Many Westerners are curious about Buddhism, and there’s no better place to learn about Buddhist meditation than at a Thai temple. However, before signing up for such a course, consider carefully if you are really prepared to commit yourself to such a course of study, as there’s inevitably a sense of disappointment if you find you can’t complete the course.
Fortunately there are all kinds of courses available, ranging from a day or two to entire month spent practicing vipassana (insight) meditation. For such courses, you’ll have to abide by the basic precepts of Buddhism, which are no killing, no stealing, no lying, no sex, no drugs, no entertainment, no soft bed and no food after midday.
There is no charge for these courses (the Dhamma is always given for free), but inevitably you are expected to make a donation to the temple to cover the costs of your food and lodging.
The most demanding course in Chiang Mai is at Wat Ram Poeng (tel: 053278620; www.watrampoeng.net), where the course lasts 26 days for beginners.
Shorter courses involving an overnight stay on Doi Suthep are organized by the Buddhist university at Wat Suan Dok (tel: 053808411-3; www.monkchat.net).
If you are interested in studying meditation but are not sure which is the best course for you, go along to one of the ‘monk chat’ sessions at Wat Suan Dok or Wat Chedi Luang and ask the monks a few questions about what to expect on a course.