Boonkanjanaram Meditation Center

สำนักปฏิบัติธรรมบุณย์กัญจนารามมูลนิธิ

Introduction Video

On-line Application Form

Reservations: Please fill out the on-line application form and send an e-mail, along with a picture of the first page of your passport, to admin@boonkan.com to let us know you've completed the form. We take reservations based on mutual trust and respect. We have not asked for deposits and would like to be able to continue operating this way therefore please do not make cancellations at the last minute or worse yet, not show up on the appointed date and time. This affects us because we have limited space and may have had to turn people away. We also have to purchase supplies, food, clean the rooms, etc.

Due to guests' unpredictable travel schedule, it is best that you let us know as far in advance as possible and confirm definitively two days before arrival. There is much preparation required to prepare for guests, including putting in fresh sheets, cleaning out the kuti, ordering ingredients for food, etc.

Three nights is the minimum stay while two weeks is the recommended stay to get the most benefit out of practicing Vipassana.

Check-In / Check-Out: Please arrive / depart between 7am and 3pm. Please let us know approximately when to expect you. To check in, ask for Khun Opas.

If you are on a shorter term retreat (five nights or less), please make sure to have all your supplies as we strongly advise that you do not leave the Center until the end of the retreat. If you are staying longer, you may leave for emergency reasons such as for medical treatment, to extend your visa, or replenish supplies.

To make reservations, please click on the link below. Please view all the videos on this page before applying and read this page thoroughly. Make sure you understand the rules of the Center.

For more information contact us via Line or call us @ 096-653-9646

On-line Application Form

We prefer that you apply on-line but here is a link to a pdf of the form that you can print.

Boonkan Application Form.pdf

History

The Boonkanjanaram Meditation Center (BMC or Boonkan) was established in 1963 as a non-profit foundation to teach Vipassana in the style of Ajahn Naeb. BMC was founded by Mr. Boon Charoenchai (1911–1996), who was at that time Minister of Industry in the Thai Government, and his sister Mrs. Anong Jantrupon. The center’s name is an amalgamation of his name "Boon" and his wife's name "Kanjana".

Boon Charoenchai showed great promise at an early age, winning three scholarships to study abroad. He chose to study law in France which coincided with WWII. After graduation, Boon served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was Ambassador to several countries such as France, and India. Boon was appointed Minister of Industry in the government of Marshal Sarit Thanarat He served in the government of Marshal Thanom Kittikachon. Boon was also appointed as a member of the National Legislative Assembly in 1973.

Meditation Courses

Our Next Course is "Building a Raft"

A 10-Day Vipassanā Meditation Retreat on Mindfulness of Feeling (Vedanānupassanā)

Dates: November 28, 2026 (Day 0) – December 9, 2026 (Day 11)

Cost is 5,500B for an air-conditioned room and 3,300B for non air-conditioned

PART I: COURSE OVERVIEW & INVITATION

Welcome to the Path

Dear Dhamma Friend,

Whether you are completely new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, you are warmly invited to join us. This retreat is open to everyone—regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, or religious background. You do not need to be a Buddhist to train the mind and untangle internal suffering. All that is required is an open mind, a sincere attitude, and a willingness to give the practice a serious, honest try.

The 12-Day Container

While this is a 10-day intensive course, the full experience requires a 12-day commitment:

Day 0 (Arrival): You must arrive at the centre before 14:00 (2:00 PM) to settle into your quarters, complete orientation, and receive initial instructions.
Days 1–10: Ten full days of dedicated practice and Noble Silence.
Day 11 (Departure): The course concludes after a final guided meditation, the formal transmission of the Five Precepts, and breakfast. Departure is around 11:00 AM.

Course Architecture: A Drama in Three Acts

Act I: Stilling the Mind (Days 1–4)

Coming from a loud, hyper-accelerated world, the mind first needs to settle. We cultivate samatha (tranquility) to build a stable, focused foundation capable of supporting deeper insight.

Act II: The GAP & Body Contemplation (Days 5–7)

We transition into raw vipassanā (insight), exploring the somatic terrain of the body to discover the "Sacred Pause"—the critical gap between vedanā (feeling tone) and taṇhā (craving).

