All our Meditation Retreats listed here >
Boonkanjanaram Meditation Retreats Center, Chonburi, Thailand
Boonkanjanaram Meditation Retreats Center in Chonburi, Thailand, is a well-known meditation center located in the beach town of Pattaya. Despite Pattaya’s reputation as a bustling tourist destination, this center offers a tranquil, spiritual escape, focusing on Vipassana meditation and mindfulness practices.
It provides both locals and international visitors with a peaceful setting to deepen their meditation practice and connect with Buddhist teachings.
Boonkanjanaram is particularly well-suited for beginners to meditation. The relaxed atmosphere, clear instructions, and personal guidance from teachers make it easier for newcomers to settle into their practice. At the same time, the option to stay longer and focus deeply on meditation makes the center suitable for more experienced practitioners as well.
Boonkanjanaram Meditation Retreats Center is a great option for those seeking a flexible, welcoming Vipassana meditation experience in Thailand. Its location in Pattaya makes it accessible for international visitors, and its relaxed atmosphere, combined with solid meditation instruction, provides an ideal setting for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
The peaceful surroundings, supportive community, and focus on mindfulness make Boonkanjanaram a retreat worth considering for anyone looking to deepen their meditation practice in Thailand.
Meaning of Boonkanjanaram
‘Boon’ Charoenchai and his wife “Kanjana” donated the land in 1963 for an aram (wat).
Address
Pattaya, Chonburi 20260. Telephone – (038) 231-865. Email: [email protected]
Directions
Located in Jomtien Beach, 5 km south of Pattaya. From Bangkok, take a bus from the Eastern (Ekamai) Bus Terminal to Sattahip and get off at Wat Boonkanjanaram, just past KM post 150, then walk down Wat Boon Road alongside the wat; entrance to the meditation center is a short way beyond the wat grounds. If you take a bus to Pattaya, hire a songtaew to the center.
Despite being located in Pattaya, a busy tourist destination, Boonkanjanaram is situated in a quiet part of town, providing a peaceful environment conducive to meditation. The center is not far from Jomtien Beach, giving meditators the opportunity to enjoy the calming ocean atmosphere, yet it remains separated from the more chaotic parts of Pattaya’s nightlife.
This accessibility makes it a convenient destination for those traveling to or already staying in the Pattaya or Chonburi area. It’s an especially attractive option for those looking to balance the cultural and natural beauty of Thailand with their meditation practice.
Meditation System
Vipassana, based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness using techniques taught by Ajahn Naeb. Unlike other vipassana systems that begin with mindfulness of breathing, the method taught here proceeds directly to mindfulness of the Four Foundations – satipatthana (body), kaya (feeling), vedana (mind), citta (mind object).
The body (kaya) makes the best object to start with for nearly all people because of its gross, easily observed qualities. The meditator applies steady mindfulness to his body in the 4 basic positions of sitting, standing, walking, and lying and in the minor positions. The purpose of the meditation is to destroy wrong views about self, eliminate liking and disliking, realize the Four Noble Truths, and end suffering.
When pain is noticed, the position is changed and the pain is followed into the next position. As the practice becomes more proficient, the Three Characteristics of impermanence – anicca, suffering – dukkha, and not-self – anatta will become more evident. Rupa and nama (material and mental factors) are seen as impermanent because they cannot stay the same.
Rupa and nama are seen as suffering because their position is suffering. Rupa and nama are seen as not-self because whatever is impermanent and suffering is without self.
As practice deepens it is seen with insight that rupa and nama are not self, not “me.” This wisdom can have a very strong effect. When the Three Characteristics are seen in rupa and nama, wisdom is going to feel disenchantment with rupa and nama. This is the path to realizing Nibbana according to the meditation system.
Before one begins to practice, one must understand some theory. This requires more study than most meditation techniques. The meditation system taught here also has a reputation for being more difficult than breathing-based systems.
The meditation practice at Boonkanjanaram follows the traditional Vipassana (insight) meditation technique, similar to the methods taught at other meditation centers in Thailand. Vipassana emphasizes mindfulness of bodily sensations, thoughts, emotions, and mental states to develop insight into the nature of reality—impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
The goal of this practice is to cultivate awareness and mindfulness, helping meditators observe their experiences without attachment or judgment. This is in line with the core principles of Buddhist meditation and is intended to foster inner peace, concentration, and clarity.
