Source: Samanera S. and buddhanet.net, updated 2006 by Ulrike
Address: Vipassana Bhavana Madhyasthana
Dikhena Estate
10320 Polgasovita
Contact also via:
Ven. Sanghasubhadra (very good English)
Ratnagiri Vivekashrama
250 Napawala
10704 Avissawella
Sri Lanka
Arrival: From Colombo take bus No. 120 towards Horana. Get off at the gas station in Polgasovita and walk along this road to the center (10 min.) or take a three-wheeler.
Registration: Advance registration recommended (the German nun Sister Samadhi may be helpful).
Description: The meditation center is integrated into a monastery belonging to the Galduwa district. Monks live there permanently, and one can participate in the morning and evening pujas. It is located in the lowlands next to a coconut plantation and is relatively densely built (“little open space”). Both women and men are accepted. The daily schedule is very strictly regulated, and observance of the eight precepts is expected. The climate is hot and humid.
Tradition and Teacher: Theravada, branch of “Galduva” (Ramañña Nikaya) monastery.
Meditation Technique: In addition to meditation according to the Pa Auk system, Vipassana meditation according to the system of Mahasi Sayadaw is also taught if desired.
Course Duration and Dates: Since individual guidance is provided, no specific date needs to be observed.
Language(s): Unfortunately, there is currently no English-speaking teacher present. Individual instructions are given in Sinhala with English translation.
Accommodation: For foreign male meditators (upasakas), six newly built (2005) kutis are available, integrated into the meditation hall for the bhikkhus. Three of the kutis have a toilet and shower. For foreign female meditators (upasikas), there are two very nice, large kutis, each equipped with a toilet and shower (tiled). One of the kutis even has a ceiling fan.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch are vegetarian (rice + curries). Those who want to be safe with drinking water should use a brought water purification agent or a filter.
Costs: On a donation basis.
Climate: Hot and high humidity
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 via email: . It would be nice to include an appropriate donation for shipping costs.
“Mindfulness of Breathing and Four Elements Meditation”, “Knowing and Seeing” and “The Practice which leads to Nibbana”. All three books are by Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw and can be downloaded as ebooks from www.buddhanet.net.