October 2024 Intensive Meditation Retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Practitioners from around the world once again gathered at the tranquil and picturesque Wat Phra Doi Saket in Chiang Mai.
This year’s retreat marked several significant breakthroughs compared to previous years. Specifically, the duration was extended to three weeks, making it the longest in its history. Each day included up to 8 hours of sitting meditation, consisting of 3 to 4 sessions of 2 hours each. The duration of walking meditation was also increased. To support deeper practice, supplementary exercises such as Huang Hai (seated waist rolls) and mindful movement routines were incorporated between sitting sessions. Additionally, some participants observed noble silence and refrained entirely from all smartphone use throughout the retreat.
These breakthroughs also reflect a growing receptivity among practitioners toward actual Dharma practice, and a steady alignment with the right path of cultivation. May all fellow practitioners advance on the Dharma path, be filled with Dharma joy, and ultimately achieve the true benefit of both self and others. We dedicate the collective merit of this retreat to world peace, the long life of all great masters, and the ever-thriving presence of the Dharma across the world.
The Opening Ritual (Qi Qi) marks the formal beginning of the seven-day meditation retreat.
Registration at the reception desk.
Registration at the reception desk.
Practitioners sit in quiet meditation.
Practitioners sit in quiet meditation.
Dharma talks are an essential part of the Chan retreat.
The retreat includes not only sitting meditation , but also walking meditation.
Kitchen volunteers preparing the meals.
Kitchen volunteers preparing the meals.
Kitchen volunteers preparing the meals.
Get food
Volunteers preparing afternoon tea
Interactive sessions with the monks of Wat Phra That Doi Saket.
A group photo taken on a sunny afternoon.
The retreat coincided with the end of the Vassa (Rains Retreat) in the Theravāda tradition—monks descend from the mountains in solemn procession.
During the Vassa ending ceremony, laypeople offer alms to the monks by the roadside.
The temple at dusk.
The temple at dusk.
The temple at dusk.
Walking and paying respects to the Buddha statues during break time.
Walking and paying respects to the Buddha statues during break time.
Walking and paying respects to the Buddha statues during break time.
Walking and paying respects to the Buddha statues during break time.
Joyful young novice monks
A monk among blooming flowers.
The Closing Ritual (Jie Qi) signifies the end of the retreat.
