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Tai Forest Tradition
*Thai Forest Tradition
Hello,
I'm 21, about to graduate from college. Im a dual citizen of canada and the u.s. I have no connections and nothing holding me back. I want to explore north america, and eventually find a place where I can live within a meditation community and study buddhism full-time.
Not sure where to begin looking for a buddhism home. I'm involved with the Shambhala center here in Montreal, and was considering checking out their large communities in nova scotia or maybe colorado. I've also considered visiting some monasteries associated with the thai forest tradition. I have a special affinity for the teachings of ajahn chah and his students such as ajahn sumedho, etc. I feel a strong sense of connection to that lineage, although I've never met anyone else who has even heard of it!
Whether or not I actually want to ordain as a buddhist monk or not is probably something that will take me a long time to decide. I suspect not. But it is important for me to find a place where I can comfortably practice meditation full-time with the support of a sangha and teacher.
Thanks for reading! (virtual) penny for your thoughts?
Hello,
I'm 21, about to graduate from college. Im a dual citizen of canada and the u.s. I have no connections and nothing holding me back. I want to explore north america, and eventually find a place where I can live within a meditation community and study buddhism full-time.
Not sure where to begin looking for a buddhism home. I'm involved with the Shambhala center here in Montreal, and was considering checking out their large communities in nova scotia or maybe colorado. I've also considered visiting some monasteries associated with the thai forest tradition. I have a special affinity for the teachings of ajahn chah and his students such as ajahn sumedho, etc. I feel a strong sense of connection to that lineage, although I've never met anyone else who has even heard of it!
Whether or not I actually want to ordain as a buddhist monk or not is probably something that will take me a long time to decide. I suspect not. But it is important for me to find a place where I can comfortably practice meditation full-time with the support of a sangha and teacher.
Thanks for reading! (virtual) penny for your thoughts?
0
Comments
I'm a relatively keen follower myself....
Have a look at this link for more information on the Thai Forest Tradition, and available Monasteries/Sanghas in both Canada and the USA....
Incidentally, I attend the Amaravati Monastery in the UK....
Hello zenone !
I have been a long time follower of the Thai Forest and Zen schools, both have my respect and clearly, resonance.
Have you seen Luang Por's audio website: DhammaTalks
Blessings on your journey, dear one.
Simply contact the monastery and advise what you are seeking.
A video is here.
Best wishes
DD
When I was studying Tibetan Buddhism a few years ago I was delighted to find out that Pema Chodron was the teacher in residence at Gampo Abbey on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, one of the most beautiful places in the country. Even though I don't follow the Tibetan tradition anymore I'd still very much like to visit Gampo Abbey one day.
When I finally decided to follow the Thai Forest Tradition after reading a teaching by Ajahn Chah I was not only delighted but amazed to find out that there was a Thai Forest monastery in Perth, Ontario, about an hour outside Ottawa. There are always people driving down to the monastery (which is called Tisarana) from Ottawa for Days of Mindfulness, teachings, meditation, and so on and Ottawa is just an hour and forty-five minutes by train from Montreal. Very handy. Ride sharing is very well organized through Tisarana and the Ottawa Buddhist Society.
Ajahn Sumedho is also visiting Tisarana this June and will be holding a one day retreat on June 12-13. There's still some room left if you'd like to sign up for it.
Here's a link to the Ottawa Buddhist Society:
Ottawa Buddhist Society
On the right hand side of the homepage for the OBS you'll find the heading 'Recent Announcements' and under that you'll find a link for the one day retreat Ajahn Sumedho's offering.
And here's a link to Tisarana monastery:
Tisarana monastery
Hope this helps!
Hi zenone,
I too am keen on the Thai Forest tradition - so I would advise that you definately further investigate in that direction.
Kind wishes,
Dazzle
.
I second Dhamma Dhatu's recommendation. Not only is it a good place to study, it's also a chance to hang out in the magnificent forests of Northern California and enjoy the great mediterranean climate, yummy!!
It's my wish to stay with my parents and help out until they die and then move to Perth to be closer to the Buddhist community there. Perth is the place I want to live out the rest of my days.
What do you think?
Bless
Go with trust and be 100% at ease.
Your concerns are natural but not warranted to the least.
Please kindly report back to us once you visit.
Visiting a Buddhist monastery, especially Thai Forest Tradition, is like returning to that home you had always knew you had but have not found yet.
With much metta
DD
However, the life will be a bit harsh physically until you get used to it. I hope you know that in advance so you will not get fed up and give up on your mission. Be prepared for a bit of difficulty initially but the meditative experience will be extremely rewarding and even life changing (as per those who have done it). I wish I could do this too... Wish you all the best!