Category Archives: Retreats

It’s nearly sunset and 20-odd passengers pile out of a songthaew – a typical Thai truck with bench seats in the back. We’re greeted by monks in saffron robes and volunteers, and escorted to our dormitory rooms.

A golden Buddha guards the courtyard, creating a silhouette against the burnt sky as the sun dips gracefully below the horizon. The deafening silence resounds as we change into our white uniforms: Thai fishermen’s pants and a shapeless smock.

We don tags around our necks that say, “Silence!” Our two-day silent meditation begins. Continue reading →