Mind is a Vehicle
English session translated into Spanish. Registration via veronicabezas@hotmail.com
Welcome to
Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Centre in Sri Lanka
Meditation in day to day life GET STARTED NOW
Meditation is to identify, propagate and develop the good spiritual qualities and abilities within us
Living in this present moment VIEW PROGRAMS
Meditation is to identify, propagate and develop the good spiritual qualities and abilities within us
Living in this present moment VIEW RECORDINGS
ABOUT CENTRE
In the late 1970s a group of friends from Kandy used to meet twice a week at the engineer’s bungalow at Peradeniya University for meditation sittings.The leader of the group was Mr. Ratnayaka (Chief, we used to call him) and the others were Godwin Samararatana, Bhante S. Dhammika, Dr. Parakrama Fernando, Prof. Lily De Silva, Pat Jayatilleke and Prof. Witanachchi. In time they all become friends and discussed the possibilities of having their own purpose-built place for meditation, although this seemed like to ever happen. In 1977 the university authorities asked this group to vacate the engineer’s bungalow so it could be used for other purposes. Just before this happened a prosperous Kandian businessman, Mr. P. B. Alahakoon and his wife, became regulars at the meditation sessions. When the group vacated the bungalow Mr. Alahakoon offered, not just to donate land to build a meditation centre but to pay for the construction of buildings as well. With his ‘can do’ practicality and enthusiasm the project was soon completed. When the centre was finished, Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein, who just happened to be visiting Sri Lanka, were invited to conduct the inorgral meditation course which some 60 local and foreign meditators attended. At that time the centre consisted of a single hall with an attached kitchen and for at least the first 18 months meditators both meditated and slept in the hall.
As the first meditation course was judged a success it was decided to hold regular courses. As there was no teacher Bhante Dhammika started conducting 10 day courses from the 1st of each month and gradually word spread that Nilambe was a pleasant place to meditate in. 1n 1979 Godwin Samaratatna retired from his job and came to Nilambe as a manager. Being a quiet, gentle and naturally meditative person, he gradually evolved into a teacher. Over the next 20 years Nilambe gained an international reputation mainly because of Godwin’s exceptional personality. Through various ups and downs the centre had to endure, and there had been a few serious ones, Godwin kept his balance, smiling through the difficulties, and the centre prevailed. Indeed it flourished. Now, over a decade after Godwin’s passing, people who benefited from his wisdom and compassion remember Nilambe with fondness. Many return periodically to revitalize their practice.
Programs
Testimonials
It was about 6-7 years ago when I heard about Vipassana for the first time. Probably since then I mentally secretly from myself prepared for this experience. I assumed that with great difficulty but I will be able to cope with a strict regime and domestic issues, but I didn't know how to meditate. Here in Nilambe Centre I realized that all my fears and anxieties were from a "big" mind and the pursuit of excellence. Here I felt even more like a beloved child of the Universe. The beauty of nature, the kindness of people around, calmness and wisdom, care and quiet joy. If on the third day I was still thinking of running away, on the fourth I was ready to stay here for another month! The incredible experience that I still have to unpack. Thanks to my teacher Ewen Arnold, to my group and to myself. Here I found my heart.
It was early in 2014, when I first came to Nilambe. Since then I have been a regular visitor for the meditation. This place is so magical and peaceful. Environment is calm is silent. At first, I found it difficult not to speak, not using mobile etc, however by day 2-3 I started enjoying the meditation and more importantly I learnt to “live in the present moment”. Rather than spending time with other form of entertainment, Nilambe gave me the best relaxation for my mind. Usually I take my dinner around 8-9 pm and need some snack later. I hardly can wake up before 6 am. Surprisingly, when I’m at Nilambe, 2-3 slices of bread at 6 pm is more than enough despite the cold weather. Even before the alarm rings, I usually wake up by 4.30 am. Environment is kept clean and secure. Teachers here, Upul sir and Deepthi ayya are so kind and helpful. Their teachings helped a lot to withstand many problems came in my life. Sadly, it seems that our own people do not see the value of such place while people from thousands of kilometers away coming and learning meditation here. I wish all the success and sincere thanks for everyone in Nilambe.
Four days in your life - it is really not a long time. Four days in Nilambe – these few days were so intensive that the short time was long enough to start a new journey to myself and through my life. I am very happy to have found this new path. I was searching for it for a long time. Even if I would have been happy to have some more days here in the Center, I left Nilambe without any sadness. I knew that the most important thing is not to be in Nilambe, but to continue this new path at my home in my daily life. I have found a lot of talks, discussions and writings here on the homepage. They are very helpful for me. So I practice by my own, as well as I am able to do it, and I am very happy to notice that a lot of things begin to change - step by step. I am so happy and deeply grateful for this. The journey is going on. It will be a long one…! Thank you so much!
Nillambe Meditation Centre is the most practical place I have seen. Non like other places, (even there are retreat programmes on some periods which are very useful) we can practice on our own and observe our own inner behavior; merely depending on how much effort is there within us. Because even others can guide you in this journey, no one can do it for you. It's you who have to do your self.... If you practice meditation in other traditional places, once you left the place it is over, because there are other activities you do in life... But when you practice at Nillambe, you get the practice on mindfulness on activities as well. So you can learn meditation as a life style at Nillambe.... This is what make it more practical....
A meditation retreat lasting a few days help you create a real space in your mind. This is a worthwhile experience. You begin to see inner likes and dislikes that shape your being. You begin to develop awareness throughout the day. It gives so much freedom in real life as it gives you the ability to face life a bit more objectively and realistically. .....There was absolute silence. The air was so pure, the breeze was soothing. The silence was so deep that I too decided to join Buddhi. I called the holiday bungalow and cancelled my booking. I switched off the cellular phone disconnecting my links with the rest of the world for the next three days.
Blogs
How to come
The centre can be reached by taxi or by bus from Kandy. If you are coming from Katunayaka by bus, get down from Peradeniya Galaha junction and take Delthota bus to Office junction. If you are coming from Kandy you can take Delthota bus from Goodshed Bus stand and get off at Office junction (17km from Kandy. It may take around one- one and half hours to reach Office Junction from Kandy by bus). From there it is a steep walk uphill of around 45 minutes (or taxi/three wheeler ride) through tea plantations to reach the centre.
Please come to the centre in-between 1pm and 3pm. It takes about two hours to get to the centre from Peradeniya, Galaha junction if you coming by bus and walk to the Centre from Office Junction.
Contact Us
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