Established in 1995, the Paṇḍitārāma Lumbini International Vipassanā Meditation Center (PLIVMC) was officially inaugurated by Ven. Shwe Taung Gon Sayadaw U Paṇḍitābhivaṁsa on February 7, 1999.
Located at the birthplace of the Buddha, Paṇḍitārāma Lumbini offers a supportive, comfortable, and peaceful environment for insight meditation practitioners. The center teaches intensive Vipassanā meditation in the tradition of the Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw of Myanmar, emphasizing continuous mindfulness in sitting meditation, walking meditation, and daily activities throughout waking hours.
To support the practice, four teacher interviews and daily Dhamma talks are provided each week. Meditators observe Noble Silence and uphold the eight precepts.
The center operates annually from the beginning of September to the end of March. During this period, individuals may schedule retreats ranging from a minimum of seven days up to several months.
The resident Teachers are the German Venerable Sayadaw U Vivekananda and Venerable Sayalay Daw Bhaddamanika from Myanmar.
Sayadaw U Vivekananda began training with the Venerable Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa of Myanmar in 1988. He teaches meditation in English, Burmese, German and French.
Sayalay Daw Bhaddamanika began training under the Venerable Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa of Burma in the 1970s.
Panditarama Lumbini is keeping the old tradition of Dana and has operated from its very beginning entirely on the principle of generosity. There are no set daily fees. Donations are used to maintain and further develop the meditation center for the benefit of present and future meditators.
If you plan a retreat at the center please read the Guidelines for Meditators and the Meditation Instructions on the Resources page carefully and Contact us to schedule your arrival and duration of stay.