About the center
A warm welcome to our neighbours and the world, to a place where authentic Buddhist philosophy and meditation come together in harmony with nature.
Who we are
Buddothpado International Meditation Center offers retreats in authentic Buddhist philosophy and meditation, set among clean waters and green landscapes at Dombagoda, Anguruwatota, in Sri Lanka.
Our facilities are designed to support body and mind in harmony with nature. Through understanding the mind and the six sensory faculties, guests can come to know a lasting inner stillness and freedom of mind.
Our mission
To provide a sanctuary where people can step away from the pressures of modern life and find inner peace through Buddhist philosophy and meditation; to guide each guest toward mental clarity, spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of their true nature, through traditional teachings, personal guidance and immersive retreats; and to offer a path through stress, depression and the challenges of fast-paced living.
Our vision
To become a globally recognised centre of excellence for Buddhist philosophy, meditation and spiritual education: welcoming people from all backgrounds, nurturing a peaceful community of wisdom, compassion and healing, and helping each person return to daily life with renewed purpose and tranquillity.
Spiritual guidance
The centres operate under the supervision of Buddothpado Aryan Wahanse, described by the centre as a liberated spiritual master with direct realisation.
His teaching cross-references the suttas and the Tripiṭaka, and brings them together with Vipassanā, observing each thought as it arises, and Vidarshana, penetrating insight into how each thought is formed. Practitioners are guided first through Samatha, then into Vidarshana and Vipassanā, toward liberation of mind.
Rather than suppressing thought, which can leave a subtle sense of self behind, his approach investigates how thoughts arise and pass away. The centre describes this as the threefold knowledge (Trividyā): insight into how name and form become entangled, seeing how thoughts arise and pass away, and the ending of defilements through sustained observation of the mind.
Watch his teachings on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Who is welcome
What we nurture
The qualities named in our vision, and the gifts we hope every guest takes home.
Paññā
Understanding the mind and the six sense faculties, and seeing things as they truly are.
Karuṇā
A peaceful community that meets every person, from every background, with care.
Ārogya
Relief from stress, depression and the pressures of fast-paced modern life.
Passaddhi
Inner stillness that people carry home, returning to daily life with renewed purpose.
A reflection
Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal.
Na hi verena verāni sammantīdha kudācanaṃ, averena ca sammanti — esa dhammo sanantano.