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Mitirigala 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...

If you have a confirmed place on a retreat and wish to offer support to the Retreat Centre, we welcome your arrival a day or two early to help with the preparation, or staying a day longer to help clean...

Can I stay at the Retreat Centre before a retreat begins or after it has finished?

At the end of each retreat the teacher is available to meet informally with yogis. During retreats the teacher does not offer individual private interviews, although occasionally these can be arranged...

Will I be able to meet with the teacher?

Yogis are asked not to use electronic equipment during retreats. If you believe you will be unable to meet this request, we would ask you to consider whether this is the right time for you to come on a...

Will I be able to use the internet, email, or make phone calls whilst on retreat?

For the sitting meditation sessions, there is a choice of mats and cushions, chairs, or kneeling stools. All yogis are asked to choose a place to sit in the Meditation Hall at the start of each retreat....

Can I sit on a chair for meditation?

It is not usually possible for female yogis to stay at the Retreat Centre except during a retreat. Alternatively, if you are a male yogi and you intend to stay on after the retreat, it may be possible...

Can I stay at the Retreat Centre outside of retreat times?

Medical food allergies and requirements can generally be catered for, but we cannot cater for personal food preferences. There is always a choice of food, including rice, salads and a dessert.

Can special diets be catered for?

There is no charge for attending retreats at Nissarana Vanaya. The teachings are given freely, as are the accommodation, food, and all the other facilities available during your retreat. This is in keeping...

How much does it cost to come on retreat?

Yogis are asked to dress discreetly, out of respect for the monastics leading the retreat and to not distract other yogis. This includes: not wearing sleeveless tee-shirts, tops or dresses not wearing...

What should I wear?

You need to bring: Sheets and pillowcase(s) (pillow provided) Towels and toiletries You are advised to bring: Slip-on shoes or sandals Slippers (outdoor shoes are not worn in the Retreat Centre)...

What do I need to bring?

Coming on retreat is a different experience to staying at the monastery. The Retreat Centre has its own facilities, and operates independently of the monastery. While on retreat you keep Noble Silence,...