Buddhist MEDITATION
The attraction of Buddhism, once largely confined to Asia, has spread to many
other parts of the world. There are now Thai Buddhist temples in both the
 United States and England, frequented not only by Thais living in those
countries but also by local people, some of whom became interested in the
faith while on a visit to Thailand. Meditation is
one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, practiced
regularly by numerous Thais, laymen as well as monks,
as a means ofpromoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors,
too, can leam the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok
and elsewhere in the country. Perhaps the best known
such centre in the capital is at Wat Muhathat,
facing Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace, where the Maha Chulalongkorn
Buddhist University, one of the two most important monks' schools in Thailand,
as well as the Sunday Buddhist School for children are located. A meditation
centre is located in Khana 5 of the area where the resident monks live
(the section is divided into 29 Khana or quarters, khana 1 being the residence
of the abbot) and anyone interested in studying meditation is welcome at
classes held daily. Classes are also held at R="#FF6600">Wat
Bowonniwet and the Thailand
Meditation Centre at the World Fellowship of Buddhist headquarters
in Bangkok has an evening course. Outside the capital
one of the most popular centres is located at Suan
Mok-hapalaram in Surat Thani province, where a large, tree-filled
park provides an ideal atmosphere for discovering peace of mind.
Temples and Meditation centres in and near Bangkok:
1. Wat Pak Nam
Phasicharoen, Bangkok, Tel: (02) 457-6151-3
2. Wat Maha That
Na Phra That Road, near Sanam Luang, Bangkok,
TeL 222-4981, 222-6011
3. Wat Bowonniwet
Phra Su Men Road, near Bang Lam Phu, Bangkok,
TeL 281-2139, 281-3675
4. Wat Chonprathan
in Nonthaburi province, about one hour north of
Bangkok,
TeL 583-8733, 583-5372
5. Wat Asokaram
in Samut Prakan province, about one hour south of
Bangkok,
Tel: 395-0003, 395-2755
6. Wat Phra Dhammakaya
Rangsit Khlong 3, Phahonyothin Road, Pathum Thani,
Tel: 516-9003-9
7. Thailand Meditation Centre
The World Fellowship of Buddhist
33 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok Tel: 251-1188-90
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