Abstract

       This dissertation has been conducted to study Buddhist meditation retreats suitable for foreigners in Thailand. The objectives of the research are: (1) to study Theravada Buddhist meditation, (2) to study Buddhist meditation retreats for foreigners in Thailand, (3) to develop a suitable model for Buddhist meditation retreats. The research methodology is documentary research with participant observations and in-depth interviews. It uses, as case studies, Wat Mahādhātu (Section 5), the Middle Way Meditation Retreat, the International Dhamma Hermitage (IDH), and Wat Pah Nanachat.

     The result of the study shows how foreign-practitioner’s meditation practice is affected, through an introduction to Theravada Buddhist teachings at the above-named Thai Meditation Centres.  Data is collected on application of meditation skills, following a structural progression based on the development of both tranquillity and insight and factors that support meditation practice as follow: severing the ten impediments (palibodhas), having good friends (kalyānamitta), finding a subject suitable to a temperament, and having things favourable to mental development (sappāya). Additionally, the study of Buddhist meditation retreats for foreigners in Thailand shows that meditation retreats and temples with meditation practices for foreigners should offer separate classes for students at different levels - visitors, beginners, intermediates and advanced meditation practitioners - and also offer an ordination programme. In addition, they should apply the concept of sappāya or factors favourable to mental development to support the retreat.