Theravada Buddhism Thai Forest Tradition

The Thai forest tradition is a branch of Theravada Buddhism.  Theravada literally means “the doctrine of the elders” because of its adherence to the Buddha’s original Dhamma and Vinaya.

The Thai forest tradition strictly upholds the original monastic rules of discipline taught by the Buddha.  The forest tradition emphasizes the practice of meditation and the realization of enlightenment as the aim of spiritual practice.  Disciples of the forest tradition train in the Buddha’s path of serenity meditation and contemplative insight, that includes living a life of moral discipline, sense restraint, and renunciation of worldly values, in order to realize the subtle truths and supreme peace taught by the Buddha.  Living a life of simplicity and discipline within the boundaries of the Middle Way allows practitioners to fine tune their life, bringing peace and contentment to the mind.  The training is designed to investigate the fundamental causes of suffering within their heart and to cultivate the path leading toward freedom from all suffering and the attainment of supreme happiness.  Monastic practitioners of the forest tradition live frugally with few possessions.  This life style fosters the joy of an unburdened life and assists in uprooting greed, pride, ill-will and other taints that proliferate in the mind.