Act III: The GAP & Emotions (Days 8–9)

We expand our investigation from physical sensations to emotional landscapes, learning how to meet internal storms without getting swept away.

Epilogue: Loving-Kindness (Day 10)

We wrap the entire journey in the healing balm of mettā (loving-kindness) meditation—integrating everything uncovered with deep compassion.

Method & Lineage

Our practice utilizes three core anchors: listening to sounds (external and internal), formal body scanning, and breath meditation (ānāpānasati).

The approach bridges classical Theravāda lineages—drawing from the intensive body-scanning of S.N. Goenka and the moment-to-moment noting of Mahasi Sayadaw—with modern somatic practices. Drawing on the teacher's background in dramatic arts, somatic movement, CBT, and ACT, tools integrated throughout the course include:

The 3-Second Gap: Intercepting automatic reactivity.
RAIN Method: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Non-Identify/Nurture applied to felt sensations.
Focusing: Eugene Gendlin’s method of tracking the “felt sense.”
Emotional Agility: Susan David’s framework for clean emotional processing.

Daily Schedule & Structure

06:00 AM: Yoga / Movement / Tai Chi (not mandatory)
07:00 AM: Breakfast & Morning Rest
08:30 AM: Dhamma Talk, Technique Instruction, Sitting & Walking Meditation
Guided Meditation (45 mins)

11:00 AM: Lunch & Rest
Afternoon: Student-Teacher Interviews
07:00 PM: Evening Dhamma Talk, Q&A, and Mettā Meditation

Individual Practice Conditions:

Apart from the scheduled group sessions, there are no mandatory group meditation hours. Retreatants practice independently on their own schedules—utilizing their individual kutis (dwellings) or the designated walking paths. This structure provides ideal conditions for deep, self-directed practice.

About the Teacher

Gunavaḍḍhano Bhikkhu (formerly Claus Haumer) is a German-born Buddhist monk residing in Thailand.

1988–2003: Worked as a professional actor and director in the German theater industry after graduating from the Drama School in Frankfurt am Main.
2003–2017: Founded and directed the Mekhong English Centre (now E4E) in Luang Prabang, Laos, educating local youth and novice monks.
2017–Present: Ordained as a monk at Wat Tham Krissana under Phra Ajahn Tippakorn Sukhito. He is a senior monk (Thera) in the Thai Forest Tradition with over 25 years of meditation practice.

All teachings are freely given in the spirit of Dāna. The teacher receives no monetary compensation.

PART II: FOUNDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL COURSE

Preparing the Vessel

“To go deep into the forest, one must first ensure one’s boots are sturdy and one’s pack is well-fastened.”

A 10-day intensive retreat is a journey of profound beauty, but it is also a form of compassionate "inner surgery." In the deep stillness of Noble Silence, long-held mental patterns arise. To hold this process safely, a strong, resilient mental and physical vessel is required.

Please review these guidelines as a protective container designed to ensure your safety and success.

Stage 1: The Ethical Foundation (Aṭṭha Sīla) & Sensory Fasting

All retreatants commit to observing the 8 Precepts for the entire duration:

Abstain from killing any living being.
Abstain from taking what is not given.
Abstain from all sexual activity.
Abstain from false or divisive speech (observing Noble Silence).
Abstain from intoxicants (alcohol, drugs, tobacco).
Abstain from solid food after 12:00 noon.
Abstain from entertainment, cosmetics, and adornments.
Abstain from high or luxurious beds/seats.

External Silence & "Empty Cup" Commitment:

No Devices: Phones, tablets, and smartwatches are turned off and locked away until Day 11.
No Reading or Writing: Leave books and journals behind to stay grounded in the direct felt sense.
Noble Silence: No speaking, gesturing, or eye contact with fellow retreatants (except during teacher interviews).
Single Technique: Agree to set aside all other spiritual or energetic practices (prayers, mantras, alternative breathwork) for these 10 days to give this specific chemistry a clear trial.

