PTrang

Introduction
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.