Buddhist Community Development Center

Buddhist Orientation The meditation centre at the 13 Buddhist Community Development Centre (BCDC) at Wat Sriboonruang, Fang, Chiang Mai, Thailand is a place for the practice of vipassana meditation in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, led by Venerable Clyde Jarudhammo. During your stay with us at the BCDC, you will have the chance to learn more about Buddhism, practice vipassana meditation and join your fellow guests in participating in the morning and evening group chanting and meditation sessions. Unlike traditional meditation retreats, which are often held to a strict schedule, in absolute silence and with very little guidance for those new to Buddhism and meditation, we strongly encourage a level of mindful and respectful social interaction between our guests, monks and the lay people of the temple and our local community. A dynamic community leader, the Abbot of Wat Sriboonruang is Prah Maha Dr. Apisit Pingchaiyawat. Phra Ajahn Dr. Apisit was born on the 11th of July 1972 and received his Samanera ordination on 12th June 1984. Nine years later he received his full Bhikkhu ordination. Dr. Apisit has a Phd. in Sociology and is a renowned Pali (Level 7) and Dhamma scholar. He was appointed Abbot of Wat Sriboonruang in 2001 at the age of 29 and has since devoted himself to the development of the temple and the surrounding community.