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Teaching English and Practicing Meditation

Volunteering Teaching English at Wat Luang Phor Sodh

The Wat Luang Phor Sodh International Outreach Program has been conducted by the Wat Luang Phor Sodh Buddhist Meditation Institute (BMI), an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University since 2006, led by the renowned Meditation Master, Phra Rajyanvisith, the Director, Buddhist Scholar, Educator, and currently Coordinator of all Thai Provincial Meditation Institutes throughout Thailand. The program is run by the BMI team which consists of Phra Natpakanan Gunanggalo, Mr. Watcharapol Daengsubha or Kwan and Ms. Jessica Ogden.

Objective

To prepare Buddhists, especially Thai monks and nuns, to teach Buddhism in English through immersion in studying and using Buddhist English.

Methodology

International teachers [volunteers] guide students in intensive pronouncing, listening, understanding and reading, using Buddhist materials. Students practice teaching Buddhism to international visitors who come to the Wat to learn meditation and Buddhism. In turn, it is a good opportunity for volunteers to experience with Thai culture and Buddhism and also, they will learn how to meditate for inner peace and how to adapt meditation with everyday life.

Daily Schedule



Volunteers teach English to monks between 9.00 - 10.45, Mon. to Wed. After lunch, the volunteers practice meditation taught by Phra Bart.

Outreach Community


Teaching English to kids after their school between 6.00 - 7.00 PM. Mon. to Thur

Facilities

Volunteers stay on the Wat campus. Central dormitories for nuns and laywomen as well as for laymen have adjacent bathrooms. The Wat has its own drinking water purification plant. The university library has internet.

To Apply

If interested, please click here for more information.

Meeting with some volunteers

Ashley Cook

Kansas City, Missouri, United States

I came to the Temple wanting to teach English, but I got so much more out of it. I had a great experience at the Temple. The duration of the time I have been here I have learned life lessons and accomplished life goals. This experience has opened my eyes to a different culture and they way people live. I absolutely love teaching here, and when the students enjoy it to that is when I know I am doing my job. When the students come to class everyday and seeing their faces light up with their wonderful smiles brings warmth to my heart.

Jessica Dawn Ogden

Pavilion, British Columbia (B.C.), Canada

I learned that waiting for the “right time” to pursue our spiritual path is a time that exists in the never-never land of our minds. Make that time now and your true path to a happier, more fulfilling life will revile itself much quicker than continuing to battle with the inner purgatory between complacency and full potential. Wat Luang Phor Sodh has the ideal tranquil setting and gentle, experienced monks and staff to guide you. Even if you can only spare one week it will be worth the rest of your life.

Joyce Gudding

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

My strong desire has been to "give back" and engage in a service learning project. The WAT gave me that experience by teaching English to the monk and Karen community, but so much more. The saying, "when the student is ready, the teacher arrives" sums up my overall experience. I became the student and all of you my teachers, including the Karen who service you. Through Phra Bart's meditation instruction, I'm returning home with a practice that will bring inner peace and insight. I hope to live each day more mindfully and one of "doing good, avoiding evil, and purifying my mind." I am satisfied that I can start whereever I am.

Leslie Koepke

St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.

I have learned a lot about Buddhism and Samatha-Vipassana from Phra Bart and the other monks (Phra Bill, Phra Kwan, Phra Tony) who talked with us. I will remember what Buddha said: "seek inside yourself; make yourself a refuge." The wat was a very peaceful place for me - and it is a reflection of Thailand - it is a beautiful place where the people are kind and where there are many smiling faces. I was touched by how hard the monks, nuns, and Karen students worked to learn English. I learned so much from each of you as well. Thank you for your patience - and for your forgiveness for for my unintended mistakes. I will remember your kindness and good humor. Keep practicing; keep speaking!