Klosterbeschreibungen (Myanmar)
Descriptions:
Name/Address: Pa Auk Tawya (Hlegu branch)
Express Highway 18 Miles 3 Fallon
Hlegu Village (near Yangon)
Effective March 2019
Teacher/Method: Ven. U Kondala (or ven. U Ko), a welcoming teacher, instructs in close affiliation to the proceedings of the ven. Pa Auk Sayaday, wherein the practice of mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati), mainly for the development of concentration (samādhi), and the four elements meditation (dhatu vavatthāna), mainly to develop insight, takes a principal part. In giving explanations authorative recourse is taken to the lores of the pāli traditions Tipiṭaka, in addition to their commentarial literature. Ven. U Kondala faithfully observes the disciplinary rules of the bhikkhus (vinaya), as prescribed by the Buddha. He is daily available (usually around 04:00 pm) for aswering questions and general teachings.
Daily Routine: At Pa Auk Hlegu there is no given structure to be strictly observed. One may practice by oneself in ones private lodging or in the meditation hall. People who find it more suitable to practice according to a given routine might benefit from partaking in the meditation schedule offered. One may take meals in ones lodging. In the follwing a sketch of the general daily routine:
04:00—05:30: Chanting and group sitting meditation
05:30—06:00: Breakfast offering
06:00—07:30: Unstructured time
07:30—09:00: Group sitting meditation
09:00—10:30: Unstructured time
10:30—11:30: Lunch offering
11:30—13:00: Unstructured time
13:00—17:00: Group sitting meditation (break possible)
17:00—18:00: Unstructured time
18:00—19:30: Chanting and group sitting meditation
19:30— Unstructured time
Costs: Teaching, food, and accomodation are rendered free of charge. The centre's expenses are met according to the Buddhist principle of voluntary charity. No one is anticipating from anybody to give a donation (you are nonetheless warmly welcome to do so if you like), but just stringently to practice.
Food: The monastery provides a sufficient diet: rice, varying curries, vegetables, fruits and sweets are part of the regular menue and usually sufficiently supplied. Wetserner won't have problems in re to hygiene or cuisine.
Locality: The monastey is situated around 40 km from the city centre of Yangon. It is embedded in grassland and fields and surrounded by plantations. The setting is placid and not much noise can be heard.
Facilities: There are around 30 concrete huts, many of which are rather spacious individual ones (with an attached bathroom), one simple and small dining hall and a more substantial two storey meditation hall, besides several minor constructions. A large Hall (Sīma?) is under construction as to this writing.
Climate: Temperatures show little variance, with usual highs during the course of the year between 29 °C to 36 °C. and lows fluctuating in the range of 18 °C and 25 °C.
No need to write or call in advance.