Just when I thought yoga and psychedelic retreats were transforming, this silent meditation retreat in Thailand changed my life for the better. It was the best gift I’ve ever given myself, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I was on a “holiday”.

If you’re curious about silent meditation retreats, preparing for your first one, or looking for new meditation centers to explore in Thailand — here’s everything you need to know about a 7 Day Silent Meditation Retreat at Dipabhavan Center in Koh Samui.

What is a Silent
Meditation Retreat?

A Silent Meditation Retreat is a period of time where you disconnect from normal life to recharge your “spiritual battery”.   In complete silence, you have the opportunity to discover yourself and how to live a more peaceful life.  As our teacher Khun always said, the meditation retreat is a "training center for your mind”.

During a Silent Meditation Retreat, “noble silence” is honored.  Meaning, you are not allowed to talk to fellow participants, call family or friends, sing and dance, listen to music, and read books aside from the course material.

There are a few exceptions to noble silence during meal prayers, group chanting, and private sessions with volunteers.  But aside from those exceptions, you are not allowed to talk.

Immediately at check in, you will hand over your valuables and electronics. There is no wifi at the meditation center so even if you tried, it’s impossible to connect. For however long your retreat may be, it’s back to the basics — just you, your body, and your breath.

Why I Chose
Dipabhavan Center
in Koh Samui?

• Tropical Location in Thailand

Since I was going to be silent for 7 days, I wanted to be surrounded by nature and warm weather.  Dipabhavan Meditation Center is perched on top of a hill in Koh Samui island overlooking coconut trees, lush tropical foliage, and the sea.  It was everything I’d ever dreamed of in a meditation retreat (talk about manifestation).

After my trip to India, Nepal, and Bhutan in 2018, I became more interested in Buddhism and meditation.  For my continuing education about these two subjects, my plan was to learn about them in another Buddhist country.

While brainstorming what country to choose, I ironically had a strong calling to visit Thailand.  Conveniently, Thailand was the ideal place for a meditation retreat — the country has numerous retreats to choose that are English-speaking and foreigner-friendly.

• Traditional Buddhist Meditation

Dipabhavan Meditation Center was established in 2005, by the abbot of Suan Mokkh, Ajahn Poh, for both Thai people and foreigners.  In Pali (ancient language of the Buddha), Dipabhavan is translated as "a private place to learn about the teachings of the Buddha” — and the center is exactly that.

Alongside other monks from Suan Mokkh, Ajahn Poh visits Koh Samui every month to lead silent meditation retreats.  The teachings in Dipabhavan is similar to the teachings taught at the Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage.

Meditation Methods
Why I love Buddhist meditation over other styles of meditation, is that it’s simple, powerful, and effective with practice.  No new age crystals, psychedelic music — just you and your breath.

+ Anapanasati - The first element we learned was Anapanasati which is "mindfulness with breathing”.  By focusing on the breath, Anapanasati helps to calm and focus the mind.

+ Vipassana - Also known as "insight meditation”, is an ancient meditation technique taught by the Buddha.  Vipassana meditation cultivates wisdom and helps reduce attachments and unhappy states of mind.

+ Loving Kindness - Another meditation technique that’s taught at Diphabhavan.  Loving Kindness Meditation is an antidote for negativity, and helps to develop compassion to all living and non living beings.

Buddhism
Not only did I want to learn more about meditation, I wanted to learn more about Buddhism. Buddhist literature is normally too esoteric for me to follow.  But our teacher, Khun who is a German guy who has been studying and teaching Buddhism for 30 years, broke down Buddhism in such an easy and colloquial way.

• Length of Course

Vipassana retreats are normally 10 days long, but Dipabhavan’s meditation retreat is only for 7 days. Whether you’re a first timer to Vipassana Meditation or an advanced practitioner who wants more time to explore Thailand, 1 week is the ideal length.

Dipabhavan Course Offerings:
Beginner Course :11th-18th every month
Advanced Course: 20th-27th every month

• Variety in Retreat Schedule

Compared to other silent meditation retreats (like Goenka Vipassana), Dipabhavan offers more than just a meditation course. In addition to silent meditation, the retreat offers Buddhist lectures, yoga classes, group chanting, and loving kindness meditation.  I never felt “bored” during those 7 days of silence.

• Donation Based 

Thailand is inundated with luxury yoga + meditation retreats led by wellness, Instagram influencers.  But traditional silent meditation retreats around the world are always donation based (which helps if you’re traveling on a budget).  

At the end of the retreat, participants have the opportunity to leave donations in an envelope.  The donations help support the costs of books, food, electricity, water, maintenance, and salary for Thai staff.  After chatting with a few participants at the end of the retreat, most people donated an average of $50 USD (about 1,500 baht)

How to get to Dipabhavan Center
in Koh Samui?

