PREFACE The first edition of this guide came out in the 1970s due to the efforts of Jack K

                                PREFACE

The first edition of this guide came out in the 1970s due to the efforts 
of Jack Kornfield, then a monk under the name Sunno Bhikkhu. His //A 
Brief Guide to Meditation Temples of Thailand//, published by the World 
Fellowship of Buddhists, well served foreigners who came to Thailand to 
learn and practice meditation. Much has changed since Jack researched 
the first edition. New monasteries, meditation centres, and teachers 
have become popular, while others are no longer frequented by 
foreigners. Perhaps the biggest change has been the emergence of a 
senior western sangha. A fair number of western monks in Thailand and 
other countries now have 10, 20, and more years in robes; some serve as 
abbots and vice abbots. Recent years have seen increasing numbers of 
Asians coming from such countries as Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and 
Malaysia to practice in Thailand -- adding a more international flavor 
to many monasteries and meditation centres.

A committee of the National Identity Board (Prime Minister's Office) 
authored a second edition of the book in the 1980s with the title, //A 
Brief Guide to Buddhist Meditation Centres in Thailand.// Much has 
changed since publication of that guide too. Now it's time for yet 
another edition.

Many people have helped in the research of this third edition. The 
author is indebted to the abbots, vice abbots, and teachers who so 
patiently supplied the many details. And, of course, you'll find good 
information retained from the earlier editions. The World Fellowship of 
Buddhists provided computer time and arranged the publication. 
Horatanachai Press, also of Bangkok, printed this guide.

The World Fellowship of Buddhists and the author hope that this little 
volume will be as useful to those on the "spiritual path" as the 
previous editions! The author has visited every monastery and meditation 
centre detailed within. Still, mistakes can happen -- and changing 
conditions are guaranteed! So use this book just as a "pointer of the 
way." Opinions and viewpoints are the responsibility of the author. 
(Except that references to Thai Buddhist sects have been deleted at the 
W.F.B.'s request.) Please write a note if you have suggestions, 
corrections, or new information that you'd like to pass on to other 
readers:

Bill Weir
c/o World Fellowship of Buddhists
33 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
THAILAND


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