Simplify Life, Amplify Happiness

Have you ever heard of a monk’s life?

Many people thought that living like a monk is just a faraway dream, impossible for them to try...Now can be your opportunity.

World Peace Initiative Foundation and Mind Stories would like to welcome you to a meditation retreat where you will live a simple life and observe the three main pillars of perfection that are the core principles to end the causes of sufferings from the mind.

Learning from Buddhist teaching monks, the participants will know how to use the art of mindfulness and meditation to restore the balance of life and foster a proper understanding of the world by purifying their body, speech and mind. Lessons, perspectives and wisdom from the monk's lifestyle will transform their lives to ones that are less about finding happiness and more about living in it.

Who is it for?

For those who are interested in

Deepening their meditation experience

Developing mindful habits

Exploring the ancient Buddhist philosophies (such as Law of Karma, Impermanence, and the Noble Eightfold Path),

What will you learn ?

Getting to know the myth of body and mind

The body and the mind have a strong connection. Whatever happens to one will affect the other. Learn the causality between these two most important components of human beings.

Discovering the untold “true purpose of life”

Life can’t be the most enjoyable without knowing its purpose. But what is this missing jigsaw that will complete a spiritual perspective to enjoy the connection of life to the universe?

The three pillars of perfection

Perfection is a term often mentioned in Buddhist philosophy. Does perfection exist? Is it needed or even possible after all? In the journey to end all sufferings, there are three pillars to forge the path with both willpower, moral compass and guiding habits.

Practicing how to meditate like veteran Buddhist monks

Learn the true meaning of the middle way, an ancient meditation technique founded by the Lord Buddha which has been inherited for over 2,500 years by Buddhist monks.

The Noble Eightfold Path

Familiarize yourself with the noble eightfold path, the cycle to sustainable peace development of both material and spiritual worlds. The topic covers both theoretical and practical approaches that can be implemented on a daily basis.

Sati & Sabai (Concentration & Relaxation)

Four meditation sessions per day including Mindfulness activities and exercises to make it applicable back home, some include “Chanting for Stillness”

Balance and Detox

A mind-body treatment with daily yoga, intermittent fasting, delicious Thai food, and a beautiful environment.

Wisdom

Daily lectures on Eastern philosophy and the monastic perspective of the purpose of life, the spiritual path, the art of letting go and principles of a balanced and happy life.

Self-Reflection and Self-Empowerment

Private sessions with monks where you can deepen your meditation experience and get insights about your most intimate thoughts and experiences.

Venerable Phra John Paramai who once a pianist, a photographer, and a computer programmer, has become a Theravada Buddhist Monk for 10 years after finishing his Ph.D. in Telematics. With the knowledge from his tech background, he has pioneered in developing the biggest free online self-development and meditation platform that has users from over 200 countries and territories. He travels the world and gives his insights on mindfulness, meditation and Buddhist philosophy for detoxing, balancing and enriching the life of the modern world to individuals, NGOs, government agencies, universities, and companies (such as Google, Orange, Ogilvy, Teamwork, etc.) in 58 countries. He also teaches online meditation sessions and Buddhism on the Mind Stories community. Watch his video.

What's included

  • 7-night accommodation (a single room with a shared bathroom)
  • Training fee
  • Thai Food (breakfast and lunch) & Refreshments
  • Land transportation to the retreat site

What's NOT included

  • Airfare to BKK
  • Pick-up and drop-off from and to airport
  • Yoga Mat
  • An overnight stay at PIPO House (WPI HQ) is possible with an extra cost of 20 USD (500 Baht) per person including breakfast with prior notification.

Venue

Himmawan Sanctuary

Himmawan Sanctuary is a gem hidden in the mountains of Loei province, Thailand. The environment is ideal for taking the journey inwards and exploring the self while contemplating the natural soothing beauty of the landscape.

Activities

Meditation

Meditation

Yoga Practice

Yoga Practice

Personal Coaching

Personal Coaching

Getting Wisdom

Getting Wisdom

Alms Giving

Alms Giving

Food Offering

Food Offering

Google With Monk

Google With Monk

Bubble Blowing

Bubble Blowing

PIPO Night

PIPO Night

Pricing

Per Person

*Training Fee: The training fee has to be paid via Paypal or international bank account transfer to guarantee your seats.

Special Price

350 USD

application and fee submission deadline 15 April and

**Complete the 42 days online self-development program and online special ops before May 30, 2020.

Early Bird Price

500 USD

application and fee submission deadline 30 May

Full Price

600 USD

application and fee submission deadline 30 June

Cancellation Policy, if cancellation 60 days before the event date, a full refund will be given to the one that paid via PayPal. Other methods of payment will be deducted by the transfer fee. Cancellation after 60 days won't be refunded .

| Time | Activity| |--------------- |------------------------------------------------ | | 05.00 hr | Morning Riser Call | | 05.30 - 06.30 hr | Loving-kindness Meditation | | 06.30 - 07.15 hr | Stretching/ Yoga | | 07.15 - 08.00 hr | Mindful Eating | | 09.25-09.30 hr | Mindful Alarm: Samma Arahang | |09.30 - 11.00 hr | Meditation with Teaching| |11.00 – 11.30 hr | Offering Food to the Monks/ Receive Blessings| |11.30 - 12.30 hr | Mindful Eating | |12.30 – 13.30 hr| Personal Time | |13.30 - 14.00 hr | Buddhist Chanting (optional) | |14.00 - 16.00 hr | Meditation with Teaching| |16.30 – 18.00 hr | Meditation Clinic with a Monk| |18.00 - 19.00 hr | Refreshment (no dinner)| |18.55 - 19.00 hr | Mindful Alarm: Samma Arahang| |19.00 - 21.00 hr | Meditation with Teaching| |22.00 hr | Bedtime| ---

