Important Update on Overnight Stays
Due to limited accommodations, we are temporarily suspending overnight visits for males at our monastery. We anticipate resuming these visits in December 2024. Please check back for updates.
Female visitors can continue to apply for overnight stays at the Anagarika Nuns Monastery during this period. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you in the future.
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. Mahamevnawa provides the opportunity for visitors who are committed to learning and practicing these teachings to stay at our monastery for several days. An overnight visit to one of our forest 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 here, but you must be committed to learning and practicing these teachings for the duration of your stay.
Overnight visits are free of charge. All overnight visits must be arranged in advance, prior to arrival at the monastery. After your application has been accepted, you will be guided to our branch monastery that is most appropriate for your visit.
If you show up wishing to stay overnight without making prior arrangements, you will not be allowed to stay at that time and be asked to leave to make proper arrangements.
Please be advised that though ladies are welcome to visit the monks’ monasteries they shall not be allowed to stay overnight.
Ladies who wish to stay overnight can do so at our Anagarika Nuns Monastery.
Gents, please fill out the form below if you would like to begin to arrange an overnight visit to one of our forest monasteries in Sri Lanka. If you would like to visit one of our international branches, please contact them directly through our branch page.
Visitors can stay anywhere from 3 to 7 days on their first visit, depending on circumstances and availability.
Overnight visitors are expected to observe the Eight Precepts to the best of their ability. This includes not eating most solid foods after noon and abstaining from all sexual activity. Smoking cigarettes, consumption of alcohol and use of any other intoxicants and mind-altering substances is strictly prohibited.
The meditation we teach at Mahamevnawa is from the Sutta Pitaka as taught by the Buddha. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn these meditations directly from a resident monk. Time is scheduled throughout the day to put instructions into practice.
Overnight visitors should be in good physical condition and health. Many of our monasteries and facilities are on hillsides – visitors should be prepared to climb stairs throughout the day.
All overnight visitors must have some form of medical insurance that will cover them for the time they are at the monastery. Cheap traveler’s medical insurance in available online from many companies.
While staying at Mahamevnawa, visitors will eat the same food that is served to the monks. Supporters provide healthy home-cooked food – plenty of rice and vegetables, but offerings are not strictly vegetarian.
Visitors are required to wear white clothing.
Depending on circumstances and availability, visitors may be sharing a room with others. Accommodations are very basic as is suitable for a monastery.
All overnight visitors must hold a valid visa and passport to be shown at arrival. The monastery is not able to arrange visas.
Following the simple guidelines of the monastery and living in harmony with others is essential. Visitors who are not able to do so may be asked to leave.
Basic Schedule
| 5:00 am | Wake up |
| 6:30-7:30 am | Breakfast |
| 8:00-9:30 am | Meeting with a monk to learn Dhamma |
| 9:30-10:00 am | Loving-kindness meditation |
| 10:00-11:00 am | Break |
| 11:00-12:00 am | Lunch |
| 12:30-2:00 am | Meeting with a monk to learn Dhamma |
| 2:00-2:30 pm | Impermanence meditation |
| 2:30-3:00 pm | Dhamma discussion |
| 3:00-3:30 am | Tea break |
| 3:30-4:30 pm | Private study or meditation |
| 4:30-5:30 pm | Chores |
| 5:30-6:00 pm | Freshen up |
| 6:00-7:00 pm | Evening Vandana chanting and meditation |
| 7:15-8:30 pm | Listening to a Dhamma talk |
| 8:30-9:00 pm | Walking meditation |
Overnight guest are expected to participate in the daily schedule of the monastery.