talks are given all night long at "LahnDhamm".

    • THE EIGHT PRECEPTS

    1. Refraining from killing living beings.
    2. Refraining from taking which is not given.
    3. Refraining from having sexual conduct.
    4. Refraining from telling lies or having harsh speech.
    5. Refraining from drinking intoxicating liquors and taking drugs - which leads to carelessness.
    6. Refraining from eating after 12 o'clock midday.
    7. Refraining from dancing, singing, listening to music, going to shows, wearing garlands and beautifying oneselfs with perfumes and cosmetics.
    8. Refraining from lying on a high and luxurious sleeping place.