Buddhist Meditation in Sri Lanka

Volunteering on Buddhist Meditation in Sri Lanka – Special Program

We feel the desire of many people to pratice Buddhist Meditation in Sri Lanka, so we have set up this volunteer experience for several days at a Buddhist Monastery. During your stay, you will find a deeper understanding of the teachings of Buddha. Once you stay overnight in one of the Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka, you will better understand the simplicity of life Buddha has lived for his disciples.

However, you do not have to be a Buddhist to participate in the meditation. If you really feel a strong desire to learn about Buddha’s teachings and dedicate yourself into meditation, this will be a great experience for your life!

Itinerary for volunteers on Buddhist Meditation

Arrival on Saturday

You will need to notify us of your arrival time at least one week in advance. Many international airlines offer direct flights to Sri Lanka. If you are not arriving in the scheduled date, you need to provide us the address where you are going to be hosted so we can pick you up on the program start date. We prefer to pick you up at Colombo. If you are staying outside Colombo please let us know in advance for arranging the pick up without any hassle.

Once you have arrived at the airport or bus station our team will be waiting for you with an Iko Poran Welcome Sign or a paper with your name on it. They will take you to the accommodation to meet the host family and to rest after a long flight, and/or to begin familiarizing yourself with the neighborhood.
The Buddhist project is in Galle / Ella (Badulla), which is far away from Colombo neighborhood or from Bandaraike Katunayake International airport. Therefore, we will be happy to provide the first day of accommodation at our center in Wattala (next city from airport / Colombo) for you to relax and feel comfortable before going to the project. Formal orientation will begin upon arrival. You will meet the country coordinator at the orientation session.

Orientation on Monday and Arrival on the Project Location

The Orientation session begins after breakfast around 08:00 at your accommodation. Your coordinator will explain the details of your program as well as the schedule for the weeks ahead. The coordinator will take you the program location introducing the monks at Buddhist monastery. Then, after lunch we will take you for a short tour of the city so you can feel comfortable when you explore it in the afternoons or weekends /weekends depending on the schedule at the monastery.

Meditation Program at the Buddhist Monastery from Tuesday to Friday

Many people in the modern world see the value in dedicating time to practicing the teachings of the Buddha while immersed in a traditional monastery environment. We provide the opportunity for visitors who are committed to learning and practicing these teachings to stay at a monastery for several days. An overnight visit to monasteries in Sri Lanka will give you a taste of the pure livelihood the Buddha made available to his disciples. You do not have to be a Buddhist to stay at the monastery, but you must be committed to learning and practicing these teachings for the duration of your stay.
Below is a sample of work description you will offer at Buddhist Monastery: The schedule may be amended on your request.

Daily Schedule for Buddhist Meditation in Sri Lanka

4:00-4:20 am Wakeup
4:20-5:25 am Vandana chanting and meditation
5:45 am Chores
6:30 am Offer alms to Sangha
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00-10:00 am Meeting with monk for learning Dhamma
10:00 am Break
11:00 am Offer alms to Sangha
11:30 am Lunch
12:30 pm Walking meditations
1:30-2:30 pm Meeting with monk for meditation instruction
2:30-5:00 pm Private study or meditation
4:30 pm Chores
5:40 pm Evening Vandana chanting and meditation
7:45 pm Private meditation
9:00 pm Meeting with monk to answer any questions
10:00 pm Sleep

Accommodation for the volunteers

Very important information: The accommodation is at a Buddhist monastery. Volunteers share rooms with other volunteers. No couple accommodation is provided. No Wi-Fi at the monastery. You can use your mobile phone or any other communication device as long as you do not disturb the daily schedules. The same simple meals is served to the volunteers and to the monks.

Accommodation at monastery is not the same you might be used to at your own country. There are no luxury facilities at Buddhist monastery. If you would like to stay outside in a guesthouse and join the program we encourage you to contact the local coordinator. You might feel lonely staying at monastery, which will help you understand the Buddha teachings.

You must wear long (preferably white) clothes/ dresses. Do not wear short pants / shorts / tops with open neck or see through dresses.
Alcohol & smoking are strictly prohibited at the Buddhist monastery.

Enjoy a Free Weekend

For those continuing their program for subsequent weeks, Saturday and Sunday will be free to relax and explore the beauty of the project location and nearby touristic cities. If this is your final week at the program, it will finish on Friday and Saturday morning you should leave to the airport or bus station, or to continue your travels. It is your responsibility to organize the transfer back to airport. If you want help arranging it please talk with our staff. They will definitely be happy to assist you!!

Additional Information

Volunteers at Buddhist monastery program stay either in Ella (Badulla) / Galle. Please be aware that you might face communication issues. We mostly speak Sinhala, which is one of the main languages. There are some monks who can communicate in English and help you with many religious teachings during your stay.

Apply now!