Activities Are Mandatory
Please remember that we are a Forest Monastery, not a relaxation centre. All the spiritual activities of Wat Pa Tam Wua are mandatory to everyone who stays with us and cannot be skipped without the serious reason to do so. Please see the information desk if you are facing any problems so we can help you.
Activities timetableNew to the methods used in the daily programme? Read the practical introductions to Anapanasati breath meditation and Theravada walking meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The two main forms are Samatha (calm abiding / concentration) meditation and Vipassana (insight) meditation. Classes include walking, sitting and lying-down meditation, all taught by English-speaking monks.
No experience is needed. The monastery welcomes complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The Dharma talks cover basics for newcomers, and the monks are available for individual guidance.
Yes. The schedule is slightly more flexible than many intensive retreats, making it accessible to first-timers. That said, all activities are mandatory and the environment is genuinely monastic, not a relaxation retreat.
Yoga is allowed only in private spaces — your kuti, dorm room, or another non-visible area. Practising yoga in communal areas or where monks could see is not permitted.
Each class includes approximately 40 minutes of walking meditation, 40 minutes of sitting meditation, and 15 minutes of lying-down meditation. Evening chanting lasts about 45 minutes, followed by meditation and a short Dharma talk.
Yes. After each afternoon class the monk is available to answer questions. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your practice or any difficulties you are experiencing.
A kuti is a small single-person meditation hut. Kutis offer a private space for meditation, study and contemplation. They are allocated based on length of stay and commitment to practice, and are a privilege rather than a right.