Source: As of June 2004
Address: Saddhamma Ransi Meditation Centre, 7 Zeyar Khemar Road, Mayangone 7SHP, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar
Arrival: From the city center of Yangon, it takes about 10 minutes by taxi to the Mahasi Centre. To get to the Saddhamma Ransi Meditation Centre, go past the Mahasi Centre, along Kaba-Aye Pagoda Road out of town, past the Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Centre of Sayadaw U Janaka, continue along the main road, and hopefully the taxi driver will find the correct side street to turn into (after about 8 km). The total travel time is about 30-45 minutes.
Entry requirements: A visa is absolutely necessary and can be obtained from the embassy (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, Thielallee 19, 14195 Berlin, Tel. 030-2061570, Fax 030-20615720). A tourist visa is valid for four weeks. Those who wish to enter with a meditation visa must request a so-called “Sponsorship letter” from the centre (form on the homepage), which must be sent together with the visa application to the Burmese embassy. However, one should allow enough time for processing, about three months. Visa extensions may be possible; bring enough passport photos for the various forms (about 10).
Registration: Written advance registration is recommended!
Leadership: Ven. Sayadaw U Kundala is considered one of the most important teachers in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw and led the Mahasi Centre for a while. Sayadaw U Kundala has many years of experience with Western students and is called “Metta Sayadaw” in Myanmar because of his friendly demeanor. Due to his extensive teaching activities, he is often not at the centre.
Description: The Saddhamma Ransi Centre is a small but fine centre and is located in a relatively quiet area somewhat outside of Yangon. There is a beautiful Dhamma hall and some smaller buildings. Mainly Burmese yogis practice here.
Meditation technique: Observation of body, feelings, mind, and mind objects. As the primary meditation object, the rising and falling of the abdomen usually serves during sitting meditation. Several times a week there is an interview with the meditation teacher. The centre has a less strict schedule than the other centres of the Mahasi tradition. Instead of the usual minimum practice duration of twelve hours, “only” at least eight hours are expected here. A stay of one to three months is recommended.
Rules: The eight silas (virtue rules) are observed. 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 brown longyi (sarong or wrap skirt), which is available in Yangon.
Course duration and dates: Since no group retreats take place, no dates need to be observed.
Language(s): During the interview, a translator is present, as the teachers generally speak only a little English.
Costs: The maintenance of the centre is financed exclusively through donations; it is therefore dependent on the voluntary support of retreat participants.
Climate: Tropical climate; the cooler dry season from November to February (very hot from March) is the most favorable time.
What to bring: Insect repellent, water purification tablets, and medication should be brought in sufficient quantities from home. A light sleeping bag and a warm fleece jacket are useful, especially during the winter months. A German/English dictionary can be helpful for the interview. Sitting mats are available, but a sitting cushion should be brought. Everyday items such as toiletries, flashlight, batteries, bathing slippers, and water bottle are available in Yangon.
Note: Because of the less strict schedule and Sayadaw’s friendly manner, it is also interesting for less experienced yogis who are interested in the Mahasi method. At the centre there are some interesting and quite practice-oriented books by Sayadaw U Kundala (e.g., Dhamma Ratana).