Rideekanda Forest Monastery — Local services in Central Province

This experience was deeply meaningful to me in two ways: both personally and spiritually. I know it might sound "magical" or even a bit "crazy"—after all, who would think that simply sitting for hours by yourself could lead to such profound insights? But it's true. If you commit fully and eliminate distractions, it’s entirely possible to reach deeper states of concentration and self-awareness within a week or two.

I had initially planned to visit family but, out of curiosity and following a period of burnout, I changed my plans and signed up for a one-week Vipassana retreat—despite having no prior meditation experience. My mindset was, “There’s nothing to lose,” especially since I had already spent weeks in a static, drained state.

What I found was far more than I expected. The progress I made, the insights I gained, and the experience of reaching a state close to Vipassana samadhi rekindled my interest in spirituality and philosophy in a way nothing else ever had.

Sadly, like many others, I grew up in a rigid, fundamentalist environment where seeking wisdom outside of the "known" was frowned upon or even punished. And once you break free from that, there's often a fear of becoming trapped in another dogma. But what struck me about Buddhism is how strongly it encourages self-reflection, questioning, debate, and even scientific exploration. You are absolutely free—free to ask questions, free to donate or not, free to practice on your own, and free to walk away if it doesn’t resonate.

One of the most touching parts of this journey was the compassion and hospitality I received. As someone from the Tamil minority, I had long believed I wouldn’t be welcomed by the Sinhalese community. I was wrong. I was deeply moved by the warmth and kindness extended to me—especially by Bhante, Dhinesh, and the generous family who drove me back to Colombo, expecting nothing in return.

This experience shook my foundations in the best way. It has filled me with hope. I truly believe we can mend, move on from the decades of conflict, and rediscover our shared humanity. Without indoctrination or ignorance, we can come together in love, compassion,...

As someone completely new to meditation, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But the moment I arrived, I felt at ease. The place itself is beautiful—quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by nature—and Bhante’s presence and guidance made it all feel very welcoming.

What stood out most was how personal the experience felt. Bhante took the time to understand where I was coming from. I never felt rushed or unsure about asking questions, and his answers were always thoughtful. He’s an excellent teacher—he explains things clearly, often with simple but powerful analogies, and his depth of understanding really comes through. The retreat was well organized but not rigid. There was space to approach the practices in a way that felt right for me, which made a big difference. The food was also a highlight—every meal felt like a small celebration, with variety and care put into each dish. I’m also grateful to the other retreatants. The conversations, insights and the laughter we shared added another layer to the experience.

Thank you, Bhante, for your kindness, your patience, and for so generously sharing your wisdom.I hope to continue learning and return again...

Rideekanda is beautifully situated at the heart of Sri Lanka, within abundant forests: mountain and forest views surround the monastery. Set up for serious meditations and investigations into Buddhist Dhamma; you can immerse yourself as deep as you want to go into theory and practical sessions. Bhante Rewatha delivers carefully designed theory and accompanying meditations with the aim of introducing students to insightful learnings along a path taught by the historical Buddha himself. With pedagogical skill, authentic knowledge he gained by himself, and compassionate enthusiasm, Bhante Rewatha guides students sensitively and carefully in groups and individually. Accommodation is good to very good quality. Food is ample, nutritious, and tasty. The Monastery is supported by many kind volunteers and workers. Bhante Rewatha opens the venue to beginners and experienced meditations alike from any country and background. Very strongly recommended. Please remember to support the Monastery financially within your capacity....it relies entirely...