The international meditation centre was founded in 1956 with the support of the Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw and is located about 30 km east of Colombo. It can accommodate up to 70 practitioners. For many years, Western monks, nuns, and lay practitioners (men and women) have been visiting this place. The centre is situated near the road and surrounded by coconut plantations. There are several branch monasteries spread across Sri Lanka.
Tradition and Teacher: Ven. M. Upali Thera. Intensive Vipassana meditation in the Mahasi tradition.
Meditation Technique: In the Vipassana meditation method according to Mahasi Sayadaw, great emphasis is placed on developing continuous mindfulness (no breaks). During formal meditation, sitting and walking alternate every hour. Outside of formal meditation, mindfulness is applied to the current activity such as eating, walking, washing, etc. The primary meditation object during sitting meditation is usually the rising and falling of the abdomen. Several times a week, an interview with an experienced meditation teacher takes place.
Rules: The stay can last from a few days to several weeks. Lay practitioners live according to the eight precepts and are asked to wear only white clothing.
Daily Schedule:
4:00 Wake up
4:30 Morning chanting
5:00 Rice drink (so-called “Kände”)
5:15 Meditation
6:15 Breakfast
7:15 Group meditation
8:15 Morning drink (tea)
8:30 Cleaning
9:30 Bathing/washing
11:15 Lunch
12:30 Group meditation
13:30 Afternoon drink (tea)
14:00 Meditation instructions
16:00 Group meditation
17:00 Cleaning
18:00 Evening chanting
18:30 Evening drink (tea)
19:00 Group meditation
20:00 Walking/sitting meditation
22:00 Night rest
Attendance at group meditations is mandatory.
Course Duration and Dates: Since individual guidance is provided, no special dates need to be observed.
Language(s): English and Sinhala. Often, translation into German is even possible.
Accommodation: Single rooms are available for all practitioners. Men and women live in separate areas. For monks, there is a large house with rooms and some kutis (bungalows).
Meals: Nutritious vegetarian meals are provided in the morning and at noon. At other times, coconut milk, rice soup, and tea are offered.
Costs: Accommodation, meals, and services are offered free of charge according to Buddhist tradition. The support of lay followers and benefactors from Sri Lanka and other countries makes this possible to this day. Donations are, of course, gladly accepted.
What to Bring: Please bring a passport with a valid visa, toiletries, flip-flops, an alarm clock, a flashlight, an umbrella, writing materials, insect repellent, and possibly a light sleeping bag. Additionally, two to three sets of white “upasaka” clothing (white shirt and white sarong or white trousers) are necessary.
Note: For longer stays, assistance with visa extension is possible.
Book Recommendation: The Buddha and His Teaching – Ven.Narada
What the Buddha Taught – Ven.Walpola Rahula
The Dhammapada – Ven.Narada
The Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation – Ven.Mahasi Sayadaw
The Path of Purification – Ven.Buddagosa
A comprehensive Manual of Abbhidhamma – Bikku Bodhi
An Introduction to Theravada Abhidamma – Prof.G.D.Sumanapala
In This Very Life – Ven.U.Pandita