Dipabhavan Meditation Retreat

Koh Samui, Thailand

When people say they went to Thailand and it changed their life, I used to laugh, but for me this experience was it.

Dipabhavan is a meditation retreat centre and monastery. Situated at the top of a beautiful hill in the southern, peaceful part of Koh Samui, the centre currently runs two 1-week meditation retreats every month, one for beginners and one for more advanced participants. There are incredible views of the ocean from certain vantage points. You are in the middle of a forest, immersed in nature, tucked away and shielded from all the distractions of the hectic world in which we live.

"Over one week you learn to take your meditation practice to a new depth and gain great insights and applications from Buddhist teachings, all while taking a break from talking and technology."

Over one week you learn to take your meditation practice to a new depth and gain great insights and applications from Buddhist teachings, all while taking a break from talking and technology. The prospect of sustained silence might seem daunting or challenging, but there is truly nothing more natural in the world; you are sitting and following the breath.

You are well looked after, with guidance and motivation at every step of the journey from the volunteers and your peers. The food is incredible, all vegetarian and some vegan - this was some of the best food I’ve had in Thailand and they really make an effort. You are served 2 meals, in the morning and at noon then can choose to intermittent fast for 20 hours or so like a monk (which was incredible rewarding) or enjoy some tea and bananas in the evening.

The centre has the most calming energy. No matter how stressful or chaotic your life may be, I strongly believe anyone can find peace here. Of course, it is a challenge, the living conditions humble, the meditations long, the mornings early and the silence sometimes lonely, but it is hugely rewarding and worthwhile.

"It is hugely rewarding and worthwhile."

The days start with the ringing of a bell at 4 am and lights out at 9:30 pm. The seated meditations are broken up by some walking meditation and talks from the monk - a hilarious British guy who went on a road trip to India, never again to return to the UK.

Whether it’s for a teach cleanse, to take your meditation further, to deepen your practice and understanding of mindfulness or take a break from the chaos of the world, this centre is the place for you. I urge you to embark on this journey within and discover a new layer of life.

More Info Here