The Willpower Institute—Meditation Centers, with branches in the USA, Canada, and Thailand, was founded in 1997 by Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo, a master teacher of meditation, who currently serves as Lord Abbot of the famous Dhammamongkol Temple in Bangkok, Thailand.

Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo’s Vision is very personal in nature, while his vision is international in its scope: that is to share the peace and happiness that is attainable through the practice of meditation—with both students and meditation instructors—in a manner that would help to reduce world conflict and promote world peace. Meditation increases the potential power and influence of the human mind: with increased mental clarity, people are better equipped to control their emotions, thereby reducing violence and increasing harmony in relationships.

Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo’s Mission is to train new instructors to help spread the theory and practice of meditation. His reason for this is analogous to the aquatic ripple effect: As the master says: “You teach ten; they teach ten; and each of them teach ten. Soon, one thousand, one million.…”.  The ultimate goal of the Willpower Institute—Meditation Centers in the USA is to help promote happiness and world peace through meditation. Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo believes that spiritual enlightenment can be attained, and world peace achieved if sufficient number of people in the world consistently participate in the practice of meditation. Thus, Luangphor Viriyang (literally ‘perseverance’ in Thai) established more than 200 Willpower Institute-Meditation Centers in Thailand and North America, where people of all faiths are welcome.

Locations: There are currently six Willpower Institute—Meditation Centers in Canada, where the Meditation Instructor Course is offered free of charge: located in Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Niagara Falls, Richmond Hill, and Ottawa. Most recently, Luangphor Viriyang has established a meditation center in the United States: located in Los Angeles, where meditation students / instructors in the USA can receive intensive training and instruction in meditation theory and practice, leading the students / instructors to more advanced techniques, including Vipassana; after which the graduates can be certified as meditation instructors.

A.M.Hall, 2017

Tudong activity following the teachings of Phra Ajarn Luang Por Viriyang Sirintharo.

     In the Meditation Instructor Course offered by the Willpower Institute – Founded by Phar Ajarn Luang Phor Viriyang Sirindharo (Somdet Phra Yanawachirodom) by Students (both Thai and international, as well as disciples) are required to undertake a (Thudong) pilgrimage upon completing both the theoretical and practical components of the curriculum. This pilgrimage serves as a field examination – a test designed to cultivate patience, forbearance, and contentment. The aim is to refine one’s defilements by following in the footsteps of the Great Master, Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto. Typically, this *dhutanga* (ascetic pilgrimage) takes place annually at Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai Province. The journey involves travelling to various meditation practice sites, living a simple and austere life, and engaging in walking meditation, seated meditation, and the practice of radiating loving-kindness (metta) on every occasion. 

     Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, border closures and the suspension of various activities prevented students of the meditation teacher training course in Australia from attending the Thudong (pilgrimage/meditation retreat) at Doi Inthanon upon completing their studies.

Subsequently, in 2023, a group of instructors from Thailand travelled to Australia to organise a Thudong event on Cockatoo Island, allowing the Australian students to participate in the course’s final activity and receive their certificates.

     The atmosphere at the event was filled with happiness and a sense of unity among students from various cohorts and the faculty members from Thailand. It provided an opportunity for them to get to know one another better, bringing together graduates from multiple batches – including those who completed the course online and those who studied at the Willpower Institute.

Group meditation sitting

1 August 2026 @Waterview Wharf Workshops, Sydney