Stage 2: Mental, Emotional & Physical Readiness

Recent Crisis: Not currently navigating a major acute life crisis (bereavement, divorce, job loss within the last 6 months).
Clinical Stability: No active history of schizophrenia, Type 1 bipolar disorder, active psychosis, or severe suicidal ideation.
Addiction & Substances: Free from active chemical dependencies. Withdrawal symptoms distort practice and create severe distress.
Physical Stamina: Capable of sustaining ~10 hours of daily practice across 4 postures (sitting, walking, standing, lying down) and managing personal medical needs independently.
Commitment: Fully committed to staying for the entire duration through Day 11.

Is This Course Right for You?

Not a Magic Bullet: 10 days will not instantly "cure" deep-seated clinical conditions; it is a discipline of observation.
Not a Spa Vacation: The work requires patience (khanti) and stepping directly into your somatic experience.

Key Logistics

Arrival: November 28, 2026 — STRICTLY BEFORE 14:00
Departure: December 9, 2026 — ~11:00 AM
Note: Ajahn Claus will be available at the centre a few days prior to and after the course for informal support.

Download "Building a Raft" Course Manual PDF

To help you decide if this retreat is right for you, download the complete free e-Book course manual:

Course Manual

Orientation Video

Types of Meditation

This chart should help unravel the many types of meditation being taught around the world.

Buddhist Meditation

In the Thai Buddhist tradition, there are two methods of meditation:

1. Concentration Meditation (Samatha/Samadhi): Samatha helps the mind to become calm and receptive to deeper concentration. Samatha uses breathing and focusing techniques. It helps people to let go of craving and desires and develop better focus and concentration. Samatha can only be practiced in an interrupted and quiet location. The meditator can also practice Metta or Loving Kindness with this type of meditation.

2. Insight Meditation (Vipassana): Vipassana teaches you to separate the body (Rupa) and the mind (Nama) into two distinct entities so that you can be more present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, emotions, desires and to disallow the negative ones. Vipassana can be practiced anytime and anywhere; when you are walking, eating and so on.

At BMC, we teach the Vipassana method. The two methods complement each other and allow the mind to grow since no genuine insight without at least some serious levels of calm or tranquility in which the mind is clear and collected. However, Samatha cannot be practiced at the same time as Vipassana. Samatha could block wisdom or insight because the mind has to be sharp and focused so that it can directly observe the changing nature of the mind and matter in the present moment. If you have studied and practiced Samatha meditation, you may proceed to Vipassana meditation.

Please click on the tabs entitled "Buddhist Meditation" or "Videos from the Center" for more information on this topic.

Teaching Method

The Center teaches Ajahn Naeb's meditation style which is based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness "Satipatthana".

Mindfulness of the Body (kāyā): This involves observing the body's functions and movements, including breathing, posture, and sensations, without judgment.
Mindfulness of Feelings (vedanā): This focuses on recognizing and observing the arising and passing of different feelings, both pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral, without getting caught up in them.
Mindfulness of Mind (citta): This involves observing the nature of your thoughts, emotions, and mental states, recognizing their impermanence and arising and passing.
Mindfulness of Mental Objects (dhamma): This focuses on observing the objects of the mind, such as concepts, ideas, and the world around you, with a clear and unbiased awareness.

What is Vipassana AKA Insight Meditation (“Meditation”)? Vipassana, simply put, is learning to live in the present which helps us have Insight into seeing and understanding ourselves, our lives and the world realistically. With Vipassana we ask the questions “what” is happening and “how” is it happening. It is said that Vipassana is simple but difficult. Simple in concept but difficult to master.

The importance of living in the present isn’t a new concept in the Western world, how often have you heard, “along the way, don’t forget to smell the roses”, “it’s the journey and not the destination”, “live for the moment”, “breathe”, “live for the here and now”, and so on.

The practitioner will understand that Insight comes only from the direct observation of the nature of mind and matter in the present moment. No strong effort nor special concentration is necessary. Instead we are urged to know mind and matter directly as they appear in all postures. We will see clearly how pain and unsatisfactoriness drive us through our daily actions. We will also see how mind and matter are separate, empty phenomena which change constantly.

The purpose of Vipassana is to ultimately attain Nibbana (Nirvana) which, simply put, means the realization that your mind and body are not-self, not "me".

