MEDITATION IN MYANMAR

Vipassana means "to see things as they really are". It is a process of self-purification by self-observation. While taught by the Buddha in India 2500 years ago, it is not connected with Buddhism or any other religion and can be practiced by anyone without conflict with existing religious beliefs or absence of beliefs.

Buddhist meditation is the practice of the Eightfold Noble Path, as taught by the Buddha, which can be divided into three parts.
These are higher training in morality, concentration and wisdom.

Morality: Morality is the common denominator of all religions. At the centres, students observe the five precepts of refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and the use of drugs or intoxicants. By diligently observing this morality, one develops purity of physical and verbal actions;

Concentration: Beginning with this base, training in concentration is taught (Anapana meditation -- mindfulness of breathing). Through learning to calm and control the mind during the first five days, the student quickly appreciates the advantages of a steady and balanced mind;

Wisdom: The third training in wisdom or insight is introduced through Vipassana meditation, which is practiced throughout the remainder of the period.

Vipassana is a process which enables the student to develop concentration and awareness and, through personal experience, to gain an understanding of the natural characteristics of impermanence, suffering and non-self. Practiced with diligence the gradual process of mental purification will lead to the end of suffering and to full Enlightenment or Nibbana.

The teaching is through experience. If what you experience is for your well being, you can accept it, if it is not for your well being, you will not accept it.

Noble Silence (no unnecessary talk) provides a conducive atmosphere, and discourses given in the morning and evening by.

Here is some of prominent Meditation Centers throughout Myanmar.

Dhamma Joti Vipassana Centre
Address : Wingaba Yele Kyaung, Nga HtatGyi Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel:         (95 - 1) 549 290

Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Centre
Address : 55A Kaba Aye Pagoda Road Kaba Aye P.O. Yangon, Myanmar
Tel:         (01) 661479 Fax: 01- 667050

Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha Meditation Centre
Buddha Sasana Nuggaha Organisation
Address : No 16, Sasana Yeiktha Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel:         01 541971, 552501
Fax:         289960, 289961

Shwe Oo Min Dhamma Sukha Yeiktha
Address : Aung Myay Thar Yar Road, Gone Tala Poung village Mingaladon township, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel:         +95-1- 636402.

Panditarama Meditation Centre
Address : 80 A, Thanlwin Road, Shwe Gon Dine P.O Bahan Yangon, Myanmar
Tel:         (951) 535448, 705525

Mahavijayaransi Vijjalaya & Mahaatularansi Dhamma Yeiktha
Address : Kya-Swa Chanung (Valley) Sagasaing Hills, Sagaing Township, Myanmar
Tel:         0011 95 72 21541
Fax:         0011 95 72 22034

Pak Auk Forest Monastery
Address : 653 Lower Main Road, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar
Tel:         (+9532) 22132

Sample Meditation Tour Program in Yangon
 

Day 01.             Arrive Yangon

Arrive Yangon Int'l Airport by Int'l Evening flight. Meet and greet at airport and welcomed by our well experienced guide and transfer to hotel the hotel. Over night at hotel.

Day 02.             Yangon Sightseeing and Meditation Centre

Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see a huge reclining Buddha image. And then proceed to Chanmyaeyeiktha monastery one of the famous meditation center for the study and practice of vipassana process while taught by the Buddha in India 2500 years ago. Chanmyay Yeiktha, Yangon, functions mainly as a meditation center but is also a monastery with resident monks (meditation teachers) and nuns. It is for foreigners and Myanmar meditators alike. We will have the unique chance to interview Buddhist monks and preachers in the World Buddhist Institute, one of Yangon's several world renowned centers of Buddhism. The experience is always different as you learn how and why these monks dedicate their lives to worship and introspection. You are bound to come away with a newfound appreciation for their lifestyle.

Day 03.             Meditation Centre - Shwedagon sightseeing

After the study and practice of training at meditation centre, evening visit the great Shwedagon Pagoda, (the world famous stupa), its golden stupa is the 'heart ' of Myanmar. The pagoda is believed 2,500 years old and the central stupa in surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. There are always many Myanmar people praying and making offering at Pagoda. Enjoy sunset at Pagoda. Drive back to hotel and leisure. Transfer to the hotel and overnight at hotel.

Day 04.             Depart Yangon

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy your day leisure before transfer to Airport for your departure flight.