Thailand S International Meditation Centers

This book explores contemporary practices within the new institution of international meditation centers in Thailand. It discusses the development of the lay vipassana meditation movement in Thailand and relates Thai Buddhism to contemporary processes of commodification and globalisation. Through an examination of how meditation centers are promoted internationally, the author considers how Thai Buddhism is translated for and embodied within international tourists who participate in meditation retreats in Thailand. Shedding new light on the decontextualization of religious practices, and raising new questions concerning tourism and religion, this book focuses on the nature of cultural exchange, spiritual tourism, and religious choice in modernity. With an aim of reframing questions of religious modernity, each chapter offers a new perspective on the phenomenon of spiritual seeking in Thailand. Offering an analysis of why meditation practices appeal to non-Buddhists, this book contends that religions do not travel as whole entities but instead that partial elements resonate with different cultures, and are appropriated over time.

Eastspirit analyses ‘Eastern’ concepts, practices and traditions in their new ‘Western’ and global contexts as well as in their transformed expressions and reappropriations ‘back in the East’ within the framework of mutual interaction and circulation, regionally and globally.

An ancient Taoist system for detoxifying and rejuvenating the internal organs • Presents techniques to clear blockages in the body’s energy flow • Includes illustrated exercises to relieve common ailments, revitalize the organs, and enable readers to take charge of their own health and well-being • Focuses on the navel center, where negative emotions, stress, and illness accumulate The techniques of Chi Nei Tsang evolved in Asia during an era when few physicians were available and people had to know how to heal themselves. Many people today have symptoms that modern medicine is not able to cure because a physical source for the problem is not easily found. The energies of negative emotions, stress, and tension--all common in modern life--and the weight of past illness accumulate in the abdominal center, causing energy blockages and congestion. When this occurs, all vital functions stagnate and myriad problems arise. By practicing the techniques of Chi Nei Tsang, this stagnation is removed and the vital organs surrounding the navel center are detoxified and rejuvenated. Master Chia teaches readers how to avoid absorbing negative energies from others and take full charge of their health through the self-healing techniques of Chi Nei Tsang. He offers fully illustrated exercises that show how to detoxify the internal organs and clear the energy (chi) channels throughout the body. He also presents methods for balancing emotions, managing stress, and observing the body in order to recognize, ameliorate, and prevent maladies before they become a problem.

Temples are everywhere in Chiang Mai, filled with tourists as well as saffron-robed monks of all ages. The monks participate in daily urban life here as elsewhere in Thailand, where Buddhism is promoted, protected, and valued as a tourist attraction. Yet this mountain city offers more than a fleeting, commodified tourist experience, as the encounters between foreign visitors and Buddhist monks can have long-lasting effects on both parties. These religious contacts take place where economic motives, missionary zeal, and opportunities for cultural exchange coincide. Brooke Schedneck incorporates fieldwork and interviews with student monks and tourists to examine the innovative ways that Thai Buddhist temples offer foreign visitors spaces for religious instruction and popular in-person Monk Chat sessions in which tourists ask questions about Buddhism. Religious Tourism in Northern Thailand also considers how Thai monks perceive other religions and cultures and how they represent their own religion when interacting with tourists, resulting in a revealing study of how religious traditions adapt to an era of globalization.

A Compassionate Attitude encourages us not to cause harm or difficulty for ourselves or others. The more we develop Compassion within, the more we see that Mindfulness is an extremely valuable way to develop our Understanding of Life in all aspects. Then, with this Understanding, we can work toward increasing beneficial qualities and lessening unbeneficial qualities. This will create the causes and conditions that will produce more Peace, Contentment and deeper Happiness. This is a complete record of talks from a 10-day Theravadin Buddhist Vipassana Meditation Retreat, by Rosemary & Steve Weissman, teachers of Wat Kow Tahm International Meditation Center, Koh Pah-ngan Island, Thailand. Noted for their ability to blend the Compassion and Wisdom aspects of Buddhism, Steve & Rosemary have taught over 100 retreats to thousands, aged 18-77, from over fifty countries, since 1987. This book can help new & experienced meditators, Buddhist & non-Buddhists, young & old. These teachings are timeless, helping us to lessen our fear, anger, jealousy, greed, etc.; as well, to become more compassionate, loving, patient, and peaceful. Since these teachings are over 2,500 years old, they are tried, tested, and work.