Mind & support

Meditation

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A family of mental practices that train attention and calm, rooted in Buddhist tradition and practised widely in Thai temples.

IntensityGentle

Origin

Ancient India (early Buddhism); a living tradition in Thai Theravada Buddhism

History

Described in early Buddhist texts (Pali Canon); systematised in the Visuddhimagga, 5th century CE

A session

From a few minutes to about an hour; temple retreats from a few days to several weeks

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Meditation is a broad word for many practices that integrate mind and body, often by resting attention on the breath, a sound, an image or a phrase. In Thailand it is closely tied to Theravada Buddhism, where two qualities of mind are traditionally developed: samatha (calm, concentration) and vipassana (insight).

In the early Buddhist texts of the Pali Canon, calm and insight are presented as two qualities to be developed together on a single path. Later, the Visuddhimagga, written by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century CE, described them as two distinct paths; this text strongly shaped Theravada practice. Thai teaching traditionally lists 40 objects for calm meditation (kammatthana), including mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) and loving-kindness.

Meditation practice declined in Theravada countries for centuries and was revived from Burma in the 18th–20th centuries. In Thailand, interest among lay people grew from the 1950s; the Burmese vipassana method of Mahasi Sayadaw spread in the 1960s–70s, alongside the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Mun and his students such as Ajahn Chah, and Dhammakaya meditation.

The principle

Samatha practice steadies the mind on one object, such as the breath, to build concentration and calm. Vipassana practice uses that steadier attention to observe body sensations, feelings and thoughts as they arise and pass, with the traditional aim of insight into impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and non-self.

Outside a religious setting, many people simply use meditation as a way to rest attention, notice the mind wandering and gently come back. Research on health effects exists but much of it is preliminary, so meditation is best seen as a practice for well-being rather than a treatment.

What people come for

Learning to calm a busy mind
Building concentration and steadiness of attention
Exploring Buddhist teaching through practice
Taking time out for silence and reflection
Developing a regular, simple daily routine
Experiencing a retreat in a Thai temple

How it works on the body

Meditation works mainly through attention: by resting it on the breath or the body, the practice can shift how you relate to thoughts and sensations.

A session, step by step

01
Settling in
You sit on a cushion or chair with a straight but relaxed back; in temples, sessions often begin with chanting or paying respect.
02
Instruction
A teacher or monk explains the object of attention, for example the breath or the movement of the abdomen.
03
Sitting practice
You rest attention on the object and gently return to it whenever the mind drifts.
04
Walking practice
Many centres alternate sitting with slow, mindful walking.
05
Closing
The session ends quietly; on retreats there may be a short interview with the teacher to discuss your experience.

Precautions

Meditation is generally considered low-risk, but few studies have looked for harms; in one review about 8% of participants reported a negative effect, most often anxiety or depression.
It is not right for everyone and can make some people feel worse. If you live with trauma, psychosis, bipolar disorder or severe depression, talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist before an intensive or silent retreat.
Stop and seek help if practice brings up intense fear, panic, dissociation or distressing memories; a mental health professional can help.
Meditation does not replace medical or psychological treatment; keep taking prescribed medication and tell your doctor what you practise.
Temple retreats can be demanding (very early waking, long hours of practice, eating only before midday); check whether this suits your health before committing.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

Thailand has hundreds of meditation temples, and meditation is practised in monasteries throughout the country by Thai lay people. Most retreats teach vipassana, with samatha as the other common practice; only a few offer structured courses in English, for example Wat Mahathat in Bangkok, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong and Wat Ram Poeng near Chiang Mai, Wat Suan Mokkh in the south and Wat Pah Nanachat in Ubon Ratchathani. Retreat days often start around 4 a.m., involve silence and keeping eight precepts, and instruction is usually free or donation-based, with a small fee at some centres.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be Buddhist to meditate in a Thai temple?

No. Many centres welcome foreigners and non-Buddhists, but you are expected to respect temple rules such as modest dress and the precepts.

What is the difference between samatha and vipassana?

Samatha develops calm and concentration on one object; vipassana uses attention to observe changing experience and develop insight. Traditionally they are developed together.

How long should a beginner meditate?

A few minutes a day is a reasonable start; you can lengthen sessions gradually. A short introductory retreat is a gentler first step than a long silent one.

Can meditation treat anxiety or depression?

Some studies are encouraging, but much of the research is preliminary. Meditation should not replace treatment from a doctor or psychologist.

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