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Wat Pah Wana Potiyahn Temple, Phibhun Mangsahan, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
MEANING OF NAME
“Forest monastery of enlightened wisdom”OTHER NAMES: Wat Keu-an (“Dam monastery”) Wat Koh (“Island monastery”)
ADDRESS
Dtumbol Nikom #1, Amper Phibun Mangsahan, Ubon Ratchathani 34110.
DIRECTIONS
Located on a peninsula on the northeast shore of Sirindhorn Reservoir about 70 km east of Ubon Ratchathani and only 5 km from the Laotian border. (This large reservoir is named after the king’s daughter, the crown princess.)
From Ubon, take a bus east 45 km to Phibun Mangsahan (a “tour” bus from Bangkok also goes here), then take a taew east 20 km to Nikom #1; get off at Wana Potiyahn boat landing (ask in advance to be let off here — you can’t see the landing from the road).
Ask to be taken across the lake to the monastery (give the boat boys a 20-baht tip), then follow a road 3/4 km to the central area.
MEDITATION SYSTEM
Similar to Wat Pah Nanachat. You’re free to use your own system.
TEACHING METHOD
Similar to Wat Pah Nanachat.
MEDITATION TEACHERS
LANGUAGE
This is a Thai monastery. The abbot gives Dhamma talks and instructions in Thai. He recommends that visitors know or be willing to learn the language. He will answer questions in English.
DESCRIPTION
A dense growth of dry tropical forest covers most of the monastery’s 2,500-rai (1000-acre) area. The forest is one of the finest of its type in the region. Monks have taken an active role in the conservation and protection of plant and animal life.
Denizens of the forest include wild boar, langur (a type of monkey), mouse deer, forest fowl, pheasant, many other birds, and many species of snakes (though rarely seen). Wat Pah Wana Potiyahn is a branch of Ajahn Chah’s Wat Nong Pah Pong. A sala, kitchen, scattered kutis, and a boat house are the main buildings. All water has to be hauled from wells. Solar cells power a lighting system for the common areas.
SIZE
- monks and novices: about 10
- nuns: 0
- laypeople: a few
DAILY ROUTINE
Similar to Wat Pah Nanachat.
FOOD
Good northeastern fare. Supplies may be limited, especially in the hot season. Visitors can also supply their own food and prepare it in the kitchen. The community eats one meal a day.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Individual kutis for monks, novices, and laypeople. Bathing is done at wells; toilets are Asian-style.
WRITE IN ADVANCE?
Not necessary
ORDINATION
Not available
OTHER INFORMATION
A good place to practice if you are looking for solitude in a remote forest monastery. Visitors need to have their own practice, be self-reliant, and be willing to learn Thai. Some malaria exists here, so take care to use repellent and netting. Because this is a frontier area near Laos, women should only come and stay in groups of 2 or more. Laypeople observe 8 precepts.
Laymen must shave their heads after 3 days. Ajahn Puriso, the former abbot, has left the monkhood. Conditions may or may not be suitable for Westerners now. Ask first at Wat Pah Nanachat.
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Do you have any forest retreat in India
There must be some, but I am unaware. There are some in Sri Lanka, if close to you.