Nā Uyana Forest Monastery | නා උයන ආරණ්‍ය සේනාසනය — Attraction in North Western Province

A forest monastery of meditating Buddhist monks who practice authentic doctrine of Lord Buddha. Nearly over 60/ 70 number of monks (only male) who are genuinely interested in pursuing true essence of Buddhism fully engaged in meditation practice. This is the main meditation center of a consortium of Theravadic Buddhist monastries called "Sri Kalyani Yogashrama Sansthawa" founded by most Ven. Kadawedduwa Jinawansa Maha Thero along with most Ven. Matara Gnanarama maha thero. One of the renowned most erudite and hard meditated monks, most Ven. Na Uyane Ariyadhamma Maha Thero was also living here. Laymens could also take shelter here for meditation and they will be given meals during their stay. For me this is the most venerated place of Buddhist monks with an environment of a profound serenity and tranquility perfect for meditation. There are many small cells (Kuti) scattered acrossed the forest where monks reside. Common meditation halls, a medium size stupa, alms giving hall, Sacred Bo Tree, Dhamma discussion hall are some of the other elements...

This is one of the few places in the world where you will find Nobel and wise men/women practice meditation tirelessly with the one and only ambition of ending the suffering of aging, death, getting sick, various grievings, etc. etc. by ending rebirth. Some take one meal per day. Some like to stay inside the woods therefore limited public meetings to minimum. One of the first things one will immediately notice once he/she talks to these bhikkus (if one is lucky enough to get a chance) is how extraordinary happy they are. Then you'll notice their wisdom. They are fluent in almost all aspects, even governance. More than hundred bhikkus from all over the world are residing at Na Uyana ("Na" is Sinhalese word for ironwood and "Uyana" means garden). This is not a place for sightseeing or tourist unless you are serious about spiritual cleansing, meditation. Anyone can contact the administration office and request for a meditation session. Place is roughly 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 drive from Colombo depending on the...

Directions from Colombo to Na Uyana

Go to the Railroad Station at Pettah Market. (There should be a tourist guide in the railroad station they may help you if you need help.)

Walk half a mile until you get St. Christopher's Bus Stop.

Ask for a bus to Melsiripura (Will take around 3 hours to get there)

Once in Melsiripura ask for a bus to Pansiyagama or Na Uyana (will take one more hour to get Pansiyagama)

Once in Pansiyagama you should see a sign that says NA UYANA. Walk down that road. You will pass a school on your right. In around 1 mile you will see another sign saying NA UYANA. Follow that sign. In around 2 miles you will see a sign in Sinhala with a little shrine with a Buddha Image inside. Follow that for around 1 mile and you should see the Bodhi Tree. The Monastery is half a mile after that.

Another tip! If you need someone who speaks English at the monastery try talking to the Doctor in the medicine room. He is a Westerner and speaks English. He is normally...