Staying at the Monastery

Male yogis are permitted, with the prior approval of the Monastery, to stay and practise for a period not exceeding three months.

During their stay, all yogis are expected to observe Eight Precepts and to participate in the daily activities of the hermitage and to strictly follow the routine and schedule of practice.

Well before the date of your visit, and as early as possible, please make a request to stay at the Monastery, marked to the attention of Venerable UdaEriyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thero. Thereby you have to provide, (in letter format) your name, age, contact details and your meditation history. Please send this by email or normal post.

Important: On arrival at the Monastery,

Overseas visitors need to produce –

  • the passport and identity card details.
  • covid vaccination certificate.

Local yogis need to produce –

  • a letter from the Grama Niladhari. (If the Yogi attends a retreat for the first time.)
  • national identity card.
  • covid vaccination card / certificate.

Please read the document: Guide to Yogis – Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya for details of the daily schedule and rules of practice at the monastery, prior to making an application and prior to your arrival at the monastery.

It is essential that you bring the following items for your personal use:

  • Torch
  • Umbrella
  • Clock
  • Hot water flask and cup
  • Pair of rubber slippers
  • Mosquito/ leach repellent such as Citronella oil
  • Tooth brush
  • Soap
  • Razor
  • Bed sheets and pillow cases
  • Towels
  • Serviettes
  • White cloth (Uthuru saluva) to observe Eight Precepts
  • Separate clothes to be worn for cleaning common areas
  • Washing liquid /powder for the washing machine
  • Pen and note book for reporting meditation experiences (Kamatahan)

Important:
If you use medicines for any ailment, please ensure that you bring ample amounts of those medicines; If they run out during the meditation session, it would be difficult to obtain them.

If you have any preferences regarding Gilanpasa (soft drinks), such as tea, coffee, milk, sugar, fruit juices etc. please bring them along with you.

Guide to Yogis