This temple does not teach the practice of meditation, and days are not structured beyond the morning and evening reflections on the noble truth given by Luang Por Phosrisuriya Khemarato. Learning the ultimate truth happens through impromptu Dharma talks & conversations, the experience of being at the temple, living a simple lifestyle, and letting go of expectations.
A typical day begins around 5:00am, with the first reflection beginning at around 6:15am. These can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour in length, usually beginning with traditional Pali chanting and recitation of the Forgiveness Statement, followed by Luang Por’s reflection.
Luang Por uses simple language to explain profound truths. His teachings are all given in Thai, however English speaking members of the temple community are always happy to help non Thai speakers. Many of his reflections have already been translated into English, and can be found in the Teachings, Audio, and Videos sections.
After the morning reflection, a (mainly) vegetarian buffet is served. This is the only meal provided, and residents are on their own for further meals, so it is helpful to bring a food container in order to take extra food for later in the day. Following the morning reflection, the rest of the day is unstructured, and there are no classes or requirements to fulfill.
Days at the temple are to be used as a time to be with yourself, soak in the temple atmosphere, and live in the style of the monks and nuns here. Whilst not compulsory, visitors and residents are encouraged to provide support to the temple community in whatever ways they can. There are many different opportunities to help out with voluntary works, such as in the kitchen, garden, garbage site, horse stables, and other areas. You can see some examples in the Community Support & Activities section.
Dharma conversations with the Venerable Luang Por Phosrisuriya Khemarato, and other monks and nuns, are open for everyone throughout the day.
Evening prayer and reflection normally runs between 6:00 – 7:00pm, though this adjusts as the days lengthen and shorten through the year.
Temple electricity is limited to 4:30 – 6:00am, and 6:00 – 8:00pm, after which there are no further activities (aside from the kitchen staff who work from around 3am preparing breakfast for the temple community!)
Forgiveness is one of the fundamental teachings and tools encouraged at the temple. It is a way to clear karmic debts and compensate the accumulation of karma and its effects over many lifetimes. To find out more about the practice, and to download a copy of the Forgiveness Statement, click here.
Soh…
Soh… is the means by which one can bless all worldly beings, by transmitting the great blessed fortune given to us by Maha Parami. It is a means by which one can clear the mind and send divine blessing power to all. It can be done anytime, anywhere, whether silently (internally) or verbally, and with or without the opening of the hands and arms, spreading the energy outwards from oneself.
Pouring Water
Pouring water onto the ground (as many times as one feels to do) is a way to share one’s merit and goodwill, to send out positive thoughts, positive energy, loving, and kindness to all beings. It is a practice that embodies the way of Bodhisattvas, to always be kind and merciful. Pouring water is a way of embodying the ideas of giving and of letting go. When the bottle is turned over, the water flows out on its own – there is nothing more one has to do. This is letting go.
The water is also a symbol of giving on many levels, and it carries the essence of one’s giving with it, into the earth and to other beings.
Living in the Klai way
Klai is the Thai word which means relax or relief. At Rombodhidharma temple, living in the Klai way is a means of allowing one to unwind from the pressures of the mind, by relaxing into whatever one may be doing in the present moment. As the burdens of everyday life ease, the mind can become more open, and this allows one’s experience to expand. It is a central idea in the lifestyle here, but it certainly doesn’t mean that one should sleep or lay around all the time. Relaxing into the current task means not striving or pushing oneself to do things, and following the natural flow of things, which are impermanent by their nature.

