Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

can be bought in Yangon.
Food: Meals are nourishing, tasty, and varied and are prepared hygienically.
Vegetarians will have no problem. Breakfast is at 5:30 a.m. and lunch at 10:30 a.m.
Drinking water is filtered, but be cautious. If you want to be on the safe side, bring
disinfectant.
Costs: Support of the center is exclusively by donations. Thus, the center is
dependent on the voluntary support through participants.
Rules: Participants should dedicate at least 14 hours a day to formal practice
(walking and sitting meditation) and limit other activities (e.g., laundry) to a minimum.
Reading, writing (except taking notes), walks should be avoided. The eight silas
(moral precepts) should be observed. Clothing should be comfortable, practical, and
decent (no shorts or tank tops). Traditionally, white blouses and shirts are
recommended. Men and women wear a brown longyi (sarong or wrap-around skirt)
that can be obtained at the center.
Climate and best time to go: Tropical climate. The cooler dry season from
November to February are the best months. From March on very hot.
Medical care: Hygienic conditions are good by Burmese standards. Malaria risk is
low. Medication is scarce and must be brought in sufficient amounts (antibiotics,
Halfan, first-aid kit). A few times a week a doctor is present.
Immigration: Visa mandatory. Tourist visa is valid four weeks. If you want to enter
with a meditation visa you must ask for a so-called sponsorship letter from the center
which must be sent to the Burmese embassy together with the visa application. For
processing, reckon on about three months. Visa extensions are also possible. Take
sufficient passport pictures (about 10) for the various forms.
Note: Suitable for serious meditators with retreat experience desiring intensive
practice. There are some interesting books at www.mahasi.com.
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