General Information on Ten Day Retreats
at the International Dharma Hermitage of Suan Mokkh
What is the 10 - Day Retreat?
It is a very special period of time in one’s life which one devotes just to oneself, a time to explore and learn the "inner side" of oneself. Retreat is getting to know oneself thoroughly, in all aspects, e.g., who one is, what one really needs or wants in life, what is the real goal in one’s life, how one can accomplish it, etc. This retreat might just be a start towards discovering such important things about oneself.
Suan Mokkh International's retreats are run monthly all year round. They begin on the last day of the previous month and end on the 11th of that month. (For example, the January retreat starts on December 31st and ends on January 11th). Detailed daily schedule available here.
Why is it?
To be born into this world without warning is to be thrown into this life without any preparation, training, or direction at all. One gets lost easily and quickly. This is especially true in the so-called "modern, material world" where most people and environments influence, lead, or even "force" one to choose a competitive, materialist way of living ones life. Such a lifestyle inevitably results in an undesirable, unhealthy, or even a miserable life. Always in a hustling and bustling state, one has no time to stop and think life over, or to notice what is really going on. Is this the kind of life you wish to lead?
The Ten Day Retreat, along with similar retreats elsewhere, provides an opportunity for oneself to take a break, look over things, and make a serious review of what has been happening or going on -- whether right or wrong -- in one’s life. It is an excellent chance to examine, modify, adjust, and make changes in one’s life.
How is it done?
In the retreat, all participants are required to observe Some Basic Rules among which are:
 | Keep complete silence throughout the 10 days. | ||
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| Refrain from ...
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| taking things without permission; |
| any sexual activity, mentally, verbally, or bodily; |
| smoking or intoxicating oneself with any intoxicant; |
| having dinner (last meal is lunch); |
| beautifying or entertaining oneself; |
| sleeping or sitting on luxurious beds or seats. |
These rules are to be kept by each meditator, by oneself & for oneself, no one else!
What the participants learn?
Teaching
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| The teaching of the Four Noble Truths is:
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| Ănăpănasati (mindfulness with breathing)
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Practice
| Formal meditation
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| Meditation in action (in daily life) |
| Interviews: when a participant has a question or problem, s/he can sign up for an interview during days 3 - 9. |
For whom is it good?
The retreat is open for people from all walks of life, races, ages, sexes, faiths, and beliefs without prejudice nor discrimination. It is good for everyone who wants a happy life, a life that has an aim, a life that is full of meaning, a life that is free from all stresses, pressures, frustrations, and problems, a life that is beneficial to everyone and everything in this universe. One should be mentally balanced and in reasonably good health; the retreat is not for mentally disturbed or people taking psychiatric medication. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy or the like.
Benefits
These are a few basic benefits among others which one normally gains after attending the full 10 - day retreat.
By being completely isolated for 10 days, and be only with oneself and one’s mind, one gets the chance to really get to know oneself. There is no way to escape for there is no one to talk to, no radio nor television to watch, no book to read, nothing to write. Thus one is forced to face oneself, to look inside and to read one’s own mind. The chance like this is very rare in an ordinary daily life.
One learns to focus one’s mind on one thing at a time and not let it scatter all over the place. Thus, can perform any thing more effectively, efficiently, and joyfully.
One learns to be "here and now" in this present moment with an undivided attentiveness and focus on what is being done at this moment. By being totally aware of here and now, one lets go the worries of the past and the anxieties about the future. Thus, one frees oneself from stress and suffering (dukkha) and becomes more relaxed, calm, peaceful, and understanding.
One learns about feelings and emotions, how to treat them rightly, and to free oneself from their influence and control; this results in a more peaceful, happier, contented life.
With mindfulness training supported by Ănăpănasati and the talks given in the retreat, one can apply them as tools to cope with daily life situations and problems to make one’s life more simple, healthier, happier, and stress-free.
Registration Fee
All participants are required to pay a 1500 baht fee to cover the cost of their own food during the stay. This fee is not refundable, should you decide to leave early (which is strongly discouraged). The teaching is free of charge. Those who feel that the retreat is beneficial for themselves as well as for others and would like to keep it going for the sake of loving kindness and compassion, may make a donation at the end of the course. All donations are welcome but not asked for.
After the registration each participant will be provided with a personal room including a mosquito net, a pillow, a simple straw mat, and a blanket. Note that accommodations are very simple, even "rustic."
What to bring to the retreat?
Loose clothing e.g. T-shirt, fisherman pants. No sleeveless shirts or shorts, no see-through, please. The body should be completely covered from below the knees to the upper arms. Women need to wear bras. Slippers, since shoes have to be taken off in all buildings. Flash light (especially in rainy weather). Mosquito repellent (but please don't burn the coiled-type in the meditation hall). Personal toiletries Umbrella (during rainy season). Do No Bring Food: the food provided is vegetarian, two meals a day plus a drink in the evening. Small purchases (toiletries, etc.) can be made during the retreat at our ‘small shop.’
Advance Booking or Reservations
Advanced booking is not possible. The best is to show up a day before the last day of the month before the retreat starts. You'll have a place for sure. Do not arrive later than early afternoon on the last day of the preceding month. Some months, the retreat fills up by noon on the day before it begins.
Arrangements before participating in the retreat
Once one decides to do the retreat, one must make sure that one is really free from all business connections (both personal and public) for the period of the retreat. All phone calls, e-mail, letters, tickets, reconfirmations, money changing, visa-extensions etc. must be arranged and organized before the retreat begins. There is no way and no time to do them during the retreat.
Health & Sanity
In order to participate in, one must be in good general health, both physically and mentally. People with mental problems or disorders, or drug addictions, cannot be accepted.
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