Buddist Forest Monestary

We have just finished an interesting and enlightening experience in one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. 7-8 hours of meditation each day for 4 days, is very difficult for most, especially me, as you all know that I love to talk.

Schedule: 5am Wake up Meditation in Individual's room
7 am Rice offering to the monks
7:30 am Vegetarian Breakfast (Starving)
8:30 am Walking Meditation 2 Hours
11 am Vegetarian Lunch (Last Meal of the Day)
1:30 pm Sitting & Lying Meditation 2 Hours
4 pm Cleaning & Chores
5 pm Tea Time
6 pm Sitting Meditation & Chanting 2 Hours
8 pm Meditation & Quiet Time in your Kuti (Room)

Going without food for 20 hours from lunch to breakfast the following day was very difficult. The most difficult part was the sitting for 2 hours at a time without moving in the typical meditation position, working through your back aches, stiff legs and all your itches and thoughts. Believe it or not thinking about nothing is very difficult, but you also cannot fall aspleep. It does help to have complete silence, and know talking, cars, radios, tv's etc. Only the sounds of the stream and the birds. After the first 10-12 hours of practice I finally had an awakening, and had a very peaceful evening meditation experience. One feels very clean and free when you can completely clear your mind of thoughts and be at peace with ones self for two hours. It's not unusual to see a monk meditation for 5-6 hours at a time. I am sure that practicing the meditation techniques will be healthy for me and after my experience learning the Buddhist ways I am interested to continue these practices.

This place with such peace and tranquility, in such a beautiful healthy environment aids in your transformation. Our Buddist monk was in complete silence without speaking for 7 years and 7 days to aid in his awakening, and enlightenment. In order to maintain his Buddist Monk status he follows 167 precepts, whereas most of those just practicing the religion usually follow 5.

As most of us find this process really different or weird, and very difficult at first, I highly recommend this experience for at least 4-5 days. This was a place out off all the places we researched that was very special.