There are several time slots throughout the day for complimentary pickup from Utopia Hotel in Lamai to Dipabhavan Center (from 1pm-4pm).  Once the retreat ends, drop off will be located at the same hotel.  There’s free WiFi available at the hotel so you can easily book a Grab taxi (Southeast Asia’s Uber) to your next destination.

Upon arrival to the meditation center, you will check in with a designated volunteer.  After filling out forms, you will hand over your valuables and electronics.  In return, the volunteer hands you a bag with a blanket and mosquito net for your bed (goodbye material world).

What’s A Silent Retreat at Dipabhavan Center Like?

Daily Schedule

4:30 AM - Wake Up
5:00 AM - Morning Reading
5:15AM - Sitting Meditation
5:45AM - Yoga
7:00 AM - Sitting Meditation
7:30 AM - Breakfast & Chores
[FREE TIME]
9:30 AM - Dhamma Talk
10:30 AM - Walking Meditation
11:00 AM - Sitting Meditation
11:30 AM - Lunch & Chores
[FREE TIME]
2:00PM - Dhamma Talk
3:00 PM - Walk Meditation
3:30 PM - Sitting Meditation
4:00 PM - Walking Meditation
4:30 PM - Chanting & Loving Kindness Meditation
5:30 PM - Tea
[FREE TIME]
7:30 PM - Sitting Meditation
8:00 PM - Group Walking Meditation
8:30 PM - Sitting Meditation
9:00 PM - Bedtime
9:30 PM - Lights Out

“Ding…ding…”, 4:30 AM wake up call.  One by one with our eyes half open, we drag ourselves out of our wooden beds and mosquito nets. Without a single word, we wash our faces, brush our teeth, and leave the dorms like angelic-zombies. We walk silently in formation through the darkness of morning, shining our flashlights on each step.  “Ding…ding…”, the bell continues for another 15 minutes during our hike to the meditation hall.  Once we arrive, we remove our shoes and quietly-tip toe to our designated spots. “Ding….ding….”, the bell rings for the last time. Light off, eyes shut — the day begins.

Sitting, Standing, & Walking Meditation

From dusk to dawn, we meditated for a total of 6 hours throughout the day. Each meditation session was 30 minutes long, but some sessions felt longer (or shorter), depending on the day. We practiced three styles of formal meditation during the retreat: sitting, standing, and walking. During each meditation session we were surrounded by the verdant trees, tropical animals, and island breeze — healing with nature, while reconnecting with our true nature.

For sitting meditation, we sat as a group in the meditation hall.  On the first day, we chose a cushion, pillow, stool, and a designated spot that’s ours for the week.  If we were bored or uncomfortable from sitting — we also had the option to stand or sit on a chair in the back of the room.

For walking mediation, there were both individual and group sessions.  During individual sessions, we had the option of walking barefoot in the gardens, meditation hall, or around the grounds. For group sessions, we were separated by gender and took turns meditating in the gardens or the meditation hall.

“Dhamma Talks” About Buddhism

In between meditation sessions, we had yoga classes and Buddhist lectures taught by the volunteers.  The subjects that were covered during the Buddhist lectures (also known as “dhamma talks”), were The 4 Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and 5 Aggregates.  I won’t go into detail — that’s for you to learn when you attend the retreat ;)

Vegetarian Thai Meals & Daily Chores

After a few hours of meditation and dhamma talks, it was time to eat. I know Buddhism teaches us “to eat simply for spiritual sustenance”, but the Thai food at the retreat was delicious.  Pro tip: pick your meditation retreat in a country with your favorite food.

Upon check in, everyone is required to sign up for a daily chore — chores included sweeping, washing dishes, mopping the halls, and cleaning the bathrooms.  Daily chores helped develop a sense of communal responsibility for all, and it was a great way to give back to the monastery for hosting us.

After meals, each person composts their scraps and washes their own dishes. Depending on the time slot you picked, your daily chore is scheduled after breakfast or lunch for about 20 minutes.

Pali Chanting & Loving Kindness Meditation

Before tea time, the volunteers guided us through several verses of Pali chants and loving kindness meditation.  It was soft, relaxing, and at times, tugged at my heart strings. My heart was filled with more love and compassion after each session — it made tea time and sunset more reflective and sentimental.

Lights Out — Sleeping on a Wooden Bed-Cloud

For me, the hardest part about the retreat wasn’t the noble silence or the meditation, it was sleeping on this wooden bed and pillow.  I’m normally a deep sleeper, but I tossed and turned the entire night trying to find a comfortable position. Regardless of the sleepless nights, it was a humbling experience (but I’d probably bring a mat next time).

What I Learned From The Silent Meditation Retreat?

During my 7 days of “noble silence", the entire world coincidently went on an emergency lockdown from the covid-19 pandemic.  Since we were disconnected from our phones, the entire group had no idea about the recent disaster.   It was like we were in a time simulator from the “real world”— while we were finding inner peace in our tropical bubble, the world was actually falling apart.

