| WAT MAHE-YONG MEDITATION CENTRE
by
Andy Pitt
Meditation in Asia is considered far more common place than in the West. It is quite normal to see it practiced daily by worshipers in Thai temples where it’s closely intertwined with the Buddhist faith. It has been practiced by many religions and cultures for thousands of years and its medical benefits well studied and well known. Now in the West more and more doctors are prescribing meditation as treatment to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and depression, reduce the chances of heart disease, improve breathing, reduce cholesterol, increase skin resistance, decrease the aging process, decrease anxiety, improve concentration, creativity, happiness and general well being.
Thanks to the dedication of many Thai Monks Thailand boasts numerous meditation centres where Thai and Westerners may study and develop their meditative skills. ‘Wat Mahe Yong’, a temple-monastery in Ayuthaya, is one such little known mediation centre. Situated some eighty five kilometres north of Bangkok Ayuthaya was the ancient capital of Siam from 1350 to1767. The city lies on the banks of three converging rivers: The Chao Praya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers which, with an additional small canal, completely encircles the town. It was once a thriving city and sea port with many large temple-monasteries and international trade. The Burmese sacked the city in 1767 but many large temples remain giving a truly unique feeling. Pagodas and temple spires are everywhere giving a sense of the timeless spirit of Asia in a modern world.
Built in about 1430 by King Borom Rachanthirat II, the seventh of the thirty three kings of Ayuthaya, the ‘Wat Mahe Yong’ temple monastery lies in green fields on the outskirts of the city away from the main city island. In 1709 the temple was rebuilt under guidance of King Tai Sa which took three years to complete. Like all the temples in Ayuthaya it’s built of brick and now mostly in ruins. The main building or ‘bhot’ has no roof but is still used for worship. Far from the traffic and noise of modern life there is a natural peace and tranquillity about the temple and surrounding grounds making it an ideal setting for the meditation centre.
The mediation centre was started by Pra Krue Kasem Dhumathud (Surasak Khaemargsri in 1984 when as a young monk he visited the ruined and deserted temple. With help he started to clear and improve the old ruins and started the mediation centre which is open to all people, male and female. Westerners and other nationalities are welcome but instruction is in Thai language. Seventy to eighty percent of the students are Thai women usually numbering about eighty at any one time. Courses vary from three to nine days and a strict routine is followed. Course initiation starts at nine in the morning when students change their normal clothing to the compulsory white monastic uniform which must be worn at all times. No makeup or jewellery is worn. Students sleep on the floor in large common room huts with just a mosquito net. The day starts at four in the morning with prayers and mediation. During the day students receive instruction and sermons but are also expected to work, clean the temple and surrounding areas and maintain a quiet discipline and respect. Food is basic and strictly vegetarian. Families are welcome and it’s not uncommon for husbands, wives and their children to enrol for a few days. There is of course no physical contact allowed. The courses are free but some donation is considered normal and respectful. Instruction and sermons are given by Pra Krue Kasem Dhumathud (Surasak Khaemargsri) or his assistant.
Getting there: Take a bus or taxi from Bangkok. From the main highway take the road to Ayuthaya city. At the large, unmistakable pagoda, in the centre of the road (It’s a roundabout) take the third exit. The entrance to ‘Wat Mahe Yong’ is on the right about two kilometers further on. Alternatively take the train or a boat from Bangkok and then a taxi (Songtiew).
Places to stay. The ‘Hotel River View Place’ is a good hotel with commanding views over the river, temple opposite and surrounding countryside. Alternatively the ‘Ayudthaya Grand Hotel’, the ‘Krungsri River Hotel’ or ‘U -Thong Inn Hotel’.
If doing a mediation course or just visiting for the day you will come away from Wat Mahe Yong with a peaceful tranquil feeling and wider view of Thai culture and history. For more information see the website. http://www.mahaeyong.org/
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