RETREAT INFORMATION

Teachers

Style of Practice
• The Eight Precepts

Location
• Accommodations & Meals

Costs
• How to Apply
• Dana

Daily Retreat Schedule

Getting to Burma
• Applying for a Meditation Visa
• Arrival Information
• Hotel & Misc.
• Expenses & Changing Money

Health
• Pre-departure
• First-Aid kit
• Staying Healthy
• Illness & Emergencies
• Health Guidelines

Planning Your Trip
• Climate
• Electricity
• Dress
• What to Bring

Emergency Contact in Burma

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Climate
November through January is generally the most pleasant time to be in Burma with little or no rain. The average mean temperature in this area is between 21C and 28C (70F and 82F). In February the temperature starts to rise.

Electricity
The standard electrical current runs at 230v, 50 Hz AC. Most electrical wall British-style plugs with three flat lugs in a triangle or 2 prongs. The center is on the electrical grid, but the power can be unreliable. They do have a back up generator to use if necessary.

Dress
Outside the Monastery: One should dress neatly. Short or long sleeve shirts are fine, as well as (lightweight) long pants or longyis for men. Women usually find that wearing a skirt or longyi is simply more practical and comfortable. Do not wear sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts.

Inside the Monastery: Again, always dress neatly. The same general rules apply for both men and women. No shorts or sleeveless shirts, and both men and women wear longyis. Make sure you can either kneel, or sit cross-legged in whatever you choose to wear.

Quick-drying clothes are a good idea because they dry faster in the humid weather.

Shirts/Blouses: For the retreat, both men and women should wear a white shirt or blouse. They can be short or long sleeve, but no T shirts or tank tops. Especially no blouses that can be seen through. If you have a sheer blouse then you will need to wear a layer underneath.

Footwear: Rubber sandals are the most practical shoes to wear. Especially since you need to remove them before entering religious compounds or homes.

What to Bring
Skip over those things which you feel do not apply to you Note that leather goods such as purses, wallets, and shoes, etc., will get moldy in the humid weather.

Packing List: passport, visas, copy of birth certificate,
Important: You need to bring extra passport photos (8-12 )
Bring copies of all important papers and documents - pack the copies separate from the originals.

Clothes: For the occasional very cold night or morning during Dec and Jan: - silk or thermal long johns - silk is very light and packs easily
- 1 light turtleneck
- warm sweater
- light or thin gloves
- 1 or 2 bandanas
- light jacket socks
- 1 or 2 pair lightweight pants - for traveling
- 1 or 2 long skirts - for travelling, you will mostly be using longyis
- belt - for holding up longyi in case you have a hard time tying it
- 4- 5 white shirts - short or long sleeve
- sunglasses
- sun hat and a hat for warmth (early morning)

Meditation:
meditation pillow - Most Burmese do not use a meditation pillow or zafu, so bring one if you use one to sit. Foam mats will be provided in the meditation hall.

Light wrap, shawl or thin blanket - for use during meditation in the cooler hours. You cannot use the bed blanket in the mediation hall.

Toiletries: toiletries bag / kit, toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, soap, razors, small mirror, hair brush, nail clippers and nail brush, light wash cloth and towel, tissue, Tampax, tampons - the kind with non-plastic biodegradable applicators are best.

Laundry: laundry bag, clothespins (you can buy plastic ones in Burma.) Laundry detergent (can be purchased in Burma at the Yusana hotel), sewing kit, safety pins.

Miscellaneous: water bottle; watch/clock with alarm; camera and film;
rope - light weight but strong. Enough for a clothesline and other possible uses; lighter; waterproof matches; Zip lock bags; flashlight and bulbs; Swiss army knife; extra batteries - for flashlight; clock; camera; watch...you name it; light sleeping bag - for the coldest nights at HMG; airtight plastic containers for food - To keep food safe from any critters. Yogis are permitted to keep food in their room for a snack before noon; vitamin supplements; antibiotics.

Vegetarians should bring - protein drink powder, power bars - to balance out your diet.

Mailing and Writing Materials: packing tape, scotch tape, pens, small notebooks (for reporting in interviews).

Items Provided for You by the Center: mattress, blanket, mosquito net, bucket - for washing your clothes (cold water only), pillow, pillow case, bed covering, thermos.

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