Dhutanga PunyaPanya (Insight Meditation Center)

Here you'll have the chance to develop yourself through the means of meditation, to live and experience directly Thai culture and to learn about Buddhism in Thailand !

If you're really interested in learning about meditation, the philosophy of Buddhism and the Monks' lifestyle you are welcome but, if you are just looking for free food and accommodation it's not a place for you. It is important that you inform yourself about Thai culture and Buddhism in advance.

We frequently have knowledgeable members of the community come to teach volunteers about different aspects of Thai culture. For example, paper leaf kites, music, and how to make traditional food and desserts. But most of the time its a calm place where you can take time for yourself and exchange with others.

After spending 49 years in the USA, I decided to go back to my homeland, Thailand, and do something for my people! On the land that once belonged to my family, I created a little island of peace where Bikkhus, Bikkhunis and foreigners live and work together! Here you'll have the chance to have an exclusive insight in the Thai culture and the lifestyle of the monks.

I, a female Monk (Bikkhuni), live here with 10 dogs. The island of peace is composed from a garden that stretches between a river and a little lake, Kutis (hut) with ensuite, a dorm and individuals rooms, one meditation hall and one open-air kitchen. But large scale improvements are happening constantly.

Everyday you'll be able to enjoy the sunrise over the lake and the sunset over the river, you'll have the chance to meditate and learn about the Dhamma, to experience Thai culture and food and to cultivate peace and self-development as well as living in a worldwide community . In exchange you'll be helping a few hours a day with the garden, the dogs and the different tasks in the surroundings. Just help wherever help is needed as well as other various chores and community outreach programs. The days are busy as there is always something to adjust but there is much opportunity to learn and rest !

Our daily meals are offered from the surrounding community (Bintabat) and should be enough to fulfill you as much as you need (unless you're an ogre then you may need to go to the supermarket). You can also find restaurants and shops in walking distance. It is also possible to store your own goods if you wish

THIS PLACE IS NOT VEGAN AND CANNOT GUARANTEE VEGETARIAN FOOD ALL THE TIME -as it is all from donation, we don't chose what is given-

If you want to know more, follow us on instagram: @dhutangamc

Here, we have Thai people helping with the work in the center and planning your activities. Beam Beam is the main contact person. You can teach them English (and more !) and talk about your country as they are really friendly! " WELCOME TO DHUTANGA INSIGHT MEDITATION INTERNATIONAL CENTER PLACE "🥰 We're welcome all volunteers. Those who want to learn the Buddhist way of life, meditation, use the way of life to train the mind to be calm. interesting to study stories about Buddhism and would like to join the projet volunteer with us. --- First, the information for this decision. ---- For donations: The center asks volunteers for donation of 350 baht per day (approximately $10 USD/Day) and for bedding 150 baht ($5 USD) 1 payment for bedding is allowed. Details 350 baht/day and 150 baht/1 time 1) Breakfast 2) Lunch 3) Drinks in the evening 4) Guest room (air-conditioned room and private bathroom, mattress) 5) Bedding sets (blankets, sheets, pillowcases) 6) Help with electricity and water bills 7) Help maintain depreciation of various equipment all use. 8) Help maintain of the Buddhist meditation center. On the day of your arrival, you will be required to pay the full donation amount. *No refunds in any case. Accept cash only. ---- Additional information for decision making ---- 1) You must be volunteer for at least 10 -14 days - If you would like to practice silent meditation, you can join for 2-3 days. 2) You must accept Basic rules of Buddhism "5 Precepts" - No killing - No stealing - No sexual misconduct - No lying - Not using alcohol or intoxicants 3) You must agree to all the rules and regulations of the center. - Do not quarrel. - Do not bring in outsiders before receiving permission. - Do not act in a disrespectful manner or disrespect the center personnel. - Sexual expressions of affection are prohibited in this location. - Do not show behavior Disrespect or disrespect towards others - Do not allow women and men to enter the bedroom together under any circumstances. Women and men sleep separately. - Do not bring drugs or any type of intoxicant enter the place - and others (in the volunteer manual) 4) Volunteers are required to participate in all activities. For example: - You must join in prayer (chanting) and meditation every morning and evening every day at the specified time. - You must join volunteer work 4 -5 hours/day (Work is divided at different times.) - You must dress politely. Clothes are not tight-fitting, not light fitting. Shirts must cover the shoulders and pants must cover the knees. etc. 5) Volunteer work - Much of the work is cleaning, gardening, upkeep of the property, and help with other monks. most of them are working in the garden. (It's you can do, it's not too difficult, please read the reviews.) - Volunteer working does 4 -5 hours/day. work is divided at different times. (6.00 - 7.00 am), (10.00 - 11.00 am), (4.00 - 6.00 pm) - The day starts at 6 a.m. and ends with all activities 8 p.m. - You have a break (Rest time) between 1pm - 4 pm every day. you can rest, practice meditation by yourself for this time. - When you arrive, you will receive a volunteer schedule. - You can wear short sleeve shirt and shorts are fine. Only during working time. 6) Please bring personal items - Personal towel - Personal medicine - Modest clothing (shoulder covering, knee covering) - Toiletries, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, detergent etc. - Your national flag (if possible) 7) We have 2 meals for you (breakfast and lunch). You can also eat dinner. But you have to buy it yourself or keep it's from lunch. 8) We have a coin automatic washing machine, If you want to wash clothes, the costs is 40 baht per wash load. 9) We have lockers for storing your valuables. But the deposit for the key is 100 baht, which will be returned when the key is returned. 10) To register Please make sure for you can enter from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. only, please. 11) If you understand the above message and want to register - Please tell me the date you will be volunteering. - I will checking those dates and I will send confirmation message back to you again. 12) Please notify 5-10 days in advance because verification takes a long time because of the large number of messages requesting to join volunteers. For contact urgently, please contact WhatsApp No. +66 647902625 (We will try our best to reply quickly.) Thank you for reading the information and thank you for your interesting.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

