Source: Dieter Baltruschat, as of Jan 2006
Address: International Pa-Auk Forest Meditation Centre
Branch of Pa-Auk Forest Meditation Centre
Thilawar Road (near Kyaik-Kauk Pagoda)
Payargon Village
Thanlyin Township
Tel: +951 56 219 27 or 218 30 (English)
Contact address in Yangon: U Nyunt Tin, Tel: 577 808
Main monastery
Pa-Auk Forest Monastery
c/o Major U Khan Sain (Rtd)
653 Lower Main Road
Mawlamyine
Mon State
Myanmar
Tel.: +951 32 221 32 or 228 53
Contact at Yangon (Rangoon):
Mrs. Mei Yip
Blue Star Co. Ltd.,No. (4)
West May Kha No. (3) Street
Mayangone Township
Yangon
Tel +951 1 650 040, 650 025, mobile 999 235 70
Fax 651473
Internet: www.paauk.org
E-Mail:
Arrival: Best by taxi (max. 5 US) from Yangon. The journey takes about an hour from the city center. You can also travel very cheaply by public bus. It is best to call the meditation center beforehand. If no taxi driver knows the center (it is not very well known), it can be a good idea to visit the tourist information near the Sule Pagoda. The nice ladies will, if necessary, make the call to the center and can then explain the way to the taxi driver.
The cheapest flights to Bangkok are available from 500 euros. A return ticket Bangkok/Yangon is available from 180 euros, but usually the price for both tickets is around 1000 euros. The flight via Bangkok has the advantage that a Myanmar visa can be obtained there in a few days in an emergency.
Entry requirements: A visa is absolutely necessary!
With a written invitation from a center, it is possible to apply for a three-month meditation visa. Processing is lengthy, and it is uncertain whether a meditation visa will be issued. A four-week tourist visa is uncomplicated and can be obtained within a week at the embassy (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, Thielallee 19, 14195 Berlin, Tel. 030-2061570, Fax 030-20615720) and can possibly be extended in Myanmar (be sure to inquire beforehand!!!).
Registration: Advance registration is highly recommended, but not absolutely necessary.
Leadership: Sayadaw U Eindaw Batha
Description: The meditation center is located on the edge of Thanlyin, a suburb southeast of Yangon. The center is still quite new. There is a beautiful two-story Dhamma hall, kitchen and dining hall, and nice little houses where the yogis are accommodated. Since the trees are still quite small, one cannot really speak of a forest monastery, but the main paths are covered, so that one is protected from sun and rain. The mostly older yogis welcome the Western practitioners very warmly into their midst. There is a very friendly and yet concentrated atmosphere.
Tradition and teacher: Theravada, Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw.
Intensive meditation technique.
Sayadaw U Eindaw Batha is an excellent teacher and expert in concentration meditation (samatha) and jhana (absorptions).
Meditation technique: The meditation practice usually takes place in the Dhamma hall. Since there are individual practice instructions, no specific arrival date needs to be observed. In the tradition of Pa Auk Sayadaw, all 40 traditional meditation objects (e.g., Anapanasati, analysis of the elements, 32 parts of the body, the 10 kasinas, …) are taught. Most practitioners begin with Anapanasati, but depending on inclination or talent, one can also start with another technique. The sitting periods usually last 90 minutes. Those who have problems with longer sitting can also switch to the standing position. Sayadaw U Eindaw Batha makes sure that newcomers are not overwhelmed. After intensive concentration meditation, the development of clear insight (Vipassana) is also practiced. Those who want to delve deeper should bring a few months of time and practice at the main center near Mawlamyine. The center in Thanlyin is excellent for getting a taste and for shorter stays. Those who want to stay longer than one to two weeks are “sent” to the main center Mawlamyine, as even better conditions are said to prevail there (however, it is a malaria area).
Rules: Each participant undertakes to observe the eight silas (moral training rules) and should endeavor to develop loving-kindness towards all living beings. Clothing should be comfortable, practical and appropriate (no shorts or sleeveless T-shirts). Traditionally, white blouses and shirts are recommended; women and men wear a longyi (sarong or wrap skirt), which is available in every market in Burma.
Language(s): Interviews are translated into Burmese and there is an English-language brochure with meditation instructions.
Accommodation: Usually in a double room. Shower facilities, toilet and washing facilities for laundry are located in small buildings directly at the accommodations. Women and men live in separate areas. A light sleeping bag is very useful, especially in the cooler season.
Meals: Breakfast (5:30 a.m.) and lunch (10:30 a.m.) are of good quality. There are always two to three vegetarian dishes and only very rarely fruit. After 12 noon, no more food should be taken. Drinking water was available, but one should bring a water purification agent for emergencies. For longer stays, vitamin or mineral effervescent tablets are also recommended, which are also suitable as gifts for monks.
Shopping facilities
Everyday items are available at the market. Flashlight, bathing slippers, water bottle, insect repellent, toiletries and possibly a thermos (and tea or coffee) are best purchased in Rangoon. Sitting cushion, vitamin or mineral tablets and water purification agent should be brought from home if possible.
Medical care: The hygienic conditions are good by Burmese standards. There is a low risk of malaria. Medicines are scarce and must be brought in sufficient quantities (antibiotics, Halfan, first aid kit) and should be donated afterwards. In general, medical care in Burma is much worse than in Europe.
Costs: The maintenance of the center is financed exclusively by donations and is therefore dependent on the voluntary support of visitors.
Climate: Tropical climate, the cooler dry season from November to February (very hot from March) are the most favorable months.
Note: Very suitable for practitioners who are interested in Samatha practice or have questions about the absorptions, or who want to get a taste of meditation under expert guidance. Also suitable for beginners, easy to reach and good general conditions.
Another branch monastery is located in Sri Lanka:
Ven. N. Ariyadhamma Mahathera, Sri Gunawardana Yogasramaya
Gal Duwa, Kahawa, via Ambalangola 7018, Sri Lanka
Book recommendation: A very good and free book by Pa-Auk Sayadaw, “The Light of Wisdom”, is available from Ng Wee Kang, 791-C, Tmn Kerjasama, Bkt Beruang, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia or at the email address: .
It would be nice to include an appropriate donation for shipping costs. A link for free download can be found at www.paauk.org
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