Description
Wat Pa Somphanat (วัดป่าโสมพนัส) is one of the most beautiful meditation retreats in Sakon Nakhon, with shady, winding paths through some 40 rai (16 acres) of forest. The temple is identified as an "Animated Mindfulness Meditation Center" — a mental development site for those who wish to develop a life that is awakened by truth.
Since 1995, Wat Pa Somphanat has taught thousands of followers a unique mindfulness technique called Dynamic Meditation. This practice was originated by the Isaan monk Luang Por Teean Jittasubho (ลวงพ่อเทียนจิตฺตสุโภ). It involves rhythmic hand and arm movements, which initiates an enhanced awareness of the body and progresses to enlightened awareness of thoughts, the sources of thoughts, and the ability to refine one’s thoughts to only the most loving and beneficial. This in turn leads to better health, deeper serenity, and greater happiness.
The 15 Steps of Dynamic Meditation are as follows:
1. While sitting, rest your hands palm down on your thighs.
2. Turn your right hand onto its edge. As you do it, be aware of the movement of your hand and do it slowly. Then stop. Do not say to yourself: “Turn the right hand”. Simply be aware of the movement.
3. Raise your right hand up. Be aware. Then stop.
4. Lower your right hand to rest on the abdomen. Be aware. Then stop.
5. Turn your left hand onto its edge. Be aware. Then stop.
6. Raise your left hand up. Be aware. Then stop.
7. Lower your left hand to rest on your right hand. Be aware. Then stop.
8. Move your right hand up to rest on the chest. Be aware. Then stop.
9. Move your right hand out. Be aware. Then stop.
10. Lower your right hand onto its edge on your thigh. Be aware. Then stop.
11. Face your right palm down. Be aware. Then stop.
12. Move your left hand up to rest on the chest. Be aware. Then stop.
13. Move your left hand out. Be aware. Then stop.
14. Lower your left hand onto its edge on your thigh. Be aware. Then stop.
15. Face your left palm down. Be aware. Then stop.
Note that as you proceed through the above steps, your movements should be rhythmic, with short pauses as needed for awareness.
Wat Pa Somphanat (วัดป่าโสมพนัส) is located only about 5 minutes from the ancient Khmer ruins of Phra That Phu Phek and 15 minutes from Wat Tham Kham, so it is conveniently located if you are visiting these other popular Sakon Nakhon destinations.