Teaching Method
Interviews with the teacher. A single beginning student would be taught alone; if more than one beginner is at the center, they would be grouped together. Beginners usually have daily interviews at first, then less often as determined by the teacher. Although instructions are in book form, it is considered valuable to have a “good friend” or teacher.
Regular Dhamma talks are held to provide meditators with teachings on the Buddha’s path, mindfulness, and insight practices. These talks help participants understand the theoretical foundations of their practice, which can enhance their meditation experience. The talks are also designed to offer motivation and support as meditators progress in their journey.
Meditators have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one interviews with teachers, where they can ask questions and receive personal guidance on their practice. These interviews help ensure that meditators stay on the right track and can address any difficulties they may encounter.
Boonkanjanaram Meditation Center has a less rigid atmosphere than some of the stricter Vipassana centers in Thailand (such as Wat Ram Poeng or Wat Chom Tong). While the center maintains a disciplined schedule and encourages mindfulness, it also allows meditators to set their own pace to some degree.
This makes it ideal for those looking for a more laid-back retreat experience without the intense demands of stricter centers.
Unlike more intensive centers that may require a minimum commitment (such as 10 days or 26 days), Boonkanjanaram offers more flexibility in retreat duration. While staying for at least a week is recommended for a meaningful experience, participants are welcome to stay for as long as they like, whether it’s a few days or several weeks.
Meditation Teachers
Mr. Chua Jantrupon (Thai) was assisted by Miss Vitoon Voravises (translator) and Frank Tullius (a long-time American practitioner at the center).
Language
An English translation is available (the teacher does not speak much English). American, Frank Tullius also can provide instruction and advice. The book Vipassana Bhavana, published by the center, has detailed information on the theory, practice, and result of the meditation system used here; the book is sold at the center (by mail order too) and at some bookstores in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A French edition is available at the center.
The center is well-organized, with a supportive atmosphere for both Thai and international meditators. While the main language used is Thai, there are often English-speaking teachers and volunteers available to guide foreign participants, making the center accessible to non-Thai speakers.
Description
The meditation center covers 22 rai (8.5 acres) in an old coconut grove with grass, bamboo, and a variety of trees. Facilities include 51 kutis, a small temple, a dining area for monks, and a kitchen. The center operates independently from nearby Wat Boonkanjanaram for the most part.
Boonkanjanaram Meditation Center offers flexible retreat lengths, making it accessible for people who want to practice for just a few days or commit to longer periods. While there are no hard rules about how long participants must stay, the center encourages participants to stay for a minimum of 7 to 10 days for deeper immersion in meditation practice.
Participants can attend both short-term and long-term retreats, and while the center is open year-round, it’s advisable to check for availability and schedule ahead of time if you plan to visit.
Size
- monks: 5-15
- novices: occasionally
- a few nuns: 5-15
- laypeople: 4-8
Daily Routine
None, except for meals and interviews. Practice schedule is left up to meditator.
Food
Good quality and variety; vegetarian is available on request. Food is brought to kutis at 7 am., 11 am., and 5 pm. (people on 8 or more precepts just take the morning meals); an afternoon drink is offered too. Monks and novices go on pindabat. Normally everyone eats mindfully at their kuti; monks and novices sometimes eat as a group when food is specially offered.
Accommodations
Individual kutis with screens, fans, electricity, porches, and Thai-style bathrooms (some have western-style toilets) with running water. Moderately well-spaced.
Accommodations are basic dormitory-style or individual rooms, depending on availability, with separate quarters for men and women. The simplicity of the accommodations helps meditators focus on their practice without distractions.
Write in Advance?
Yes, needed in order to arrange accommodations.
Ordination
Not available
Other Information
Ajaan Naeb (1897-1983), a Thai laywoman, had a deep experience of no-self at the age of 34. She then sought out someone who could teach her vipassana- kammathana. She practiced under the Burmese monk Pathunta U Vilasa and realized Nibbana.
She then turned her attention to the study of Abhidhamma and became an expert on Buddhist philosophy. For 40 years she taught vipassana at many centers, including Boonkanjanaram.
No group practice is offered. Meditators must be highly self-reliant and motivated to practice successfully. They are advised to keep noble silence with each other and abstain from reading (other than about practice) and listening to the radio.
Two weeks is the recommended minimum stay. Six other centers in Thailand teach the same meditation system, though usually only in Thai. A 50 baht (US $2) daily charge is made for running expenses.
Our New Deep Jhana Meditation Retreat in Southern Thailand >
Meditation Coaching may help you and be a more direct way of addressing shortcomings in your meditation practice. Please let me help!