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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