Academic Modules Program beginning April 2016

Program Itinerary – Summer 2015 June 30 – July 29

Contemplative Practice: Summer Study Abroad in Thailand

Program Objectives This program will be an intensive, experiential introduction to mindfulness meditation and other contemplative practices. The entire program will take place in Thailand, where in addition to daily practice and instruction in a variety of settings, students will learn firsthand the concepts and principles of contemplative thought and practices, their development in Buddhist traditions of Southeast Asia, and manifestations in contemporary culture. Students will witness both urban and village lifestyles during their three week field tour. For a portion of the trip, we will be in residence at Ubon Ratchathanee University, where we will have much time for interaction with Thai students, and will be teaching English conversation. We will visit important historical sites and landmarks, temples, nature preserves, and will participate in meditation retreats in temples in Thailand’s northeast. For further details on the contemplative practices that will be studied during theprogram, also consult the page on the program website titled “.”

Suggested Reading Here are some suggested readings for background to be done before departure. Participants do not need to bring books along. The program leaders will have a few copies available for reference and discussion.

Mindfulness with Breathing. A Manual for Serious Beginners by Buddhadasa Bikkhu. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-0861711116  (also available online: )

Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-0861719068  (an earlier edition available online at: )

Anapanasati Sutta: Mindfulness of Breathing. Available online at: 

Satipatthana Sutta. (Four Foundations of Mindfulness) Available online at: , and, in an different translation at: 

Happiness by Thich Nhat Hahn. ISBN 978-1888375916

Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree by  Buddhadasa Bikkhu. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-0861710355 (available online: 

A Tree in a Forest by Ajahn Chah  

No Ajhn six B Ajhn six

Monsoon Country by Pira Sudham

Tues., July 8: Ubon

-Educational and social exchange with local students – Day 2 Afternoon: – Wat Tung Sri Moung, Central Park -Toung Sri Moung activities/ Mindful exercise/ Meditation/ Yoga/ T’ai Chi

Wed., July 9: Ubon

– Educational and social exchange with local students – Day 3 Afternoon: – Visit Wat Pa Nana Chart (International Temple) – Wat Nong Pa Pong – Fruit and Vegetable wholesale market – Talad Chalernsri – Mindful Meditation session

Thurs., July 10: Ubon

– Educational and social exchange with local students – Day 4 Afternoon: – Leisure / Free time – Mindful Meditation session

Fri., July 11: Ubon

– Educational and social exchange with local students – Day 5 Afternoon: – Afternoon free time – Visit to Town Center/ Night market – Mindful Meditation session

Sat., July 12: Ubon

Full Day Excursion: – Wat Tham Phupha Cave temple – Pha Taem National Park (prehistoric cliff paintings) – Soi Sawan Waterfall – Meditation

Sun., July 13: Ubon

– Morning alms offering at Wat Pa Nanachart International Temple – Mindful eating at Boon Niyom Vegetarian Restaurant – Crafts and art center – Mindful Meditation session

Mon., July 14: Ubon – Srisaket

Khmer Ruins: - Kampaeng Noi / Yai Kampaeng - Wat Larn Quad (million bottle temple) - Eco-Mindful meditation session

Tues., July 15: Ubon

– Visit temple – candle carving workshops – Half day excursion to visit Rachathani Asoke community – Vermiculture farming – Organic rice farming – Crafts and arts Center – Mindful livelihood session

Wed., July 16: Ubon

– Tai Chi/Yoga – Visit Wat Suphat – Moon River visit/ Fish sanctuary – Wat Luang – Street market – Dinner at Thai-Chinese restaurant – Mindful Meditation session

Thurs., July 17: Ubon

– Candle carving workshop – Visit international candle carving team – Ubon Museum – International Candle Phansa competition

Fri., July 18: Ubon

– Meeting and Activities with Southeast Asian students – Meditation

Sat., July 19: Ubon

– Khao Phansa Parade – Kham Poun Silk village  visit

Sun., July 20: Ubon

– Activities with Southeast Asian Student exchange program students – Meditation

Mon., July 21: Ubon