The Teacher
Visuddhacara was born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1953. He was a journalist for 12
years and later a Buddhist monk for 17 years before he returned to the lay life
in January 2003. He has been practising meditation since 1982 and has studied
with various teachers including the Myanmar meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita
(author of 'In This Very Life: The Liberation Teachings of the Buddha') and Ven Sujiva of Malaysia (author of 'Essentials of Insight Meditation' and other
books). Visu has led retreats in Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Hong
Kong, Sri Lanka, Italy and Czech Republic. He is the author of several books
including ‘Curbing Anger Spreading Love,’ ‘Loving and Dying,’ ‘Hello With Love
and other meditations’ and ‘Metta – the Practice of Loving-kindness for a Happier
Life.’
The Program
During most of the year, a program of guided meditation
is offered. The method of meditation will be in accordance with the Four
Foundations of Mindfulness as taught by the Buddha for the purpose of developing
insight (vipassana) into the true nature of existence.
It involves the application of mindfulness to observe the
breath, bodily sensations, feelings, and states of mind. As one practices one
will come to understand better the nature of the mind and body and the three
characteristics of existence – impermanence, suffering or unsatisfactoriness,
and not-self. Such practice and understanding will lead to a freeing of the mind
from unrealistic expectations and bring about much peace and happiness.
Metta (loving-kindness) meditation is a good supplement to
vipassana practice. It is the radiating of good wishes to all beings and
promotes a happy and wholesome frame of mind, reducing impatience,
irritation, annoyance and anger.
It is recommended that the practitioner plan to stay for
at least 10 full days of practice. There is no fixed start or end dates for the
program. You may join the program at any time depending upon your date of
arrival.
Accommodation preference will be given to those choosing
to join the guided program of instruction. On a space available basis,
individuals seeking a place for self-guided meditation will be accommodated.
However, the Eight Precepts, Noble Silence and Meal schedule will still apply.
For those periods when no teacher is present, individual
practitioners are welcome to stay for up to 14 days. The Eight Precepts will
still apply during these stays. Paramita is not a hotel or hostel, it is
a spiritual Centre.
