The Pa-Auk International Latvia Meditation Centre is located 150 km north of Riga, the capital of Latvia, and about the same distance from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The site is part of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. Situated on 1,000 ha of land, it is a complex of a few buildings surrounded by large forest areas to the east and bordered by the Ruja River to the west.
The project is currently in its initial phase. Accommodations, meditation hall, dining hall, etc. will take shape over the next few years. Until then, the necessary facilities for outdoor living (camping) will be provided during retreat periods.
Source: Management Committee, Pa Auk Latvia International Meditation Centre, as of April 2010
Internet: www.paauk-latvia.org
E-mail to:
Mother Monastery: Pa-Auk Forest Monastery, c/o Major U Khan Sain (Rtd), 653 Lower Main Road, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Internet: www.paauk.org, E-Mail:
Arrival: We endeavor to receive all visitors in Riga (Riga International Airport, Riga central bus or railway station) and bring them to the meditation center. To get there independently, one must travel by car, bus, or taxi (expensive, over 100€) to Rujiena in northern Latvia (150 km). There are 6 buses daily. The journey takes between 3 and 4 hours with a stopover in Valmiera. Exact departure times and prices at RIGA INTERNATIONAL COACH TERMINAL. (Start: “Rigas SAO (Rigas raj. : (pilseta Riga) : Latvija)” Destination: “Rujienas AO (Valmieras raj. : Jeri : Latvija)”). In Rujiena we will pick you up at the bus station and take you to the retreat site. If you come by your own car, you will need either a good map or we will meet you in Rujiena at the bus station and show you the way.
Tradition: Theravada, Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw
Focus: Intensive meditation practice
Languages: English, Latvian
Costs: The maintenance of the center is financed exclusively through donations and therefore depends on the voluntary support of visitors.
Entry requirements: As a member of the EU, no visa is required for EU citizens.