Meditation in Myanmar

Myanmar is a land with different people and different religions. About 90% of the people in Myanmar are Buddhists. Many Vipassana Meditation Centers based on Buddha’s teaching are widely taught throughout the country.

Vipassana meditation in Myanmar is taught during ten-day residential courses. This period has been found to be the minimum necessary for new students to understand the technique and its benefits through their own experience. Here is some information on the Meditation Centres so that one can plan the Meditation trips in Myanmar.

Chanmyay Yeiktha

Chanmyay Yeiktha functions mainly as a meditation centre but are also a monastery with resident monks who are the meditation teachers. It is for foreigners and Myanmar mediators alike. Foreigners are well catered for and often have their own quarters and schedules. Men and women's accommodation is separate, clean and simple, complete with bed linen and mosquito nets. Two healthy meals are served everyday, one at dawn, another just before noon, drinks such as orange juice are offered in the evening. Vegetarian food is available on request. In the dining hall, everyone eats slowly, quietly and mindfully. Clean, safe, drinking water is supplied. For long term meditation, you are invited to ordain as a monk, novice or nun. It is an excellent opportunity and will enhance your experience in meditation and Myanmar.

Mahasi Meditation Center

Buddha Sasana Nuggaha Organization was founded in 1947 in Myanmar with the object of propagating the Buddha Sasana through scriptural learning and practice of Vipassana meditation. None-profit in character, it operates the Mahasi Meditation Center with subscriptions from its members and voluntary donations from devout Buddhists throughout the country. The Center is within easy reach, only about twenty minutes drive by taxi from the Yangon Mingaladon International Airport, or about ten minutes by car from the Tourist Center in downtown Yangon. It is shown in Tourist guide maps and there is a prominent signboard at the junction of Kaba Aye Pagoda and Sasana-yeiktha Road to guide the visitor.

Foreign Yogis seeking admission should be ready and willing to undergo full-time Vipassana meditation for about six to twelve weeks which is considered and appropriate period of retreat for one to gain a basic knowledge and experience of Vipassana meditation. Yogis from abroad intending to meditate at the Center should contact the organization in writing beforehand furnishing such particulars as their knowledge of the Buddha-dhamma and previous experience of Buddhist meditation, the name and address of the center where they have mediated and the Mediation Teacher under whom they have been trained.

Dhamma Joti

Dhamma Joti was opened in October 1993 with with Goenkaji and Mataji present for the first three courses. Goenkaji expressed his happiness at being able to repay the debt of gratitude to Myanmar for maintaining Dhamma in all its purity. On the opening day, the elder monks of the State Monks' Organization called the "State Sangha Mahanayaka Organization" were present and gave Ovada Katha (blessing and advising talk) to the audience.

Mogok Vipassana Yeiktha

The Yeiktha is founded by Sayadaw U Vimala. Mogok Vipassana Yeiktha has a way of meditating in another way using the Mogok Vipassana Circle.

Saddhammaransi Meditation Centre

Abbot : Saddhammaransi Sayadaw
Ashin Kundalabhivamsa
Mahasi Nayaka (Agga Maha Kammatthanacariya)

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