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Tham Tong Meditation Center

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From the old and now-defunct meditationthailand.tripod.com site.

Tham Tong Meditation Centre, Chiang Mai, Thailand Meditation Retreat

Meaning of Tham Tong?

In Thai language, the meaning is ‘Tong Cave.’ Tong means ‘gold’ in Thai.

ADDRESS

Tambon Ban Pae, Amper Chom Thong, Chiang Mai 50240

DIRECTIONS

Located 86 km southwest of Chiang Mai. Take a bus from Chiang Mai toward Hot. Ask to be let off at the stop for Tham Tong (23 km past Chom Thong, between KM posts 82 and 83). Follow the gravel road 1.5 km west to Ban Pae, then turn left 2 km on a small paved road to its end at the meditation center. You may have to walk in from the highway as local transport is infrequent.

MEDITATION SYSTEM

Vipassana based on methods taught by Mahasi Sayadaw. The center is a branch of Wat Maha That in Bangkok. The same meditation system is used.  One can also use one’s own techniques.

TEACHING METHOD

The teacher provides instruction for new arrivals, then interviews as needed.

MEDITATION TEACHERS

Ajahn Suchin Vimalo, abbot (Thai; age 59)

LANGUAGES

The teacher does not speak English. Visitors need to know basic conversational Thai. A few nuns speak English, but may not be available (especially for male visitors).

DESCRIPTION

The center covers about 30 rai (12 acres) on both sides of a narrow, wooded valley. A peaceful setting with a running stream, caves, and mountains. The land and surrounding mountains belong to the Forestry Department

RESIDENTS

  • monks: 7-40
  • novices: 3-10
  • nuns: 15-25
  • laypeople: 10-40

DAILY ROUTINE

The wake-up bell is at 3:30 a.m.; the meal and some chanting is at 8:30 a.m. One also helps with sweeping and cleaning work. Except for the meal, the entire day is free for individual meditation practice in solitude.

MEALS

Adequate quality; one meal at 8:30 a.m. of food offered by the meditation center. (Newcomers may also be offered a rice porridge (Khao Tom) earlier in the morning for the first few days.) Monks, novices, and nuns eat from alms bowls but do not go on pindabat. Laymen can eat with the monks and novices. Laywomen and nuns have their meals together in an adjacent room.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Individual kutis (in most cases), are fairly close together, or rooms; most have electricity, screens, and Thai-style bathrooms with running water (bathing from tanks; Asian- style toilets).

WRITE IN ADVANCE?

Recommended. The center is often full during the Rains Retreat and during the time of other retreats.

MONK ORDINATION

Not available for novices or monk. Women can ordain as magee (nuns); this center appears to be an especially good place for the nun’s life.

OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THAM TONG MEDITATION CENTER

This is a meditation practice center with strict discipline. Visitors must be highly self-reliant and self-motivated. Laypeople wear white clothing and follow the 8 precepts. Time should be devoted to meditation and all-around mindfulness. Socializing, reading, and writing are discouraged.

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