For more info

Email: training@wpifoundation.org

WPI will also organize the ‘Beginner Course for Certified Mindfulness & Meditation Trainers’ from August 11 - 17, 2020, and participants from “Living as a Monk” are eligible to apply if interested. Please check for more details from this link

FAQs

  1. Do I need to know about meditation in advance?

    As this program is for absolute beginners, we don't expect you to know about meditation, but we do encourage all applicants completing at least seven days of our self-development program before attending the course for the minimum knowledge and understanding that you need for the course


  2. How do you select the participants?

    Our selection process is pretty simple: first come first served! And we have limited spots at the retreat site.


  3. How to get the Special Price and pay only 350 USD for this retreat?

    We are happy to offer sponsorship of 250 USD to all those who are interested. For this option, the application and fee submission deadline is April 15, 2020, and all applicants need to complete the 42 days online self-development program and online special ops before May 30, 2020.


  4. What is the early bird price?

    It's the price you pay when you are enthusiastic and committed to doing this course, and want to be part of it asap! We offer it from February 18 to May 30, 2020. All those who apply within this timeline will receive USD 100 sponsorship from WPI.


  5. When is the final deadline to apply?

    We will receive applications by June 30, 2020. However, if all seats are taken up before this time, the application process will be closed as we can host only a limited number of participants.


  6. What is the self-development program?

    The online self-development program is a 42-days program for meditation, life enhancement, and habit development. When you sign up for this, a personal coach will be your companion during the whole journey for regular support, sharing and guidance. We are very happy for the interest it has raised because more than 120,000 people around the world have signed up for it and counting, which means that we belong and serve a big community of people who want to develop their inner peace and search opportunities for growth and the betterment of themselves. When we created it, we thought that providing guided meditation videos and daily reflections was the best way to support the practice of mindfulness and personal development. And that's how we made it. However, we don't want you to simply believe in us, go and start the first day and experience by yourself the benefits. We recommend you to follow the 42 days in a row to get the most benefits.


  7. Is there any age limit for this retreat?

    No. People from all over the world and of all ages are welcome to apply, and we will consider everyone.


  8. What is the official language of the retreat?

    English. We are in an international environment so English is our means of communication.


  9. What are the main places I need to know?

    World Peace Initiative Foundation Office or PIPO House

    Address: 46/4 Moo 7 Khlong Song, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand.

    Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/oTy5WD2SsRmoekke9

    Roughly 90 minutes from Suvannabhumi Airport (BKK) and 45 minutes from Don Muang Airport (DMK)

    Reason to know: Departure and Arrival Location for the bus to retreat site.

    Himmawan Sanctuary - Our retreat site

    Address: Rong Chik, Phu Ruea District, Loei 42160, Thailand.

    Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZNGEH3WnvaVyMT1r6

    Roughly 8 hours from PIPO House by bus.


  10. How to go to the retreat site?

    Free chartered bus from PIPO House

    • Departure to the retreat: 10:00 (10 AM) on Monday, August 3, 2020.

      We will have a brief stop for you to buy and have lunch along the way (at your own cost). If you did not arrive before the departure time, you will need to go to the retreat site at your own cost.

    • Arrival back at PIPO House: 20:00 (8 PM) on Monday, August 10, 2020.

    Fly to Loei Airport (LOE) and go to the retreat site by Taxi (All at your own cost)

    You need to fly to Loei Airport (LOE)

    • Departure to the retreat: Everyone must arrive at Loei airport before 15:30 on Monday, August 3, 2020, and connect by taxi for around one hour. (We can help book in advance, the cost will be around 30 USD per trip)

      The recommended flight to the retreat site will be the Nok Air DD9708 departure time from Don Muang Airport (DMK) at 14:10 (2:10 PM) on August 3, 2020.

    • On the way back, you will be able to leave the retreat site after lunch (1 PM) hence, you should take the flight after 15:30 (3:30 PM)

      The recommended flight back to Bangkok will be the Nok Air DD9709 departure time at 15:55 (3:55 PM) on August 10, 2020.


  11. I have attended other retreats/ fellowship by WPI, can I apply again?

    Yes, of course, anyone can apply again. As alumni, you can check which category of alumni you are as you will get support accordingly.


  12. Does WPI provide any further sponsorship for attending this program?

    No more than what we already provided at Special Price and Early Bird options.


  13. I have paid but not sure about the success of payment?

    Upon receiving the payment, you will receive an automated confirmation email from WPI confirming your successful application within 24 hours. If you did not get any confirmation within 24 hours please inform us at finance@wpifoundation.org.


  14. I have a query that is not answered here.

    We apologize for not covering all your doubts. Please reach out to us at training@wpifoundation.org


WPI envisions sustainable change happening when each and every one of us works towards their own self-development. Thus, we have created free and accessible tools for the empowerment and wellbeing of individuals worldwide, regardless of age, race, religion, cultural background.

World Peace Initiative Foundation
46/4 Moo 7 Khlong Song
Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand

74 Strathcona Gardens, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey
GU21 2AZ, United Kingdom