Before we knew “social distancing” was a thing, we signed up to self-isolate by choice for 7 days.  I remember saying to myself “I hope I have time to maintain my meditation practice once I’m back home” — little did I know, I’d have all the time in the world.

The meditation retreat truly prepared us for for the uncertainty we were about to experience for the rest of the year.  The moment I responded with ease after checking the 100+ messages of bad news on my phone (including temporary unemployment, mandatory quarantine, cancelled flights, and cancelled pre-arranged tours), I knew the meditation practice was working.  It’s easy to feel calm in a zen environment, but to feel calm in the chaos is something learned with time and wisdom.  Thank you Dipabhavan Meditation Center — what a gift.

Learnings

• Everything in life is temporary

• Attachment is the root of all suffering

• Live simply with less material possessions

• Peace of mind is possible no matter where we are and what we’re going through

• Be compassionate — see and feel loving kindness within yourself and in others

• Practice meditation at least once a day to unload, declutter, and calm the mind

• Live each moment breath by breath

• The only place that exists is the HERE AND NOW
  
  

6 Buddhist Insights Helpful for Uncertain Times

1. Loving Kindness: When sadness/ fear/ anger arises towards yourself, others, or situations — close your eyes and fill your heart with loving kindness. Visualize yourself wishing loved ones, those in need, and even those who’ve hurt you peace of mind. Do your best to speak and think with positive words.

2. Non-self: As different as we think we are, we are all connected. This quote says it the best, “when you replace I with WE, illness becomes wellness”.

3. Non-attachment: Don’t get attached to good & bad thoughts, feelings, people, and situations. Attachment is the root of all suffering — free yourself from needless hurt.

4. Impermanence: Nothing in life is permanent. Trials and tribulations will pass, people will come and go, so sit back and let nature run its course. Don’t waste energy marinating on things you can’t control and don’t get too caught up on top.

5. Mindfulness: Take each step with gentleness and awareness. Live slower and move with intention. Be mindful with your actions — observe your breathing, notice sensations, and smell the roses.

6. Here & Now: The past is over and the future isn’t guaranteed. The only place that exists is HERE AND NOW. If you find your mind wandering, shift your awareness back to your breath — be present and grateful for what you have.

Useful Tips For Dipabhavan Meditation RetreaT

• Follow retreat guidelines - Dipabhavan Meditation Center is a monastery that honors all Buddhist traditions.  Be respectful to the rules and listen mindfully — it’s very distracting for volunteers and participants if guidelines are not followed.  If you have questions about any guidelines, they are posted on the website and on the dining hall board during the retreat.

• Dress appropriately and modestly - since Koh Samui is in the tropics, the weather is humid all year.  Even though it’s warm, you are not allowed to wear tank tops, shorts, and tight clothing — so be sure to bring appropriate light shirts (covering shoulders) and pants (covering knees) for 7 days. In addition to clothing, you are not allowed to wear makeup and flashy jewelry (conveniently, there are no mirrors at the center).

• Bring cash - there is a small shop at the center in case you need toiletries and other necessities.  Donations are also only accepted in cash, so put some aside for the end of the retreat.

• Bring toilet paper and wipes - Dipabhavan is extremely sustainable and eco-friendly.  The center composts and there are are no napkins in the dining hall or toilet paper in the bathrooms. You can also purchase toilet paper at the shop if needed.

• Bring detergent if you anticipate doing laundry - there is no laundry service at the center.  If you need to do laundry, you can hand wash your clothes in the washrooms in the dormitories.  There's ample space to dry clothes on the clothes lines.

• TRUST THE PROCESS - it’s normal to feel frustrated, bored, doubtful, and overwhelmed.  After the first few days, people will start dropping like flies from the retreat. Silent meditation isn’t for everyone, but once you give it time, it’s hard to live without it.  Try your best to stick with the course.  I promise you, this silent meditation retreat will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Where to Stay in Koh Samui After The Retreat?

After the retreat, I stayed at Farmer’s Boutique Resort in Mae Nam in Koh Samui.  It was the perfect place to transition back to reality and get a good night’s rest after sleeping on a wooden bed.  The boutique hotel is located in a tranquil setting overlooking lotus ponds and the Samui hills.  Treat yourself after the retreat. 

More on my Farmer’s Boutique Resort blog!

Whether you’re finding yourself or finding peace, I highly recommend signing up for a silent meditation retreat at least once in your life. Out of all the healing modalities I’ve experienced, meditation has been the most impactful.

If you’re similar to me and prefer the retreat to be in a traditional, foreigner friendly, Buddhist monastery located in a tropical island in Thailand — check out Dipabhavan Mediation Center. Here’s more information on their website.

Have you been on a silent meditation before? Better yet, have you been to the silent mediation retreat at Dipabhavan Meditation Center? What’s your advice for first timers?