Founded by Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu in 1986 in a southern Thailand coconut grove, the Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage aims to foster world peace and mutual understanding between religions. Emphasizing humility, simplicity, and intimacy with nature, its monthly meditation retreats led since its foundation have trained about 30,000 (as of Sep. 2023) international visitors from many walks of life, between 17 and more than 70 years of age in the theory and practice of Dhamma.
The retreat allows us to withdraw from our usual activities to a quiet and secluded place and devote our time to study, contemplation and meditation. The teachings and the structure of the retreats at the International Dharma Hermitage of Wat Suan Mokkh are designed for a period of 10 days and therefore we ask the participants to commit themselves for this period of time. We do not accept people for less than 10 days.
The meditation technique taught is
Mindfulness with Breathing.
(concentration and vipassana meditation)
Besides learning and practising how to meditate, participants will get an introduction to some other aspects of the Buddha's teaching, including the Four Noble Truths which include the Noble Eightfold Path.
In order to do the retreat successfully, you must be really free from all commitments for the period of the retreat. All phone calls, e-mail, letters, tickets, flight confirmations, money changing, visa extensions etc. must be arranged and organized before the retreat begins.
There is no way to do them during the retreat.
Your phone, tablet, notebook etc. has to be deposited for safe keeping during the retreat.
You must be in good general health, both physically and mentally. The retreat is not suitable for people with mental disorders or drug addictions.