Address
Rockhill Hermitage, Wegirikanda, Via Gampola, Sri Lanka.
Other Information
Website: www.rockhillsrilanka.com
Tel: +94 812 801 871
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 of the hermitage is the late Venerable P. Kassapa (Bhante).
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.
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, developing a profound understanding of themselves and each other. Each day's progress is explained more fully by an hour's evening discourse. Experience has shown that within a ten day period the meditation technique can be grasped and the mind can achieve a degree of concentration and subtlety. A structured timetable and strict adherence to a few straightforward but very important rules is essential.
Language(s)
Teachings are in English.
Course Duration and Dates
A 10-day retreat starts every first day of the month (ends the morning of the 11th). Retreatants are able to continue their stay for individual practice after the retreat.
Accommodation
Comfortable kutis (cottages) and some caves are available. There is separate accommodation for men and women. Simple, basic, shared accommodation is provided. Cold water showers are available inside; on hot, sunny days warm water may be available for bathing outside. Please remember Rockhill is a Hermitage (monastery and nunnery). Students are asked to wear bathing clothes when washing outside.
Shopping
Shopping is limited to emergencies. Students should bring everything they need with them including toilet goods, washing powder etc.
Food
Good quality vegetarian food is provided for breakfast and lunch. No solid food is taken after midday. The only exception is for students requiring an evening meal for medical reasons, for whom soup will be provided. Any student who is required to follow a special diet for medical purposes should consult the management before enrolling.
Cost
Meditators are requested to contribute a reasonable amount for food and lodging. A minimum amount of US$ 20 a day is payable. Any special donations for improvement of the Hermitage are entirely on a voluntary basis. All donations gratefully accepted. Payment on arrival, in cash, at the office please.
Rules
Limited accommodation may mean that students will be sharing rooms. Restricted space and the close proximity of other people requires that Yoga or other forms of physical exercise such as Tai Chi, etc. is not practiced out of consideration for fellow students. A high standard of personal cleanliness is essential and we recommend that loose, comfortable white clothing be worn. Please ensure that your choice of dress is simple, modest and covers you properly. Shorts and short skirts are not permitted.
NOBLE SILENCE
Continuity of the practice both within meditation hours and in leisure time is of primary importance. To facilitate this training of the impartial observation of the phenomena of mind and matter, the major part of the course will be held in noble silence. Further details will be given by the management on enrolment in the course.
It is to gain a good grasp of the practice and gain benefit. The emphasis during the ten days is on WORK. A golden rule is to work as if one was alone on the course, ignoring any distractions and inconveniences encountered, with one's mind turned totally inwards. We request that each student read the above rules carefully and only apply to enroll for a course if they are fully prepared to submit to the discipline.
Daily Schedule
The timetable outlined below, if followed meticulously, will enable the student to develop a sharp and concentrated mind, the tool for his work. It should be stressed again, however, that it is the continuity of the practice and this alone that enables one to penetrate the subtle layers of mind and matter and start the process of loosening and unraveling the congestion of stress and emotion, which is a common source of suffering and unhappiness.
