Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

3.8 Meditation Centre Kanduboda
by Samanera Analayo; internet, leaflet
Address: Meditation Centre Kanduboda, Delgoda, Sri Lanka
Tel/fax: 0094-11-2570306, E-mail: kandubod@sltnet.lk
Internet: www.metta.lk/temples/kandubodha/
written preregistration recommended but not necessary
Location and how to get there: The international center for meditation was founded
in 1956 with the support of the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. It is about 30 km east of
Colombo. Up to 70 meditators can be accommodated. For many years, Western
monks, nuns, laymen and -women have come here. The center is near the road and
surrounded by coconut plantations. Threre are a number of branch monasteries
spread over Sri Lanka.
How to get there: From the central bus stand in Colombo between 1 and 1 ½ hours
by bus No 224 (Colombo/Pugoda) to Kanduboda. The route from Katunayake
International Airport is longer; there is no direct bus connection. It takes about 1 hour
by taxi from the airport to Kanduboda. The tourist information at the airport or in
Colombo can name the approximate cost of the fare.
Teacher and Tradition: Ven. M. Upali Thera. Intensive Vipassana meditation in the
Mahasi tradition.
Meditation technique: Observation of body, feeling, mind, and mind objects.
Primary object of meditation during sitting is rising and falling of the abdomen.
Several times per week there is an interwiev with the meditation teacher.
Language(s): English and Singhalese. Often translation into German is possible.
Dates and rules: Individual instructions, hence no special dates need to be
observed. Stays from a few days to several weeks are possible. Laypersons live
according to the eight rules of virtue and are asked to wear only white clothing.
Lodging: Single rooms are available for all meditators. Men and women live in
separate quarters. Monks live in a large house with rooms and several kutis
(bungalows).
Food: Mornings and noons nourishing vegetarian meals. At other times, coconut
milk, rice soup, and tea.
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