Some readers may be thinking, “ The concept of Nibbana is too abstract for me to fully buy into it”. That is okay because Vipassana will help you better understand yourself, your actions, and your thoughts. It can also help you figure out what, and how, things, people, and situations affect your well being and how to deal with them in a positive manner. This process is called “Mindfulness Meditation” and is a key part of Vipassana.

The Dhamma is freely shared. The booklet below is meant to introduce beginners to Vipassana and is not overly complicated.

Boonkan Beginning Meditator Instruction larger size Feb 2026.pdf

Teaching Schedule

We will work with you to set up customized instructions, talks, and interviews. Please fill out the application form with your desired dates and we will send a confirmation.

Instruction focuses on individual interviews whereby students are required to report their experience to the teacher in a formal interview throughout the retreat. The retreat interview is an essential part of the Vipassana style of practice because the meditator can report their experience and can be guided and given further instructions by the teacher. Furthermore, the teacher can also adapt the teachings to the meditator's personal practice and experiences. The communication with the teacher and the ability to report in the interview can greatly affect the outcome of the practice. Beginners usually have daily interviews at first, then less often as determined by the teacher. Instruction is usually done in the morning after breakfast.

A single beginning student would be taught alone; if more than one beginner is at the center, they would be grouped together. Students will also be given a book published by the Center to study. After the interview the student spends the day practicing either in their kuti (hut) or walking on one of the many paths that lead through the Center’s ground.

The method of instruction may seem to be unstructured but has proven to be highly effective for the thousands of Ajahn Naeb's students. Meditators must be highly self-reliant and motivated to practice successfully. They are advised to keep noble silence with each other and abstain from reading (other than about practice) and using electronics, especially smartphones. Three nights is the minimum stay while two weeks is the recommended length. Six other centers in Thailand teach the same meditation system, though usually only in Thai.

We currently have instructors who are conversational in English but please confirm with the Center that the instructor will be available at your scheduled visit.

Cost

Your support is essential to keeping our meditation center a peaceful and sustainable sanctuary for all. As we continue to offer a safe space for mindfulness and healing, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to cover the costs of facility maintenance, staff salaries, utilities, and nourishing food for our guests. The fees helps ensure that we can continue providing a tranquil environment where people can find inner peace and personal growth. Your contribution allows us to maintain our programs, uphold the integrity of the space, and extend our offerings to even more individuals seeking calm and clarity in their lives. We deeply appreciate your support in nurturing this community, and we thank you for helping us keep this haven alive for all who walk through our doors.

The cost of the renovations have depleted our savings account and we will have to charge for the rooms until we build up enough funds in the bank so that we can eventually become a donation based meditation center.

Standard Rooms: 300 Baht / Night (electric fans)

Air Conditioned Rooms: 500 Baht / Night

Accommodations

We are not a luxury retreat and our accommodations are very simple and basic. We have a total of forty-nine individual kutis (huts) with screens, fans/air conditioning, mini-refrigerator, electricity, porches, and private bathrooms. You will get your own private accommodations. There are separate men’s and women’s sections. There is a sala (meeting place, hall), a small temple and a very nice library.

The kuti's are separated in to men's and women's sections. Many of these charming huts were built when the center was originally opened sixty years ago. These small wooden huts meld in with the large bodhi, jackfruit, mango, and other tree creating an ideal environment for meditating.

Meals

Breakfast is at 07:00 am and lunch at 11:00 am in accordance with the bhikku (monk) diet per dietary rules of the Vinaya, the monastic code. Food is brought to kutis and normally everyone eats mindfully by themselves.

Recent studies have shown that intermittent fasting may reverse aging, reduces cholesterol levels, reduces weight, and restores the body’s natural balance. Intermittent fasting is not for everyone and you may save some food to eat after 12:00, in case you get hungry later in the day.

We have a reputation for simple but high quality and yet tasty Thai food. We can accommodate vegetarians and others who are on a restricted diet but you need to inform us ahead of time. Please note that we will try our best to provide a nutritious well balanced vegetarian meal, you are advised to bring vitamins and supplements if you are staying long term.

Who Can Attend?

