Diethelm Travel (Thailand) Ltd., 14/F Kian Gwan Building II, 140/1 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, ThailandTel. +66 (0) 2660 7000, Fax +66 (0) 2660 7020, E-mail: sales@diethelmtravel.com, www.diethelmtravel.com

Experience Buddhist traditions and ceremonies and learn about meditation at the Dhammakaya Foundation in Pathum Thani province, about an hour’s drive north of Bangkok. Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the biggest centre for meditation and Buddhist teaching in the world with a capacity to hold 1 million people meditating. The foundation has over 3000 volunteer workers and 1300 monks in residence that work on world peace programs. The Dhammakaya temple covers an area of 1000 acres and has six main temple buildings; the mediation hall can hold up to 200.00 people meditating. Each Sunday worshippers gather here to pray and meditate, while on special event & Buddhist holidays, hundreds of thousands congregate at the temple.

A spiritual journey to your inner selfThailand visitors looking for a more meaningful travel experience have the opportunity to learn about the Dhammakaya foundation during a half-day or full-day visit or participate in meditation retreats lasting from 2-7 days (�xed schedules).

A typical half-day visit includes a power-point presentation about the foundation, an introduction about meditation by an English speaking monk, medi-tation practice, o�ering food to the monks, a tour of the facilities, chanting and blessing by the monks, followed by a simple lunch served at the temple (sitting on mats on the �oor, food served on low

The One-Day retreat suited for groups aims to provide knowledge about how to meditate at the intro-ductory level, help participants to have good inner experi-ences or at least be relaxed in body and mind, give opportunity to share meditation experience with others and to encourage participants to practice further.08.00 Private van or coach transfer from Bangkok hotel to the temple09.30 Introduction to the session09.35 Basic Meditation Instruction 09.50 Exercise10.00 Basic Meditation Practice 10.30 Q&A11.00 Group Photo & Bubble Blowing11.30 Lunch13.00 Exercises13.15 Meditation Session 13.45 Meditation Practice 14.45 Break15.00 Group Sharing16.00 Meditation Practice & Spread Loving-Kindness16.45 Closing Speech17.00 Return transfer to hotel in Bangkok

Special events:10 December 2011: V-Star (1 million children event)31 December 2011: New Year Eve07 February 2012: Makha Bucha Day (Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's first sermon in to his disciples); ~ 300.000 participants, candle light display 22 April 2012: Earth Day (United Nations appointed day, the Abbot's birthday, offerings to 30,000 monks in the country, 300,000+ participants, usually firework display)07 May 2012: Visakha Bucha Day (the holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha); ~ 300.000 participants, candle light display

Dress code: Visitors to Wat Phra Dhammakaya should preferably wear white or light colored clothes covering shoulders, arms and feet. Shorts, sleeveless shirts or see-through clothes are considered inappropriate.

Meditation retreatsWeekend, 3-Day & 5-Day Meditation retreats are organized by the Dhammakaya Foundation at the POP House (Power Of Peace House), close to the temple on a regular basis. Accommodation is in air-conditioned dormitory style rooms (separate women’s and men’s quarters) with shared sanitary facilities. Breakfast, lunch & refreshments are provided during the retreat. A typical daily routine would be similar to the one outlined below:06.00 Wake up07.00 Breakfast09.30 Meditation11.30 Lunch14.00 Afternoon stretching / yoga14.30 Meditation16.30 Personal time and refreshment18.30 Meditation21.00 Bed time

Upcoming retreat dates (Nov 2011 - Jan 2012):29-30 Oct03-05 Nov12-13 Nov (special Loy Kratong)21-25 Nov26-27 Nov29 Nov-01 Dec05-09 Dec02-06 Jan07-08 Jan10-12 Jan16-20 Jan24-26JanFor further details feel free to contact us at sales@diethelmtravel.com or visit the foundation’s web-site at www.pophouse.info