Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, with its sacred garden, the Ashoka Pillar, and a multitude of monasteries, is considered one of the four most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. In 1976, Lumbini was declared an international project and is to be developed into a “source of world peace”.
The opening ceremony for the Vipassana Centre took place on February 7, 1999. The center offers a quiet, pleasant, and peaceful atmosphere for mental training.
Intensive Vipassana meditation in the tradition of the Burmese meditation master Mahasi Sayadaw. Alternating formal meditation in sitting and walking. Observation of body, feelings, mind, and mind objects. The primary meditation object during sitting meditation is usually the rising and falling of the abdomen. Daily interview (meditation instruction) with the meditation teacher and regular Dhamma talks.
During intensive meditation, laypeople observe the eight silas (moral training rules). Monks and nuns live according to the rules of the Vinaya.
Formal meditation courses take place annually in December and February. Registration is required for these. Otherwise, no dates need to be observed; stays from a few days up to three months are possible.
Languages: English, German, Burmese.
Accommodation: Shared rooms with clean sanitary facilities are available for meditators. Construction of single accommodations is planned.
Meals: The vegetarian food in Burmese style is rich, tasty, and vegetarian.
Costs: The center’s maintenance is financed exclusively through donations and therefore relies on the voluntary support of retreat participants.
Climate: Subtropical climate; the cooler dry season from November to February (very hot from March) are the most favorable months.
What to bring: Insect repellent, water purification tablets, and medications should be brought from home in sufficient quantities. A sleeping bag and a warm fleece jacket are very useful. Sitting mats are available, but a sitting cushion should be brought.