Na Uyana Monastery Sri Lanka
Na Uyana is a Buddhist forest monastery associated with the Sri Kalyani Yogasrama Samstha in Sri Lanka and dates back to the 3rd Century BC. Today it has been revived and has become a top mediation centre in the country. It is presently home to about 100 Buddhist monks, including both local and foreign monks.
The name Na Uyana Aranya translates into “Ironwood Grove Forest Monastery” which is likely to have been associated with the forests surrounding the monastery.
With regards to its layout the monastery covers over 5000 acres and has four main sections;
- Pansiyagama Section: Consisting of meditation halls, an alms food hall, a dining room, a library, and over 80 monks residences
- Mountain Section: Located on the main hill of the monastery, has about 80 residencies for the monks, a mediation hall, a service hall
- Matale Section: Situated on the eastern side of the monastery is amoung grassy hills, and includes 20 residencies for the monks, a meditation hall, a dining hall and an alms food hall
- Andagala Section: This section is located in the densely forested area, is quite remote and situated in the North-East part of the monastery
Pathways at Na Uyana © Sriyantha Sampath
Some regular daily activities that take place at the monastery include;
- A Dhamma talk is given by the senior meditation teacher Ven. Ariyadhamma Mahāthera at selected times which is open to all
- Chantings and offerings are held at selected times in the day along with ceremonial offerings
- Paying Respects to Ven. Ariyadhamma Mahāthera (Vandanā) is open to all mainly at his residence, however is in Sinhala. Private discussions are possible but on request
Meditation and customs for lay practitioners at the monastery
Na Uyana’s mountain retreat areas provide an environment for intensive group mediation. Each retreat can last from 14-15 days, and starts the morning after the Uposatha and on the morning of the following Uposatha. Laymen are welcome to meditate with the monks on retreat, however meals must be taken separately.
The main meditation method taught is ‘Pa-Auk Samatha Vipassana’, and the senior meditation teacher is Ven. Ariyananda Thera.
The white monkey at Na Uyana © Sriyantha Sampath
The white monkey sightings
The monastery is inhabited with a few animals including the white monkey. This rare endangered animal can only be sighted in Na Uyana and its surroundings. The only other place known to have this monkey is the Sinharaja forest reserve.
There is a better chance of spotting this creature in Na Uyana due to the calm, quiet and unpopulated surrounding of the area.
The best time to visit
For those who want to visit the monastery the recommended times are between 10 am – 12:00 noon. This is the best time to see the monks as they come down for the alms food.
If you would like to learn more, to visit this peaceful site or for help in arranging your mediation tour to Na Uyana, please email us at [email protected] or call +94-11-462 7739