Over the years, we have made friends of all ages and from all over the world and walks of life.

Anyone who is genuinely dedicated and interested in learning about Thai meditation which is based on the teachings of Lord Buddha is welcome. However, you do not need to be Buddhist as we have found that the practice of meditation transcends religions.

We do respectfully reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at our sole discretion.

A meditator will have to stay for a minimum of three nights. This is the minimum amount of time we feel is necessary to achieve any sort of benefit from your time at the center. We are a Buddhist meditation center and not a wellness center. We have very strict rules and only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow them should apply for admission. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time, our time, and, disturb other meditators. Those that are new to meditation should have the patience and discipline to stay through the three nights even though they might initially question the effectiveness of the program and find it to be too difficult. It will take a day or two for the mind to clear and the process and teaching to make sense. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, a student does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.

Rules

We are a Buddhist meditation center and not a wellness center. We have very strict rules and only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow them should apply for admission. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time, our time, and, disturb other meditators.

PLEASE APPLY ONLY IF YOU MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS

Meditation is not for everyone. Not everyone feels comfortable leaving their familiar circumstances or spending days inside their own minds for long hours of silence. All new learning involves some level of frustration and not everyone can make the effort to forge through this challenge.
You must stay for a minimum of three nights and ideally ten. This is the minimum amount of time we feel is necessary to achieve any sort of benefit from your time at the center. Those that are new to meditation should have the patience and discipline to stay through the three nights even though they might initially question the effectiveness of the program and find it to be too difficult. It will take a day or two for the mind to clear of your normal daily distractions and the process and teaching to make sense. The longer your retreat, the less it will feel like meditating is any one thing or a fixed and static mental state.
There is no leaving the Center unless there is an extreme emergency that is not anticipated. This is especially important if you will only be staying for three nights.
In case of emergencies, such as a hospital visit, we can call you a taxi and have you taken to a hospital with English speaking professionals. We do not have the manpower to accompany you as the staff has to remain on-site to manage the Center and help other meditators.
You must treat the staff with respect; this is the most basic of Buddhist teachings and generally accepted social standards. We will not tolerate any abusive or disrespect.
Depending upon the severity of the infraction, you may receive a warning or we may ask you to leave immediately.
More rules and regulations can be found at the document below.

Link to Rules of the Center

Sustainability

The Center is proud to announce that we are actively involved in the HAF Farm Low Carbon Initiative (https://th.linkedin.com/in/haf-farm-low-carbon-i-op-world-09b9b7148) from Kaset University, aligning its values of sustainability and mindfulness with practical actions. This initiative, led by Dr. Sujinna Kansut, is committed to growing organic vegetables, fostering a deeper connection to nature and providing fresh produce for the center's kitchen. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, such as composting waste material and using filtered well water, the center is reducing its environmental footprint while enriching the soil and promoting healthier, more sustainable agriculture. This collaboration not only supports local food systems but also serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life, encouraging a holistic approach to both personal and environmental well-being.

Name and address of the Center in Thai for the bus and taxi drivers:

สำนักปฏิบัติธรรมบุณย์กัญจนาราม

386/27 ซอย 1 ถนนบุณย์กัญจนา

ต.หนองปรือ อ.บางละมุง

เมืองพัทยา อำเภอบางละมุง

ชลบุรี 20260

Transportation

On GoogleMaps, please type in “Boonkanjanaram Mediation Center Chon Buri, Thailand” and familiarize yourself with our location. Please arrive at the Center no later than 16:00. It will usually take about two to three hours to get to Pattaya depending upon your mode of transportation. We are located a few minutes walking distance from Sukhumvit, the main road. Please don't confuse us with a temple with the same name adjacent to our center that is directly on Sukhumvit. When you walk down the soi (small road), you will see this sign on the left. Please follow the alley and you will find our center.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (the main Bangkok airport): Taxis are the easiest and most direct way to get to the Center. They are very inexpensive in Thailand and ones from the airport are very reliable and safe. The official taxi desk at Suvarnabhumi can be found on Level 1. Air hub cabs are available 24/7; all the official ones have the meter. The average metered taxi fare from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya is 1,500 baht or 45.6 USD (including the airport fee of 50 baht and toll charges). There are also private taxis waiting on Level 4. Those drivers may offer even 3,000 baht for the ride. If you’re good at haggling, you can try taking such a cab.

