Boonkanjanaram Meditation Center
Boonkanjanaram Meditation Center
สำนักปฏิบัติธรรมบุณย์กัญจนารามมูลนิธิ
สำนักปฏิบัติธรรมบุณย์กัญจนารามมูลนิธิ
Embedded Files
Introduction Video
Introduction Video
To make reservations, please click on the buttom below. Please view all the videos on this page before applying.
For more information contact us via Line or call us @ 096-653-9646
History
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
Meditation Courses
Due to the lack of English speaking instructors or translators, we have temporarily cancelled all courses.
We have resident Prah Aachans (monks) who can provide limited guidance via Google Translator. It is recommended that you have some background in mediatation before you join us.
For beginners, we have a very straightforward, simple to follow book that you can study. However, if you learn best in a classroom environment, then we may not be best suited for your learning style.
We have instructions and interviews but no group meditation sessions. This is because the meditator should not be required or forced to stay in a posture for a certain amount of time. In fact, putting a clock or timer on your practice is incorrect. Forcing yourself to stay within a time requirement will create the illusion of “self” and this illusion will follow in all positions. Attempting to control actions in this manner cannot bring insight wisdom.
Course Schedule
Day 1
9:00am - 10:00 am Check In
10:00am – 11:00am Dhamma Talk
11:00am – 12:00pm Lunch Break (at the Kuti)
1:00pm – 2:30pm Dhamma Talk
2:30pm – 3:00pm Break
3:00pm – 4:30pm Dhamma Talk
Days 2 – 3
4:30am Wake Up Bell
5:00am – 6:00am Prayer
6:00am – 7:000am Group walking meditation
7:00am – 7:30am Breakfast (at the Prayer Hall)
7:30am – 9:00am Break
9:00am - 10:30am Dhamma Talk
10:30am – 11:00am Break
11:00am – 12:00pm Lunch Break
1:00pm – 2:30pm Dhamma Talk
2:30pm – 3:00pm Break
3:00pm – 4:30pm Dhamma Talk
Days 4 – 6
7:00am – 7:30am Breakfast (at the Kuti)
11:00am – 12:00pm Lunch
Dhamma talks will be scheduled and during the retreat. The rest of the days will be sent in silent meditation at the kuti or on the grounds doing walking meditation.
Day 7
7:00am – 7:30am Breakfast (at the Kuti)
11:00am – 12:00pm Lunch
12:00pm-1:00pm Check-Out
Note: This is a tentative schedule as our instructor has to hold clases for both English and Thai classes, the scheudle is subject to change. We will have a more fixed schedule when the English speaking monk returns (not scheudle as of yet).
Orientation Video
Orientation Video
Types of Meditation
Types of Meditation
This chart should help unravel the many types of meditation being taught around the world.
Buddhist Meditation
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
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.
Boonkan Beginning Meditator Instruction June 2025.pdfTeaching Schedule
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
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
On-line Application Form
On-line Application Form
Reservations: Please fill out the on-line application form and send an e-mail 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.
PLEASE HAVE YOUR PICTURE READY TO UPLOAD IN THE APPLICATION. NAME IT WITH YOUR FIRST NAME AND LAST NAME.
Accommodations
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
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?
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.
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.
Sustainability
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
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
Helping around the Center
Farmer/Landscaper/Gardener
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
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
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
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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