Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

3.2 Dhammakuta
source: buddhanet.net and Samanera S.
Address: Dhammakuta-Vipassana Meditation Centre
Mowbray Galaha Road, Hindagala (near Kandy), Peradeniya
Tel: 0094-81-2234649
information also through BPS Kandy, Sangharaja Mawatha (Kandy
Lake)
Tradition: Vipassana according to U Ba Khin (Burma), S.N. Goenka Center.
Course duration and dates: Throughout the year, 3-, 10-, and 21-day courses are
offered. For beginners, a 10-day course is recommended. Timely preregistration is
necessary. Timetable and application form can be ordered; you can also apply
personally.
How to get there: Train from Colombo to Sarasavi Uyana Peradeniya station. From
there walk to Galaha Road (shortcut through the university campus), then take the
bus from Galaha Road to Mahakanda Junction.
Focus: Silent retreats with intensive sitting meditation and a daily lecture.
Meditation technique and schedule: First three days Anapanasati, i.e.observation
of breath. Concentrating on inhaling and exhaling. Breath is only observed, not
manipulated. From day three, Vipassana meditation in the tradition of U Ba Khin. In
the "step by step" or "body-sweeping“ method the bodily sensations are
systematically observed. When the body is scanned from head to toe, another round
is performed in the opposite direction. Sensations are not judged but only observed.
The course ends with an exercise for the development of loving kindness.
Teacher and guidance: After 14 years of practice, his teacher U Ba Khin gave S.N.
Goenka teaching permission in 1969. Goenkaj stems from a wealthy Indian industrial
family and grew up in Burma where he was raised in the Hindu tradition. Today he
lives in India. Since there are more than 50 centers world-wide which adhere to this
tradition, Goenkajs instructions are presented on video or audio tape.
Language(s): Burmese and English.
Food: Vegetarian. If you want to be sure about water potability, bring own
disinfectant.
Language(s): Singhalese and English.
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