Reviews

4.5
(129 reviews)129

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

Canada

5

Come with an open heart and an open mind and you will get so much from this experience! I felt like I really got to know Thai culture beyond the tourist brochures and guidebooks. You also gain insight into Buddism in Thailand, what it means to be a female monk, and a deeper look into yourself, and what values you would like to have as you navigate this crazy world. Be prepared for early mornings, stumbling through chanting (but you will get it eventually! 😁) and learning how to communicate with people of different nationalities and language levels. Thank you so much for welcoming me home 💕

12 days ago

France

5

I spent 11 days in this beautiful place surrounded by nature, and it was an incredible experience! I truly mean it. I want to thank Punya, Bim, Lay, Emma, little Eddy, his mom, Tom, and the entire team, as well as the monks, for their warm welcome. Kap khun ka❤️
Being the only volunteer at first helped me focus on my goal: learning to meditate and self-reflect. I also did three days of silence, which was life-changing.

I loved the friendly dogs,special mention to Popcorn, Lola, Timy, waffa and the food was amazing. This place changed my life! I highly recommend it. Forever in my heart

13 days ago

Spain

5

It has been a turning point during my trip; I am very happy to have done this volunteering. Punya and everyone at the center are incredibly welcoming and kind people, as well as amazing cooks. The center is in a very peaceful and beautiful place, and the rooms have a bathroom and air conditioning.

Totally recommended if you want to help, learn more about Buddhism, and discover more about yourself. Thanks to the whole team!



29 days ago

Hungary

5

I spent 10 days in Dhutanga Punyapunya Meditation Centre in Bangkok. I have met the most amazing people from all around the world there and fortunately I had the chance to get to know other Thai volunteers there. They always tried to find new ways to help us getting into Thai culture ( pad thai cooking, tasting several Thai dishes, telling us stories about the whole culture, bringing us to the markets ) Furthermore I have done silence retreat for 2 days which is also a good way to get closer to the buddhist community.

3 months ago

Germany

5

I loved my stay at the Insight Meditation Center. The people and the atmosphere were very welcoming and I felt really at home. The property is beautiful, most days the work is helping to maintain it (i.e. sweeping leaves, gardening, cleaning out storages, making soil, etc.). I would recommend coming here to anyone who is interested in Buddhism, Meditation and learning something about themselves. This place is special to me and I hope I can come back sometime.

3 months ago


Punya replied

Thank you for your feedback. Thank you for joining this experience. Please don't forget us. If you have a chance to come to Thailand, please come and visit us. Thank you very much for your time.


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