a few words about us
To be able to share Vipassana meditation practice with others is a true gift and honour.
We came to this practice in 1990 and after continuing on this path for the next 10 years, we were appointed to teach as well and we have been teaching in Thailand , Germany , the Netherlands and Canada . We would like to express our gratitude to our Teachers and all those who have taught and supported us on this path. In keeping with the tradition of generosity, we are happy to have created a suitable environment for people to come and discover Vipassana meditation, and, to further develop their practice in order to understand the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and in so doing, bring ease, harmony and peace for themselves and others in their lives.
With Metta,
Edward Kooij and Jodi Snijders
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 4:00 AM Wake Up
- 6:00 AM Breakfast
- 11:00 AM Lunch
- 10:00 PM Bed
- Your practice consists of the following exercises ,a mindful prostration, walking and sitting meditation. Throughout the day you will alternate between these practices with breaks in between.
- While observing the practice of Noble Silence one will be able to keep attention on your practice and minimize distractions. You will meet with your teacher once per day to discuss your practice. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, and for your teacher to provide you with feedback.
While at the meditation center, meditators are expected to observe the following training rules:
1. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from taking life
2. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from stealing.
3. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from sexual conduct (Including just simple touching or suggestive behavior. Please do not touch each other. You may bring your hands together in greeting)
4. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing carelessness.
6. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from eating at improper times. (after 12 noon and before 6 AM. After noon you may have liquids such as milk, juice without pulp, yogurt, chocolate without nuts)
7. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from entertainment such as dancing, singing, music, shows, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying with cosmetics.
8. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from sleeping in high and comfortable places or unsuitable times.
LINEAGE monastic
Most Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi (Ven. Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo)
Venerable Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo was born in 1923. He ordained as a novice in 1934 and took full ordination as a monk in 1941. In the 1950s he was sent to Wat Mahathat in Bangkok for one year as the only representative of the Northern-Thai Sangha to practice Vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The following two years he learned and studied in Burma amongst others with Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw Bhaddantasobhana Mahathera.
On December 13, 2019, at the age of 96, our most revered teacher left this world. We are grateful for all the years of teaching and tireless support that the Most Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi has given so generously to so many.
LINEAGE lay
Late Director of the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara
Khun Thanat was a senior disciple of Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi (Ven. Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo). He was a teacher of Satipatthana Vipassana meditation in the Theravada Buddhist tradition of Thailand and was the Director of the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara, which was established in 2000.
He studied Vipassana meditation with Venerable Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo in the mid 1980s and began his teaching apprenticeship with late Venerable Phra Banyat Akkayano, the late Director of Thailand’s Northern Insight Meditation Centre at Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram), Chiang Mai. Since 1988, he has conducted meditation courses in Thailand, Hawaii, America, Canada, Mexico, Columbia, Germany, Spain, Slowenia, France, Israel, India and Nepal and has established 21 Vipassana meditation centers in 14 countries.
Khun Thanat passed away on March 31, 2022 at the age of 80.
Director of the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara
Khun Kathryn Chindaporn (Kate Johnston) is a senior disciple of Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi (Ven. Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo) having studied Vipassana since 1986. Khun Kathryn has been teaching Vipassana for more than 30 years. Since 1988 she has led courses in Thailand, North-America, Hawaii, Europe, Israel and India.
Khun Kathryn is presently director and meditation teacher at the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara, Chiang Mai.