All over the world interest in meditation has increased. Living a healthy lifestyle and meditation now go hand in hand, so it is fortunate that here in Chiang Mai there are plenty of places to learn how to meditate.
Contrary to what many people think, meditation does not just mean thinking or concentrating about one thing, or even attempting to think about nothing at all, but simply focusing on your breathing and relaxing.
In Thailand Vipassana meditation is often practiced and this starts with learning the Anapana technique, i.e. focusing on your breathing.
If you are in Chiang Mai you can book a place in one of the monasteries to learn meditation. Such courses usually last from 2 to 26 days. It is important to book in advance as centres do fill up.
There are no requirements for people to be a participant in the course. However, because a lot of courses are in temples, there will be some rules which have to be followed and certain requirements as to suitable clothing.
Courses are usually free, though donations for food and the upkeep of the centre are accepted.
All necessary information can be found at these meditation centres listed below. We have picked these places because here your meditation course can be taken in English.
To really gain from meditation you must keep it up after you leave the retreat or temple
Meditation Centres in Chiang Mai:
Insight Meditation Center
Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Tong
Ban Luang,
Chom Tong
Chiang Mai
Email: reservationchomtong@yahoo.com / kathrynchindaporn@yahoo.com
Tel: +66 (0)53-826869
International Buddhist Education and Meditation Center
Wat Umong
Suthep
Chiang Mai
E-mail: meditationedu@yahoo.com
Tel: +66 (0)53-810965
International Buddhism Center
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Suthep
Chiang Mai
E-mail: doisuthepinfo@gmail.com
Tel: +66 (0)53-295012
http://www.fivethousandyears.org/new/faq.html
Monk Chat
Mahachulalongkornrajavidayalaya
MCU. Buddhist University Chiang Mai Campus
Wat Suan Dok
Suthep Road
Chiang Mai
Tel. +66 (0)53-278967 Ext. 210 Mobile 084-6091357
http://www.monkchat.net/index.php
Northern Insight Meditation Center
Wat Rampoeng
Chiang Mai
E-mail: watrampoeng@hotmail.com
Tel: +66 (0)53-278620 Ext.13
Thailand Vipassana Centre
Dhamma Simanta
200 Moo 1
Baan Nongsroi
Makok
Parsang
Lamphun
E-mail: info@simanta.dhamma.org
