Registration fees are not required to practice at the Panditarama Forest Meditation Center, and all the teachings, room and board are offered freely. However, yogis should understand that the center depends entirely upon donations to feed the monks, nuns and yogis each day. The Center also has many other expenses related to maintaining the facilities and taking care of the yogis and staff. Additionally, in Burma, inflation is extremely high, and high quality food (especially protein) is very expensive. Therefore, the existence of the Center depends entirely on the generosity of donors.
Although there is no fee to attend these retreats, yogis who attend the retreat are expected to adhere to and respect the rules of the center. In addition, they are expected to practice diligently in accordance with the instructions given by their meditation teacher. This annual retreat is made possible by teachers and supporters who understand the invaluable opportunity this center provides for intensive meditation.
Yogis can give dana (donations) before or after the retreat.
Space is limited and preference is given to yogis who commit to the entire 60 days.
APPLICATION PROCESS
After you download a plain text version or Acrobat PDF version of the application, you must print, complete and send it to Saddhamma Foundation or Panditarama by mail. Allow 2-3 weeks for mail to arrive in Burma. Make sure you completely and clearly fill out the two-page application form before returning it.
If you are unable to download the document, please contact Saddhamma Foundation and we will send it to you via mail, fax, or email.
Saddhamma Foundation
1685 Suncrest Ct
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
The completed two-page application will be provided to Sayadaw U Pandita for use by the Sayadaws during the retreat. Please be thorough and honest in your answers so that the Sayadaws can more skillfully guide your practice.
We will notify you once your application has been approved, and you will receive the sponsorship letter required to apply for your meditation visa.
Meditation practice in this style can be an intense and powerful experience. Since this setting is far removed from your normal support system, it is helpful that we have a full understanding of each person's background. This information will be kept in the strictest confidence.
PLEASE NOTE: People with psychiatric or pronounced psychological difficulties occasionally come to retreats with the expectation that the retreat will cure or alleviate those conditions. Although meditation practice may be of benefit, a period of silent, intensive retreat is not recommended in this situation. A meditation retreat is not a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment, and we do not recommend this retreat for these types of conditions. If you have questions about this, please contact Saddhamma Foundation.
Cancellation Policy If for some reason you cannot come to the retreat, please notify us or Panditarama as soon as possible. This way other yogis who may be on a waiting list can be contacted.
Dana Donations made to Saddhamma Foundation are tax deductible. You may specify how you would like the donation to be used, or it can go into a general fund for priority projects.
Donations for this retreat should be made payable to the Saddhamma Foundation and mailed to the address above.
The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts.
The flavor of Dhamma excels all flavors.
The delight of Dhamma excels all delights.
The eradication of craving overcomes
all suffering.
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