SILENT MEDITATION AND QIGONG RETREAT
KHAO SOK, THAILAND
JANUARY 10-19, 2025
If you have dreamed to do a silent meditation retreat deep in the jungle, with a Buddhist monk, guided Qigong sessions, delicious food, massage, kayak meditation and daily swims in a pristine lake, this is the retreat for you! Join Marisa Cranfill and Venerable Pandit Bhikkhu for a nine-day Sammatha-Vipassana meditation retreat at Jungle Yoga in Khao Sok National Park. This retreat focuses on silent mindful meditation practice and is supported by Qigong, Yin Yoga and Dhamma talks. We have rented the whole resort for our own private usage. During these nine days, you will learn the fundamentals of the Buddha’s teaching along with discussions of complimentary Qigong meditation principles and practices. This silent retreat is for those who are serious to go deep within and practices can be adjusted for all levels and body types.
ABOUT the resort
Jungle Yoga retreat at Praiwan Rafthouse (แพไพรวัลย์) is in the heart of an ancient, protected jungle reserve called Khao Sok National Park in the interior of Southern Thailand. Located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park (www.khaosok.com) the raft house floats on a lake that is hidden among towering limestone karst formations in one of a few primary rainforests left over 160 million years old. The prehistoric jungle is part of a wildlife sanctuary home to gibbon apes, elephants, langur monkeys, giant hornbills, serpent eagles and many other rare birds and animals that you will hear during meditation.
Meditating in a jungle is no joke, but the Jungle Yoga team provides safe, clean and spiritually cared for facilities for an amazing experience like no other. It’s remote, it’s comfortable, and it’s exclusive to our group: a perfect container to build a powerful group experience. Meals are superb - dishes are mostly Thai cuisine prepared in a healthy way with fresh local ingredients. Primarily vegetarian, a fish and meat dish are offered once per day. One of the rare perks during this meditation retreat is the fabulous Thai massage to release meditation tension, which you will be able to book upon arrival.
This retreat is also a digital detox; there is no wifi and limited electricity in the evening (on a generator) so do not plan on doing any work or social media during these 9 days. If there is an emergency, we provide ways to contact the mainland. The nearest city is only 45 minutes away by boat. Since we will be living in a protected forest, everything you do leaves a footprint. While showers are available you may also take your bath in the lake every day! This means that shampoo and soaps must all be natural and its easiest to purchase them at the retreat to be sure.
Accomodation
Accommodations are in private, comfortable floating bamboo jungalows. Linens, blankets, and towels are provided.
The food is delicious and nutritious with fresh fruits and vegetables from the jungle and local markets, and fresh fish from the lake. Meals will be mainly vegetarian with fish, and occasionally chicken.
Fresh drinking water is readily available. There is a small generator, usually on from 6:30pm to 10pm for lighting and outlets available for charging a few necessary electrical items.
This is a rare opportunity to be unplugged with no Internet or telephone service available except for emergency use only. Swim in clear fresh waters of the lake outside your door. Travel the lake on easy-to-use kayaks. Enjoy massage from an experienced Thai masseuse.
We have exclusive use of the Praiwan Raft House accommodations (praiwanrafthouse.com). The wonderful staff from the raft house and Jungle Yoga (www.jungleyoga.com ) are available to help us with on-site information, travel questions, etc.
There will be a maximum of 28 students.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
· Private Full exclusive use of yoga sala, (192m2); Yoga mats, blocks, belts, cushions, roll up mats.
· Group transport: To/from Surat Thani (URT) airport to venue (vans & boats).
· Full board 3 meals/day + coffee/tea/water/fruit
· 9 night’s Accommodation
· Qigong Tuition cost
· Basic cost to cover travel expenses for Pra Pandit
· Use of kayaks
NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
· Danna Donation to Pra Pandit for his teaching for the 9-day retreat. According to the Vinaya rules of all Buddhist monks, they do not charge for their teaching or ritual services, and instead may live off of donations from the community. The amount is based on what you offer. Please bring cash Thai Baht or USD for this donation.
· Alternate transport for individuals or the group can be arranged from Phuket, Krabi, Donsak on request and with 2 weeks’ notice and will incur additional fees.
· Thai Massage or Oil Massage – Appointments will be made upon arrival and payment is made in cash.
