Address
Panditarama Lumbini International Nepal Vipassana Centre
Lumbini Garden, Nepal.
Tel: 00977-71-580118 | E-mail: info@panditarama-lumbini.info | Internet: www.Panditarama-Lumbini.info
Location
Panditarama Lumbini International Vipassana Meditation Centre was set up by the Venerable Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa of Myanmar in co-operation with the Venerable Sayadaw U Asabhacara, the meditation centre was inaugurated on February 7th, 1999. The centre operates under the guidance of the Ven. Sayadaw U Pandita. The centre offers a supportive, comfortable and peaceful setting for Dhamma students seeking practice.
Meditation Method
Intensive Vipassana meditation in the tradition of the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Myanmar. Alternating sitting meditation and formal walking meditation. Daily interviews and regular Dhamma talks in English, Burmese and German.
Resident Teacher
Venerable Vivekananda, a German bhikkhu (monk), has trained with the Ven Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa of Myanmar for nine years. Ven. Vivekananda teaches meditation in English, Burmese and German. The centre is run by volunteers. All long-term dhamma practioners, these volunteers do everything from building the monastery to planting the vegetables to cooking the food for the meditators.
Precepts
Lay meditators observe eight precepts and monks and nuns observe their respective monastic vows.
Accommodation
Dormitory-style accommodation. Individual meditation huts are planned.
Food
The Burmese/Nepalese food is rich, tasty and vegetarian. For breakfast muesli with yoghurt, fruit and bread are offered; for lunch you can choose from rice or noodles with several vegetables and tofu. For drinking coffee, tea, milk, Ovomaltine and germfree water are available.
Duration of Retreats
Meditators may schedule their individual retreat from a few days up to three months.
Formal Retreats
Two formal retreats are conducted per year in December and in February.
Daily Schedule and Co-Operation
The day starts at 4 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Formal meditation alternates between of one hour sitting meditation and one hour walking meditation, respectively. Breakfast is served between 6 and 7 a.m., lunch break is from 11 to 12.30 a.m. In the evening there is a dhamma lecture and tea break. Nearly all the work which comes up in the meditation centre is done by volunteers. Meditators only have to contribute a small amount of help with cleaning the sanitary facilities.
What to Bring
Insect repellent, water disinfectant and medicaments should be brought from home in sufficient quantitiy. A sleeping bag and a warm (fleece) jacket are very useful. During the winter months night temperatures can go down to 5 degrees centigrade; and on misty days the temperature may not exceed 15 degrees. As there is no heating system in the centre, you should bring enough warm and easy drying clothes. Furthermore an electric kettle and a small hot water bottle can be of great use. Mattresses, bed linen, mosquito nets and sitting mats are available, but a floor cushion and a lightweight woollen blanket should be brought.
Climate and Best Time to Go
Subtropical climate with hot summers and cool dry winters. The most favourable months are November/December and February/March. January is with lowest temperatures of about 5 degrees the coldest month and from March the thermometer rises again to over 35 degrees.
Dana
For over 2500 years Buddhist monasteries and meditation centres have functioned on the principle of generosity (dana). While there are no set fees, your donation will be warmly accepted for the purpose of mantaining and further developing this meditation centre.
