Chanmyay Yeiktha, Yangon, Myanmar

Chanmyay Yeiktha, Yangon, functions mainly as a meditation center but is also a monastery with resident monks (meditation teachers) and nuns. It is also for both local Myanmar meditators and foreign meditators.

Foreigners are well cared for and have their own living quarters and schedules. Single rooms are provided whenever possible. Men’s and women’s accommodations are separate, clean and simple, and complete with bed linen and mosquito nets. Additionally automatic washing machines are available.

Two healthy meals are served everyday, one at dawn, another before noon. Drinks such as orange juice are offered in the evening. Vegetarian food is available on request. In the dining hall, everyone eats slowly, quietly and mindfully. Clean, safe, hot and cold drinking water is supplied.

The electricity supply is 230V AC. The office has a telephone where international calls can be received or made and paid for. No reverse charge calls are available for either incoming or outgoing calls. There is a fax machine for emergency use only. Prepaid aerogrammes are not available so please bring your own writing paper and envelopes.

There is a medical clinic with doctors coming on a regular basis. “Western” and traditional medicines are available. Malaria is typically not found or reported in Yangon or central Myanmar. Please check with the WHO or the CDC for the latest updates on other areas. For immunizations please consult your doctor.

Yangon has a tropical climate which means it’s mostly hot and humid. The rainy season is usually from about June to October. The cool dry season is form November to February and it can be quite pleasant and good for meditation. From March until June are the months which are mostly hot and dry.

Light, easily washable and quick drying clothes are useful. Loose fitting pants or the Myanmar longyi is practical and most yogis wear light, long sleeve cotton shirts.

Please write, phone, fax or e-mail details of your arrival and departure flights one week before arriving so you can be met on arrival and your departure scheduled. Transport is readily available. Mail can take up to ten days to reach us.

It is preferred that foreigners practice for at least one month. Please bring extra passport photos for the various forms. For less than four weeks, a tourist visa is adequate. However, for long periods, you must obtain a meditation visa before coming to Myanmar. This requires a sponsorship letter from our Teacher & Abbot, Chanmyay Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa.

For long term meditation, you are invited to ordain as a monk, novice or nun. It is an excellent opportunity and enhances your meditation experience in Myanmar, however it is not obligatory.

Lay meditators must observe the eight precepts. Talking is kept to an absolute minimum, as is reading and writing. We teach and practice insight (Vipassana) meditation according to the Satipatthana Sutta and the Mahasi tradition.

Meditators are expected to practice intensively, at least from 3:30 am to 9:30 pm everyday performing all activities slowly, to allow continuity of mindfulness and strong concentration.

Men and women have separate large meditation halls for sitting and walking meditation. These have a conducive atmosphere for meditation practice. There is a general daily timetable but the teacher gives specific meditation instructions to the meditators based on their individual experience and ability. Please follow the teacher’s instructions, letting go of other practices.

Meditation instructions and interviews are given in English on alternate days. Sometimes an interpreter is used if an English speaking teacher is not available.