Address

Preregistration very recommended, but not strictly necessary.
International Pa-Auk Forest Meditation Centre.
Branch of Pa-Auk Forest Meditation Centre.
Thilawar Road (near Kyaik-Kauk Pagoda)
Payargon Village, Thanlyin Township
Tel: 056-21927 / 056-21830 (English)
Contact address in Yangon: U Nyunt Tin, Tel: 0095-1-577808

Main Monastery: Pa-Auk Forest Monastery

c/o Major U Khan Sain (Rtd)
653 Lower Main Road, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar.
Tel: 032-22132 / 057-22853

Contact at Yangon (Rangoon): Mrs. Mei Yip
Blue Star Co. Ltd.,No. (4), West May Kha No. (3) Street
Mayangone Township,Yangon.
Tel: 01-650040, 650025 | Mobile: 999 235 70 | Fax: 651473
E-mail: bluestar@mptmail.net.mm | Internet: www.paauk.org

Location

The center is at the Thanlyin city limits, a suburb southeast of Yangon. It is fairly new. There are a nice two-floor dhamma hall, kitchen, and dining hall as well as nice little houses for the yogis. Since the trees are still small you can’t really call it a forest monastery, but there are protective roofs over the main paths, so meditators are not exposed to sun and rain. The mostly older yogis accept Western practicioners with much warmth. The atmosphere is very friendly and focused at the same time.

Tradition

Theravada, Ven. Pa-Auk Sayadaw.

Focus

Intensive meditation practice.

Abbot and Meditation Teacher

Sayadaw U Eindaw Batha is an excellent teacher and expert for concentration meditation (Samatha) and jhana (absorption).

Language(s)

Interviews are translated into Burmese and there is an English brochure with meditation guidelines.

Meditation Technique, Duration of Courses and Dates

Meditation practice usually takes place in the dhamma hall. Since instructions are individual, no particular date must be adhered to. In the Pa-Auk Sayadaw tradition all 40 traditional objects of meditation (Anapanasati, analysis of elements, 32 body parts, the 10 kasinas ...) are taught. Most practitioners begin with Anapanasati, but depending on personal preference and talent you can begin with a different technique. Sitting periods are usually 90 minutes. If you have problems sitting for long periods of time you can switch to practicing standing up. Sayadaw U Eindaw Batha takes care that beginners do not overdo it. After intensive concentration meditation insight meditation (Vipassana) is practiced. If you want to go deeper, you should have several months and practice in the main monastery near Mawlamyine. The center in Thanlyin is very suited to get a first impression and for shorter stays. If you want to stay longer, you will be sent to the main center Mawlamyine, because conditions there are even better (however, malaria is endemic there).

Lodging

Usually in double rooms. Showers, toilets, and laundry facilities in small buildings near the quarters. Men and women live in separate areas. A light sleeping bag is especially useful during the cooler season.

Shopping Facilities

Items of daily use are available at the market. Flashlight, flipflops, water bottle, insect repellant, toiletries, and possibly a thermos (as well as tea and coffee) you buy best in Rangoon. From home, bring sitting pillow, vitamin and mineral tablets as well as water disinfectant.

Food

Breakfast (5:30 a.m.) and lunch (10:30 a.m.) are good. There are always two to three vegetarian dishes and very rarely fruit. From noon, no meals should be taken. Potable water is available, but disinfectant should be brought for emergencies. For longer stays, bring vitamin and mineral tablets. They are also a good gift for the monks.

Rules

Participants committ themselves to the eight silas (moral precepts) and should endeavor to develop loving kindness towards all living beings. Clothing should be decent and comfortable (no shorts or tank tops). Traditionally, white blouses and shirts are recommended. Men and women wear a longyi (sarong or wrap-around skirt) which can be obtained at every market in Burma.

Medical Care

Hygienic conditions are good by Burmese standards. Malaria risk is low. Medication is scarce, must be brought in sufficient amounts (antibiotic, Halfan, first-aid kit), and should be donated when leaving. In general medical care is much worse in Burma than in Europe.

Costs

The center is supported exclusively with donations and is therefore dependent on the voluntary support of the visitors.

Climate and Best Time To Go

Tropical climate. The cooler dry season from November to February (from March on very hot) are the best months.

Immigration

A visa is mandatory! With a center’s written invitation it is possible to apply for a three-month meditation visa.

Literature

A very good and free of charge book by Pa-Auk Sayadaw, "The Light of Wisdom", is available through Ng Wee Kang, 791-C, Tmn Kerjasama, Bkt Beruang, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia, or through knowing_seeing@yahoo.com. As a courtesy, enclose a fair donation for shipping costs.

Note

Very good for meditators interested in Samatha practice, those with questions regarding absorptions or those who want to get a first impression of meditation with experienced guidance. Suitable for beginners, easy to reach, good conditions.

Another Branch of The Monastery is in Sri Lanka

Hon. N. Ariyadhamma Mahathera, Sri Gunawardana Yogasramaya
Gal Duwa, Kahawa, via Ambalangola 7018, Sri Lanka.