· Jungle Yoga offers delicious snacks, essential oils, fun clothing and biodegradable toiletries for sale. Be prepared to bring cash for the goodies!
january 10th, 2025 - meet at suratthani airport, 10:00am
january 19th, 2025 - drop off at suratthani airport or another pier to your final destination, 10:30 am
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Meditation is a profound journey inward, a practice of cultivating awareness, presence, and inner peace. At its core, meditation is the art of stillness, a deliberate act of turning our attention away from the distractions of the external world and towards the rich landscape of our inner experience. In the context of the Vipassana Samatha meditation and Qigong retreat, meditation takes on a special significance. It becomes a sacred vessel through which participants embark on a nine-day voyage of self-discovery, healing and transformation. With a combined 50 years of experience, your guides, Pra Pandit and Marisa Cranfill will hold a space of nourishment, support and skillful means so that you may uncover the wisdom that lies dormant within you.
Vipassana, meaning "insight" or "clear seeing," is a centuries-old meditation technique that hails from the Buddhist tradition. It involves observing the flow of sensations in the body with a detached and nonjudgmental awareness. Through sustained practice, participants develop a deep understanding of the impermanent nature of reality and cultivate a sense of equanimity towards life's ups and downs.
Samatha, on the other hand, translates to "tranquility" or "calm abiding." It complements Vipassana by honing the mind's ability to focus and concentrate. Through techniques such as mindfulness of breath or mantra repetition, practitioners develop a stable and serene state of mind, free from the grip of incessant thoughts and worries.
Qigong, a Chinese system of movement and breath work, adds another dimension to the meditation practice. It involves gentle exercises and meditative movements designed to harmonize the flow of qi, or life force energy, within the body. Qigong fosters a deep connection between mind, body, and spirit, promoting physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual vitality. Together, these practices create a synergistic tapestry of meditation, weaving together the threads of mindfulness, concentration, and energy cultivation. In the stillness of the retreat, amidst the serene backdrop of nature, participants embark on a profound inner journey. They delve into the depths of their being, confronting their fears, desires, and attachments with courage and compassion. Meditation becomes a gateway to self-discovery, a mirror reflecting the true nature of existence. Through silent observation and introspection, participants awaken to the beauty and interconnectedness of all things. In the sacred space of the retreat, time seems to stand still as participants immerse themselves in the timeless practice of meditation. Each moment becomes a precious gift, an opportunity to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
As the retreat draws to a close, you will emerge renewed and revitalized, carrying with them the insights and blessings of their meditation practice. You will return to the world with an open heart and clear mind, ready to navigate life's challenges with grace and equanimity.
For more information check out the Frequently Asked Questions below:
Pra Pandit and Marisa meditating in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Marisa Cranfill is the founder of YOQI® Yoga + Qigong. Frequent trips as a child inspired Marisa to study academically and work in Asia for over 20 years. While living in China and Thailand she received direct transmission from qigong masters, nuns and healers in both the Buddhist and Taoist traditions. Marisa developed the YOQI® method over years of teaching yoga and qigong at meditation retreats with her Vipassana master, Ajarn Jandamit. The method follows the Six Phases of Qi Flow to remove energy blockage, and promote self-healing and spiritual insight. Marisa is a certified 500RYT yoga, yin yoga, Vipassana meditation and Qigong instructor. While her primary Qigong master is Mantak Chia of the Universal Healing Tao school, Marisa has trained with many Qigong and Taijichuan teachers around the world including well known masters such as Kenneth Cohen, Jesse Tsao, Robert Peng, and Liu He. She has been described as the Qigong Flow Queen, with a resource library cataloging over 300 flows. A generous and light-hearted teacher, she guides her students through direct experience. Marisa currently teaches around the world and is popularly known for offering the # 1 ranking Qigong YouTube channel and an extensive VOD library.
Pra Pandit Bhikku
Venerable Pandit is a British monk who was ordained and has lived and taught in Thailand for over twenty-five years. He is also the founder of the Little Bangkok Sangha. Pra Pandit has a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Buddhist Studies. He has a gift of storytelling and clarifying the differences between western psychology with Buddhist teaching. Find many of his brilliant Dhamma talks here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRknYJD_V3gJZo45tJBxtaA?view_as=subscriber.
FEES
The price depends on the type of room that you choose. Click BOOK NOW to explore room options.
HOW TO GET TO THERE
From Bangkok to Surat Thani is 1-hour flight. We arrange a group pickup to and from Surat Thani airport. From there it is about an hour’s drive and finally we travel by long boat to the raft house. We highly recommend you arrive at least 1 night before in Bangkok to get a good sleep and some self care. A tight schedule on arrival coupled with jet lag can make your first few days of retreat a total blur. Please read the FAQ’s for more information.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By registering for this workshop, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
Airfare and transportation to Surat Thani is the participants responsibility.
A full refund minus 5% bank fee can be issued before cancellation notice by December 1, 2024. After December 1, 2024, no refund may be issued. You may instead transfer your place to another person. Notify info@yoqi.com.