Uncomfortable sleeping conditions on retreat I was thinking about going to a retreat in thailand called suanmok and then I saw the picture of the bed. A straw mat and a tiny wooden pillow!!! why would they make people sleep like that?  It seems like torture to me and so I decided not to go. If the Buddha didn't believe in asceticism why do some monasteries and retreat centres?   At the very least I need to sleep comfortably when on retreat. I would just end up sleep deprived and grumpy and not be able to meditate properly anyway. I can't even sleep properly in my luxurious queen size bed with pillow top mattress most nights. Does anyone know of a more comfortable retreat?
Google earth of meditation centre 





They also provide a piece of 'masonite' wood over the concrete bed.



You can take your own camping mattress &amp; pillow. 

Since the retreat is catering mostly for backpackers, people turn up with their backpacks &amp; whatever they are carrying in them, which they take into their room.

They don't have 'dhamma police' checking for camping mattresses the rooms. 

As for taking a bath, it is outdoor, communal, cold water, using a dish. 



As for toilets, generally squat (unless you can find a sit down, somewhere). 





In the good old days, we all piled into these old wooden dorms, sleep on the floor &amp; use this old toilet in the forest. At least recently there is an individual wooden bed.





This old toilet location is circled in red, below. One of the most beautiful toilet in the world.



Better view:



Meditate with the white Buddha.