Retreat lifestyle...

There was nothing flash about this place. It was very run down, in a melancholy yet very original way. No one seems to care much about your presence, the monks seem lazy, even slothful, and tourists come and go visiting the temple. The monks live in houses around the lake and weren't often seen.

The rules are simple: no killing of any beings (including mosquitoes), no stealing, minimal speaking, no intoxication, no sexual interaction, no use of devices, respect, etc.

The timetable:
- Meditation: 6-7am, 9-11am, 2-3pm
- Pali Chanting 6-7pm
- Meals (eaten in silent reflection; mindful eating): breakfast 7.30am, lunch 11am
- Work/Sweeping/Cleaning (meditation in action): 7-7.30am, 4-5pm
- The rest is free time, which I used for studying budhist texts.

It is quite a relaxed monastery in that no one is looking over your shoulder telling you what to do. Meditation is not supervised. And speaking happens, although moderately.
I was glad to land in a somewhat relaxed environment with mostly beginners.
The food was delicious and healthy, just what the doctor ordered!Read more