Even less expensive are the air-conditioned tour buses that leave from the airport's Transport Center. To get one, simply take the complimentary shuttle bus from the curb outside the arrivals area to the Transport Center and then buy a ticket on one of the buses. We recommend that you use this bus service: http://www.airportpattayabus.com/. Their counter is located at Level 1, Gate 8. You should probably buy the tickets on-line but you can also buy it there. The earliest departure from the airport is 07:00 and the latest is 20:00.

When you get on the bus, tell the attendant that you would like to get off at Sukhumvit Road at the corner of Thepprasit road next to the Outlet Mall. If you need any supplies, there's a huge big box store called Tesco Lotus a short walk down Sukhumvit (the main road). Once off the bus, you can hail a taxi and tell them to take you to the Center.

From Bangkok Bus Terminals: Bangkok has three main bus terminals. The closest one is the Eastern Bus Terminal (AKA Ekkamai Bus Terminal), located adjacent to the Ekkamai BTS station on Sukhumvit Road at Soi 63 (Soi Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave approximately every thirty minutes between 05:20 and 23:20 each day and cost B117. Similarly priced air-conditioned buses also leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit) between 05:30 and 20:00 each. If you are near the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), buses leave at 05:30, 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:30. These buses will take you to the North Pattaya or Pattaya Nua Terminal. Once off the bus, you can hail a taxi and tell them to take you to the Center.

Helping around the Center

Farmer/Landscaper/Gardener

Boonkan Meditation Center is on 8.7 acres in South Pattaya City, Thailand. We are involved in the HAF Farm Low Carbon Initiative from Kaset University, aligning its values of sustainability and mindfulness with practical actions. The position would require the volunteer to help plant, grow, weed the organic vegetable gardens as well as help with general gardening and landscaping around the center.

Cook’s Assistant / General Office Help

We cook all our meals. The day starts very early but also ends early. Duties include prep work, cooking, cleaning. Great opportunity to learn how to cook simple Thai dishes. When there are no courses, there may only be a few meditators so the work will be very light. If that is the case, you can find work to fill your time such as tidying up the office, helping with computer work, etc.

Carpentry / Handyman

With almost fifty kutis and support buildings, there are always something to fix. If you are handy, you can help with general upkeep (painting, plumbing, carpentry, etc.) depending upon your skillset.

Disclaimer

We recognize that Dharma practice is powerful, and that the Buddhist world view can be very challenging. The accommodations at our Center are very austere and the feeling of isolation, loneliness, and confusion may sometimes occur, especially for beginners. Therefore, we recommend that if you have a history of depression or other mental health issues, please consult with your health care provider before registering to visit our Center.

Once, here, if at any time you feel you might be uncomfortable engaging in the meditation or practices offered, then we ask that you inform us immediately.

We can accept no responsibility for any adverse effects, direct or indirect, that may result from your use of the information on our website, programs, materials, or in any of our communications and events, both online and in person. Furthermore, we make no guarantees that any of the programs, advice and practice material we provide will function in any particular way for you. By using these, you agree that you use the information entirely at your own discretion.

Our staffing is limited, and we will strive to make your stay comfortable as well as try our best to interact with kindness and compassion but there may be limitations of time, resources, and skills. We cannot and will not operate beyond the limits of our own competency.

Since the study of Buddhism and Vipassana can get very complicated and intimidating for the uninitiated, we have attempted to provide a simplistic explanation therefore, what is included here is but a fraction of the Lord Buddha's teachings. Furthermore, we do not claim authorship of some of the wording, descriptions and translations as others who have traveled the same route have put words onto paper that we cannot improve upon. This document, and the rest of this website, is always in a state of change as we all know, everything is impermanent. Therefore, if you feel that there is a way to improve the wording on any section, please let me know. Also, as we have shared the teachings and wisdoms of others, please feel free to republish what you wish from this website, all we ask is that you reference the source.

The Staff

Updated: February 2025

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