MONK CHAT OFFICE — Local services in Chiang Mai Province

I took part in a one-day meditation retreat at Wat Suan Dok temple in Chiang Mai.

TL;DR: An amazing experience full of theoretical knowledge and practical insight, led by the warm and welcoming Phra KK. The programme is free, donations are welcomed.

Phra KK gave us a theoretical introduction into Buddhism and the practice of meditation, explaining even the most abstract concepts with utmost precision and clarity. His profound knowledge and experience as well as his engaging teaching style made for a highly interesting class. Buddhism - both generally and as an integral part of Thai culture - has become way more tangible for me. Next, Phra KK walked us through different forms of concentration meditation, such as breath, moving and walking meditation. For the latter, we even went into the beautiful ordination Hall at the back of the temple. Phra KK guided us carefully through our meditation journey. It was an intense experience, a challenge, but very educational and mysteriously calming. Towards 5 pm, we had the chance to talk to monks, asking them questions, and also answering questions they had for us. It was an informal, highly insightful chat, with the monks and us, the participants, sharing stories from their respective backgrounds. Phra KK was a warm, welcoming instructor, knowledgeable, experienced, some would say wise. The programme is free, voluntary donations are welcomed. This experience is one of a kind and not to miss when in Chiang Mai! Thank you, Phra KK and everyone who made this a...

I had the pleasure of attending a one day meditation retreat with Phraa KK in Chiang Mai, Thailand and I can honestly say that it was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Phraa KK was an amazing teacher, and his knowledge and passion for Buddhism were truly inspiring.

Throughout the day, Phraa KK taught us about the principles of Buddhism and how to apply them in our daily lives. He was patient, kind and understanding, and made sure that everyone understood the concepts he was teaching. I particularly enjoyed the meditation sessions, where he guided us through the process of meditation and helped us to achieve a sense of calm and relaxation that I had never experienced before.

What I appreciated most about Phraa KK was his ability to relate the principles of Buddhism to our everyday lives. He helped us to understand how we can apply these principles in practical ways, and I have been able to incorporate what I learned in my daily life since then. It has been 4 months since the retreat, and I have continued to meditate and practice what I learned, and it has had a profound impact on my life.

Overall, I would highly recommend Phraa KK's one day meditation retreat to anyone who is interested in learning more about Buddhism or looking to deepen their meditation practice. He is an amazing teacher, and the experience was truly life-changing. Thank you, Phraa KK, for an...

I am incredibly grateful to have participated in the Monk Chat initiative. It was a one-day session led by Pra KK, an extraordinary monk whose empathy, discipline, and charisma left a lasting impression on me. Pra KK is not only a deeply insightful teacher but also incredibly talented—he speaks 10 languages—and his humor and warmth made the session even more engaging.

Throughout the day, I experienced several “wow” moments as Pra KK masterfully introduced us to the story of Buddhism, explaining its core principles and offering insights into the unique distinctions of Buddhism across different Asian countries. His ability to share complex teachings in such a relatable and inspiring way was truly remarkable.

The two meditation sessions were profoundly moving. During one of them, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, even brought to tears, as I faced feelings I hadn’t realized I was holding onto. Pra KK’s words during these moments were both comforting and transformative, leaving me deeply inspired.

This session with Pra KK was an unforgettable experience, one I will cherish forever. If you ever have the chance to learn from this beautiful soul, do not miss it—it is an...