IntroMeditation

Meditation is found in some form or another in all major religious traditions. Meditation is an important part of
Buddhist doctrine, for concentrating the mind and body and purifying the heart.

Consequently, the art of meditation is a highly developed one in Thailand. It is a valuable training that can be
applied to daily life, greatly helping concentration and can lead to a state of peace and calmness no matter where
the meditation is performed.

The two main divisions of meditation are samantha (calmness meditation) and vipassana (insight meditation).
Samantha meditation is found in all major religious traditions; whereas vipassana is only found in Buddhist
tradition. These two methods of meditation are collectively referred to as bhavana - mental development.

Samantha meditation methods are many and amongst the most commonly practised in Thailand is anapanasati
(mindfulness with breathing). Other techniques includes mantra meditation, in which given words are repeated over
and over to help focus the mind; kasina, where mediators concentrate on an object outside themselves.

The key to vipassana meditation is mindfulness and the objective is to learn to be aware of what happens but not to
dwell on it. To avoid distractions, vipassana meditation retreats are usually held in isolated and peaceful
surroundings.

Meditation teachings are widely available in Thailand for locals and visitors alike. Classes are conducted in both
Thai and English and vary in duration and there are also many variations of method available. Intensive retreats
include perhaps 14 hours of regulated and formal practice. Shorter retreats emphasize familiarity with theory. Day
classes are held in Bangkok while intensive vipassana courses are held at remote retreats in the provinces.

The Body & Mind Solution
The Body & Mind program has been tailored to bring a complete state of wellness of the three elements: The body
(physical), emotion, and the mind.

Because of the inseparable existence of the three elements, it is not possible to effectively cure or improve one
without involving the other two. The “Body & Mind Solution harmoniously synchronizes the process to a one and two
day easy-to-practice program with three sessions: for The whole body, The Emotion Softening, and the Meditation of
Relaxation.

The program is highly recommended to those wanting to energize themselves both physically & mentally before
commencing their well earned holidays. Likewise, after hectic adventures and before departure you may want to
rejuvenate again to recall the process for further self practice on the health and wellness programs.

The Whole Body
Starting with easy stretching, proper breathing, to suit each individual physical condition. Practice certain postures to
release muscle tension etc.

And lastly the Foot Massage applied from traditional Chinese Acupressure (Reflexology) to be more comfortable and
more relaxing. Our foot masseuses are well experienced in foot massage for meditation transcendent.

The Emotion Softening (Oriental Movement)
The slow and easy physical exercise applied from Indian and Chinese typical exercise. This is to practice with the
light oriental serene music to simultaneously improve inner blood circulation and emotion.

The Meditation for Relaxation
Tune the mind to the “Inner Peace” this is the next step after adjusting physical and emotion then to practice the
basic meditation with our instructor for practical meditation instruction. The peace of mind obtained from this
session is a perfect serenity you have never experience before.

Down along Chao-phraya River, it's about half way to Bangkok, the metropolitan of Thailand.
A big, but, simple wooden houses of typical riverine life stand in cluster embracing a big digged pond at the center. It
seems to be the most attractive building situated by the bank of the river of the pottery island, Koh Kred, the only
fresh water island of Chao-phraya. Baan Dvara-prateep is her name that means “the house of the door that opens to
the innerlight”. And the innerlight is happiness that one should gain through culture appreciation and meditation.

The house belongs to the master of meditation Mrs. Kasemsook Bhamornsatit who has put her whole effort to
meditation teaching since 1986. And her life through meditation is about her whole life, started from the word of her
mom since she was almost 10.

Kasemsook says “I cannot live without meditation. Meditation makes my breath possible, and makes my life become
fruitful. ”

Baan Dvara-prateep is the House of Knowledge and the Sweet Sacred for the ones who seek for a real relaxation
through music appreciation. At the same place, one has an opportunity to learn about the life by the river and to
revive the vanishing Thai culture, and to experience the combination of body and mind exercise. But most of all, the
true happiness one would gain from here is to discover oneself with a clean and clear mind like seeing a sparkling
light of a candle in the dark once walking through the “Gateway of Light” which is what the House literally means in
Thai.

Baan Dvara-prateep is a compound of the brand new wooden buildings standing of the high wooden stilts on the
river bank, situated among the coconut trees, fruit plantation and embraced by a tranquil local village. The House is
simple but attractive and tastefully designed to create a homely atmosphere and decorated with Thai art objects in
both classical and contemporary style. There are only 10 comfortable bedrooms equipped with necessary amenities
except TV, refrigerator, and telephone. The exercise room is spacious and gracefully designed, next to the Home
Museum of Stupa Study and the main living area which is open-air and for multi-purpose use. Smoking cigarette or
drinking any alcoholic beverage is not permitted.