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About Nissarana Vanaya
Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya is a monastery in the strict forest tradition in Sri Lanka, established in 1967 by Asoka Weeraratna (the founder of the German Dharmaduta Society and the Berlin Buddhist Vihara in Germany), who later ordained at the monastery as Most Venerable Mitirigala Dhammanissanti Maha Thero. At its inception, it was guided by the distinguished meditation master, Most Venerable Mātara Sri Ñānārāma Mahā Thero, both the first Chief Kammatthānacāriya (meditation teacher) and the Chief Preceptor of Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya
During his time, Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya became one of the most respected meditation monasteries of Sri Lanka due to the fame of its meditation master as well as its secluded and contemplative life, where monks practiced sincerely with the aspiration of attaining Nibbāna in this life itself.
On his passing away in 1992, a senior student, Most Venerable Pānaduwe Khemānanda Mahā Thero became the new Abbott and Chief Preceptor, serving the monastery for fifteen years. Subsequently, Most Venerable Mitirigala Dhammavasa Maha Thero became the Abbott of the monastery until his passing away in January 2015.
Most Venerable Uda Eriyagama Dhammajīva Mahā Thero is the present day Abbott and Chief Preceptor of the monastery. Both a scholar and exponent of the dhamma, Venerable Dhammajiva is steeped in his knowledge and practice of both the Samatha and Vipassanā meditation methods and is the author of over forty publications.
Located in a dense forest reserve, the monastery has now served the Buddhist tradition for over forty five years and continues to be a home for forest mendicant monks, emulating the dhutanga practice as instructed by the Buddha.
Meditate @ Nissarana Vanaya
Training at Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya involves strict discipline. Daily life at the monastery is underpinned by austerity, simplicity and seclusion where the resident monks spend most of the day in ardent meditative practice.
Nissarana Vanaya Motto
The motto of Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya in short is nibbāna – it is guided by a single object, namely the attainment of magga phala (sainthood) in this life itself.
Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya offers a variety of opportunities for yogis to deepen understanding of the dhamma and to cultivate and develop one’s meditation practice in the Theravadha Buddhist tradition. Opportunities to stay and practice are available for visitors who are interested but new to the practice as well as for those with experience in meditation.
Male yogis can stay at the monastery upon receiving prior permission for a period of two weeks. Female yogis can only stay at the Retreat Centre during retreat times.
Keeping with the Buddhist tradition, Nissarana Vanaya has operated on the principle of generosity since its inception. There is no charge for staying at the monastery or the Retreat Centre.
Voluntary donations assist with operational costs and development work, which are substantial.
Male yogis wishing to stay at the monastery can apply by writing to the monastery. It is not possible to make bookings by telephone or fax. During the stay, yogis are expected to observe the Eight Precepts, abide by the rules of the monastery and to participate in monastery activities. For further information on staying at the monastery please review Staying at the Monastery.
The Retreat Centre is located at the foothills of the monastery and is run separately with its own accommodation facilities and meditation hall. Meditation retreats are organized at the Retreat Centre throughout the year and are open for both male and female yogis. Details on retreats are available under the Retreats.
All retreats are in the Theravada tradition with a focus on the Satipatthana Buddhist meditation practice. The practice encourages and supports continuity of mindfulness throughout the day.
During retreats, yogis follow a timetable that includes alternative sessions of sitting and walking meditation. Yogis are encouraged to act ‘Slowly, Mindfully and Silently’ during mediation sessions as well as when performing daily activities.
As part of the daily schedule, yogis have the opportunity to listen to a dhamma talk that supports the practice. There are daily ‘Question and Answer’ sessions with the Teacher that allow yogis to receive clarification on the technique and advice on the approach and experiences.
During retreats, yogis are expected to abide by the traditional eight precepts:
Noble Silence is observed at all retreats. This means no talking or non-verbal communication of any kind, except of course in emergencies and discussion times with the Teacher.
Noble Silence applies not only to speech but also to any signals, gestures and written notes as well as to external contact by telephone or internet.
Time spent in silence and solitude helps the mind to let go of distractions and to focus as much as possible on inner mind states. Restraint of the senses provides an essential foundation for the powerful inner work undertaken by yogis during meditation retreats.
Staying at the Monastery
Male yogis are permitted to stay and practice for a period not exceeding three months with prior approval of the monastery.
During their stay, all yogis are expected to observe the Eight Precepts and to participate in the daily activities of the hermitage and to strictly follow the routine and schedule of practice.
Please make a request to stay as early as possible before your dates of visit in letter format, marked to the attention of Venerable UdaEriyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thero, providing your name, age, contact details and prior meditation history by email or post at the contact details provided.
Overseas visitors are required to obtain a visa to travel to Sri Lanka and are required to produce your passport and identity card details on arrival. Local yogis are also required to produce their national identity card on arrival at the monastery.
Please review the document: Guide to Yogis – Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya for details of the daily schedule and rules of practice at the monastery, before making an application and prior to your arrival at the monastery.
Address
Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya
Meetirigala – 11742
Sri Lanka
Telephone : (+94) 33 333 9193
Mobile: (+94) 77 722 3468, (+94) 77 371 2473
Email : nissaranavanaya@gmail.com
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