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A long row of clay oil lamps lit along a stone ledge at dusk

Programs & retreats

Beyond illusion, into insight

A day of practice in noble silence, guided step by step from a calm mind to the direct experience of non-self.

Our programs

Come and practise with us

The retreat lasts one day and can be extended to several. Every activity, sitting, walking, eating or reflecting, is done mindfully and in noble silence.

Retreat

Beyond Illusion: Insight Meditation Retreat

One-day retreat · can be extended to several days
5:00 am – 8:30 pm

A full day of practice in noble silence, moving from concentration meditation to the direct experience of non-self through four meditation objects, with Dhamma discourses, walking meditation and discussion.

See the daily schedule

  1. Training

    One-day practical training and Dhamma discussion

    Every Sunday · 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

    Held at the Buddothpado Methmal Arana hermitages in Kurunegala, Matugama, Mahiyangana, Mihintale and Kamburupitiya. Best suited to people living nearby, and visitors from other areas are welcome too. Enquiries: 071 033 1617 or 070 635 2201.

    Call 071 033 1617

  2. Wellbeing

    Relaxation activities

    Alongside retreat programs · Ask the centre for times

    Breathing exercises, systematic relaxation and gentle mindful yoga, led by qualified instructors and suitable for all experience levels.

    Ask about sessions

The retreat day

A day of noble silence

The four meditation objects (karmasthana) are each explored through explanation, walking meditation and discussion. Schedules can be adjusted for special requirements with the instructors' permission.

Book now Download schedule
  1. 5:00 – 5:30 amRising and preparation
  2. 5:30 – 6:00 amSamatha bhāvanāConcentration meditation, in any comfortable posture
  3. 6:00 – 6:30 amBuddha vandanāChanted homage, followed by breakfast offerings to the Buddha and Saṅgha
  4. 6:30 – 7:00 amSamatha bhāvanā, continued
  5. 7:00 – 8:00 amBreakfast (dāna)Simple, and eaten mindfully in silence
  6. 8:00 – 10:00 amDhamma discourseThe nature of reality and the path to liberation
  7. 10:00 – 10:30 amTea and refreshments
  8. 10:30 – 11:30 amDhamma discourse, continued
  9. 11:30 am – 12:30 pmLunch (dāna)
  10. 12:30 – 1:30 pmMeditation object 1The external world as a mental construction, not ultimate reality
  11. 1:30 – 2:30 pmMeditation object 2“Mind” as a moment-to-moment illusion arising from the sense faculties
  12. 2:30 – 3:00 pmTea and refreshments
  13. 3:00 – 4:00 pmMeditation object 3Functional mind (kriya citta) and the involuntary workings of the six senses
  14. 4:00 – 5:00 pmMeditation object 4The experience of non-self
  15. 5:00 – 6:00 pmWalking meditation at sunset
  16. 6:00 – 7:00 pmSilent meditation
  17. 7:00 – 8:00 pmLight refreshments
  18. 8:00 – 8:30 pmSamatha bhāvanā
  19. From 8:30 pmQuiet contemplation and rest

Join from anywhere

Daily teachings on Zoom

Teachings and discussions are held on Zoom throughout every day. All times are Sri Lanka time.

Join on Zoom
  1. 5:00 amPractical path · morning
  2. 8:00 amTeaching in Tamil · Fridays only
  3. 9:30 amMorning discussion
  4. 1:30 pmSutta teachings
  5. 4:00 pmPractical path · evening
  6. 5:30 pmDiscussion with young people
  7. 7:00 pmControversial discourses
  8. 9:30 pmNight discussion

On television and radio

  • Karma TVTeachings on PEO TV channel 113, daily at 8:00 pm
  • BTV · Buddothpada TVSinhala teachings, daily
  • Buddothpada PEO TVEnglish teachings, daily
  • Lakhanda RadioBuddothpado radio broadcasts
  • Buddothpado online radio24 hours a day · enquiries 077 397 5580
Listen to the online radio

Ways to take part

Wherever you are on the path

Whether you are new to the Buddha's teaching or ready for intensive practice, there is a place to begin.

Philosophy for beginners
Instruction in the Buddha's teaching, with time for your questions, before you begin practice.
Insight meditation retreats
For those who already understand the philosophy: a day (or more) of guided Samatha and Vidarshana practice.
Relaxation activities
Breathing exercises, relaxation methods and mindful yoga, tailored to all experience levels.
Personal guidance
Retreats can be extended or adapted to special requirements, with the instructors' permission.

Before you come

Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The practices are spiritual and educational, and are not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. If you have a health condition, please consult a healthcare professional before joining a retreat.

Contact the centre