Vipassana Meditation in the Tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin

INTERNATIONAL MEDITATION CENTRES

in the Tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin

Sayagyi U Ba Khin meditating in the Centre of the Pagoda at IMC Yangoon

There are six International Meditation Centres in the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Tradition. All were founded to provide facilities for the instruction and practice of Theravada Buddhist Meditation. Each of the centres in the West is a direct offshoot of the International Meditation Centre of Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, Burma), which was founded by Sayagyi U Ba Khin. In addition to being a highly respected meditation teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin was the first Accountant General of Burma after Independence in 1948.

All the centres are guided by Mother Sayamagyi, Sayagyi U Ba Khin's closest disciple, who has practised and taught meditation for more than fifty years and have carried on the tradition since Sayagyi U Ba Khin's demise in 1971.

Ten-day residential courses are usually held once a month at IMC-UK and regularly at other centres, beginning on Friday evening and ending early on Monday morning. They are led by Mother Sayamagyi or by a Regional Teacher.

The students who attend courses at the centres are from all walks of life, professions, religions, cultural backgrounds, races and countries. Anyone who comes with an open mind can gain the necessary confidence in the technique and in himself or herself. Thus, all can attain benefits which will be proportionate to the amount of balanced effort they make.

The Meditation

Buddhist meditation is the practice of the Eightfold Noble Path, as taught by the Buddha, which can be divided into three parts.

These are: higher training in morality, concentration and wisdom.

Morality: Morality is the common denominator of all religions. At the centres, students observe the five precepts of refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and the use of drugs or intoxicants. By diligently observing this morality, one develops purity of physical and verbal actions;

Concentration: Beginning with this base, training in concentration is taught ( Anapana meditation -- mindfulness of breathing). Through learning to calm and control the mind during the first five days, the student quickly appreciates the advantages of a steady and balanced mind;

Wisdom: The third training in wisdom or insight is introduced through Vipassana meditation, which is practised throughout the remainder of the period.

Vipassana is a process which enables the student to develop concentration and awareness and, through personal experience, to gain an understanding of the natural characteristics of impermanence , suffering and non-self. Practised with diligence the gradual process of mental purification will lead to the end of suffering and to full Enlightenment or Nibbana .

The teaching is through experience. If what you experience is for your well being, you can accept it, if it is not for your well being, you will not accept it.

Noble Silence (no unnecessary talk) provides a conducive atmosphere, and discourses given in the morning and evening by the teachers help to clarify the practice.

There are also daily interviews with the teachers.

Questions Frequently Asked

How much does it cost?

There has never been any charge for the Buddha's Teachings. However, there is a suggested donation which is put towards the cost of food, heat and light. The level of suggested donation varies from country to country.

What about food?

Wholesome and tasty vegetarian food in ample quantity is provided, and those who follow a diet for medical reasons will be accommodated as far as possible.

How can I be sure I am capable of doing the meditation?

For a person who is genuinely interested, meditation (including Noble Silence) is not difficult. If one follows the instructions patiently and diligently, one can be sure of tangible results. The day's schedule is neither too severe nor too relaxed but follows the Middle Path. Sayagyi U Ba Khin taught his students to work with "zestful ease".

Do I have to be a Buddhist?

People from many religions have found the meditation courses helpful and beneficial in their day-to-day lives.

Please note that the courses last for ten days. Students joining a course should plan to remain for the full ten days without leaving the centre.

There are six International Meditation Centres in the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Tradition:
in Myanmar, England , Western Australia , East Australia , U.S.A. and Austria.

Published by the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Trust
IMC-UK, Splatts House, Heddington, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0PE, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1380 850 238, Fax: +44 1380 850 833.
Registered Charity No 280134.