List of Theravada Meditation Centers

Theravada Buddhism claims to have protected the authentic techniques of meditation taught by the Blessed One (Lord Buddha) since 600 BC. In Theravada Buddhism, main meditation methods involve with the two types of concentration called Samatha and Vipassana by practicing with different meditative objects such as Satipatthana, Buddhanussati, Metta, Anapanasati and many other. Meditation centers that are involved with teaching and training meditation in Theravada tradition are mainly scattered around the three main Theravada countries Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The notable meditation centers that are affiliated with different notable meditation methods and traditions are listed here.

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Theravāda Buddhism

Notable Meditation Methods (Meditation Traditions) used in Centers

Different meditation systems are practiced in Theravada meditation centers. Though the method used are different, the aim of all Theravadins is same.

Ajahn Chah Tradition

The meditation tradition of late Thai Forest Tradition meditation master, the Venerable Ajahn Chah. In many branch monasteries of Ajahn Chah Tradition, this system is followed which is considered as a free, simple yet deep system.

Mahasi Meditation System

This method is founded by Burmese bhikkhu Mahasi Sayadaw and practiced worldwide. This is an intensive Vipassana (Satipatthana) meditation method (also called as Dry Vipassana) which uses the awareness of rising and falling of the abdomen as the main object (Kammatthana).

Nanarama Meditation System

Nissarana Vanaya Meditation System or Nanarama Meditation System is founded by late Venerable Matara Sri Nanarama Mahathera at Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya. Both Samatha and Vipassana are considered to be important. In modern days this method is taught by several teachers of Sri Lankan Forest tradition who have appended some other valuable techniques to the method as well.

Goenka Meditation System

The meditation method developed by late Burmese lay teacher Sayagi U Bha Kin is practiced in many centers globally as taught by late Indian lay teacher S.N. Goenka.

Myanmar
Name Meditation System Particulars
Panditãrãma Shwe Taung Gon Sasana Yeiktha, Myanmar(Burma).[1] Mahasi Meditation System Established in October 1990 by the Venerable U Panditabhivamsa
  • Connected with many International Panditarama Branch Centers [2][3]
Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha Meditation Centre, Buddha Sāsana Nuggaha Organisation, Myanmar (Burma).[4] Mahasi Meditation System Founded in 1947 by the late Mahasi Sayadaw
  • Daily Dhamma talk in English
Kaba Aye Sun Lun Monastery, Myanmar.[5] Sun Lun Meditation System (Touch − Awareness − Mindfulness) [6] Founded by Sunlun Sayadaw

Thailand
Name Meditation System Particulars
Wat Pah Nanachat, Thailand Ajahn Chah Tradition of Thai Forest Tradition Established by Luang Por Sumedho in 1975 under Venerable Ajahn Chah's guidance.
  • Help westerners to ordain as traditional forest monks.
Wat Nong Pah Pong, Tambon Non Pueng, Ampher Warin Chamrab, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190, Thailand Ajahn Chah Tradition of Thai Forest Tradition Established by Ajahn Chah in 1954.
  • Main monastery in the Ajahn Chah family of monasteries.
Wat marp Jan, Thailand.[7] Ajahn Chah Tradition of Thai Forest Tradition Established in 1984 by the current Abbot, Ajahn Anan Akiñcano
Wat Suan Mokkh [8] Mindfulness with Breathing (concentration and insight) Founded by the Venerable Ajahn Buddhadasa in 1989 with the Motto-'Live plainly, aim high'.
  • Caters specifically for foreigners and beginners by holding regular meditation sessions and retreats in English.

Sri Lanka
Name Meditation System Particulars
Nissarana Vanaya, Mitirigala, Sri Lanka Nanarama Meditation System and Mahasi System Founded by late Ven. Matara Sri Nanarama Mahathera.
Katukurunde Nanananda Monastery, Kirillawala Watta, Dammulla, Karandana, Ingiriya, Sri Lanka Nanarama Meditation System and Metta Founded by the famous book author Ven. Katukurunde Nanananda Mahathera.
  • Limited space

Worldwide
Name Meditation System Particulars
Ajahn Chah Monastries Worldwide [9] Ajahn Chah Tradition of Thai Forest Tradition International Monasteries in the Tradition of Ajahn Chah
Bodhinyana Monastery,Australia [10] Ajahn Brahm Tradition (Influenced by Ajahn Chah Tradition) Founded in 1983 by British-born monk Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso
Goenka Vipassana Centers Worldwide [11] S.N. Goenka Tradition (Sayagyi U Ba Khin Tradition) International Monasteries in the Tradition of S.N. Goenka

External Guides
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References
  1. "Panditarama Monastery - Myanmar".
  2. "Panditarama Branch Centers".
  3. "Panditarama Supporters in California".
  4. "Mahasi Main Center - Myanmar".
  5. "Sunlun Vipassana Center - Myanmar".
  6. "Sun Lun Vipassana Meditation".
  7. "Wat Marp Jan - Thailand".
  8. "Wat Suan Mokkh - Thailand".
  9. "Ajahn Chah International Monasteries - ForestSangha".
  10. "Bodhinyana Monastery, Serpentine, Australia".
  11. "Goenka Vipassana Meditation Centers - Main Website".
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