Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

3.9 Rockhill Hermitage and International Retreat Centre
by Metaji in Jan. 2006
Address: Rockhill Hermitage, Wegirikanda, Via Gampola, Sri Lanka
Website www.rockhillsrilanka.net
Phone 0094-60-2 801 871
Description: Rockhill Hermitage is easily accessible from Kandy, located deep
within the untroubled countryside of Sri Lanka's central mountain region. The climate
is mild and pleasant. Visitors are surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna
with natural spring water on site.
The Hermitage is situated on a mountainside and consists of a monastery, a men's
area, a nunnery and a women's area. It has a large meditation hall.
A library and a number of caves and student houses are scattered throughout the
peaceful 15-acre grounds. The name "Rockhill" refers to the impressive boulders and
rocks which form some of the caves.
The Rockhill Hermitage is one of the few retreat centers in Sri Lanka where it is
possible for women to live alone in small cottages within natural surroundings
Intensive meditation courses are held for ten days at the beginning of every month.
Arrangements can also be made for individual retreats of indefinite periods. The
founder and teacher, Venerable P. Kassapa (Bhante) has been teaching Vipassana
Meditation and the Dhamma for more than 35 years. He teaches in English.
Ten day Vipassana retreats are held on the first ten days of each month. Attendees
are welcome to stay for individual practice after the retreat concludes.
How to get there: From Kandy, cross the railway line near the station to the local
bus stops. Ask for a Wegiriya bound bus and exit at Wegiriya. Refer to the sign for
Rockhill Hermitage (Wegirikanda) a 10 min. uphill walk. Alternatively, catch a
Gampola bound bus to Gelioya. From the bus station at Gelioya catch a three -
wheeler (tuk-tuk) to Rockhill Hermitage in Werigikanda (price Rs100).Buses cost
under Rs10. You could also catch a minivan directly from Kandy. Alternatively you
can catch a taxi direct from Kandy. Refer to the website for a map.
Tradition: Theravada
Meditation technique: The main practice taught here is the Vipassana Meditation.
Students who enroll for a ten day training course will spend the first three days
learning to concentrate the mind by observing the inhalation and exhalation of the
breath (Anapanasati) and the consequent sensation arising. For the remaining seven
days they are then shown how to penetrate their physical and mental structure,
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