Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

2.7 Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Centre, Yangon
by sister Ariya Nani
Address: Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Centre
55A, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road
Mayangone P.O., Yangon 11061, Myanmar
Tel: 0095-1-661479, Fax: 0095-1-667050,
Internet: www.chanmyay.org
E-mail 1: chanmyay@mptmail.net.mm
E-mail 2: chanmyay@pacific.net.sg
Description: The Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Centre is by the main road to the
airport. It was founded in 1977 by the Ven. Sayadaw U Janaka, one of the most
notable disciples of Mahasi Sayadaw. He acted also as the translator for Mahasi
Sayadaw on his trips to Europe and the U.S. The center consists of a number of
buildings, amongst others a four-floor building for foreign meditators. On the four
floors there are single rooms for women and men as well as separate meditation
halls. The office to the right of the entrance is your first contact.
Spiritual guidance: Sayadaw U Janaka was born in 1928 and is still in good health.
He speaks English very well. Since 1967 he has been a meditation teacher, first in
the Mahasi center and from 1977 in his own center. Since 1981 he goes abroad
twice yearly to teach meditation courses in various countries.
How to get there: A taxi from the airport is about US$ 5, from the city center about
US$ 2. If you announce your arrival at the airport early enough (about 1 week
ahead), you will be picked up.
Meditation technique: Based on Mahasi Sayadaws method of Vipassana
meditation/insight meditation. Formal meditation is in turn sitting and walking;
durations are adjusted according to individual level. Primary object of meditation is
the rising and falling of the abdomen. Much value is placed on the development of a
continuous and uninterrupted mindfulness in all activities of daily life, that is, all
activities outside of formal meditation. Hence all movements during eating, dressing,
getting up etc. are done consciously slowly in order to be mindful at any given
moment.
Language(s): Individual interviews and lectures in English. Sayadaw U Janaka and
another Sayadaw in charge of the foreigners speak English well.
Course duration and dates: Since there are no group retreats no dates need to be
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