Wat Ram Poeng

Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram) in Chiang Mai has taught Satipatthana vipassana to lay people and monastics since 1973, when Luang Pu Thong Sirimangalo founded its meditation centre. The practice uses noting of the rising and falling abdomen and noted walking, in Ajahn Tong's Mahasi-derived lineage. Foreigners do a teacher-guided 26-day basic course, followed by 10-day retreats.

How to apply

Apply to each centre directly. Panditarama Lumbini asks you to read its guidelines and then contact it to agree your dates; IBMC Kathmandu wants a signed form at least a week ahead.

What is taught here

Mahasi Sayadaw's method of noting the rise and fall of the abdomen and whatever else arises, practised in silent retreats in Myanmar, Nepal and beyond. Read about Mahasi noting.