Hello dhamma friends!
I am Natalia and I am new here - I would like to ask a quick question about Pa Auk centers in Asia. I ve been into Buddhism and traveling in S.Asia for a while and recently felt the call to go deeper into PaAuk system of training. I ve been to NaUyana in Sri Lanka already sometimes (I think is great) but I am wondering if anyone could suggest any other center outside Myanmar (I don’t dare to go there now). I see on their website many more places in Malaysia, Indonesia, SG, Thailand. Has anyone been in any of these places / can recommend any other PaAuk center I could try?
With Metta!
Natalia-Nirodha
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I have not been to the centers outside of Myanmar, but I know a lot about Pa-auk. In fact, @RobertK sent me a message to respond to you, as he knows my history.
I think Indonesia, or Nepal would be your best bet for Asia or SE Asia.
There is a center in Anton, Thailand as well.
Nepal would probably be very nice. The Most Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadwagyi is living there “now” but recently shifted to sgpr for medical treatment. I’m not sure how long he will be gone.
Indonesia has a few places. Myanmar Sayadaw U Kundadhana is spending vassa there now. However, you would be best to speak with a teacher named U kondañña from Indonesia. Perhaps they are at the same place. That would be perfect because Sayadaw U Kundadhana is a well loved monk. Another Indo monk who I think is a teacher is called Ven Uttarañāṇa . (Ven Kodañña is the best option for teachers if you can find him).
Anton Thailand is an option, but it is lay owned. They might actually charge to let you stay there.
The website locations of each are not difficult to find, but you will need to google them yourself.
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Thank you so much Bhante. Much appreciated. One last question: are there any places in Sri Lanka I could go stay for some months / self retreat with English speaking teachers? I truly love Sri Lanka (more than my own home country) which makes it really easy for me to spend long periods and be happy there, but I only know NaUyana (and Nissarana that I have not been myself). I would be very grateful for any further recommendations in S.L. even if it’s not PA-AUK system - shorter retreats are also ok since I understand that only few places have nunneries / accept lay women for long. With Metta, Natalia
Are you in Sri Lanka now? I might go down for a few days early next month as Sujin Boriharnwanaket is supposed to be visiting Kandy and Anuradhapura.
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Yup.
Outside of Na-uyana and for lay people. It is slim picking.
Nissaranavanna is not pa-auk.
There is a monk named ven. Nyanasiri who has his own place now. He was once a teacher at Na-Uyana. He might let you stay there and also give you guidance.
The place down the road from IIT which is sort of Chinese run and Chinese Language spoken there, might let you stay.
While I cannot guarantee your safety, you really won’t see much difference if you go to Myanmar and stay inside the allowed districts. The government is more your friend than the rebels. Don’t get involved and go straight to the meditation center. If you can, fly to Mandalay direct. Just staying inside Pyin Oo Lwin will be fine. I was there during the change in government and COVID. It is a meditation center. It is isolated. Pyin Oo Lwin is usually full with a big waiting list. It has the best active teacher besides Sayadawgyi himself (Sayadaw U Kumarabhivamsa). Climate and food is good. It is the best time to go there actually.
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Bhante any idea about indian pa auk center..are they doing Good??
I don’t know anything about an Indian place. Nepal might be what you are thinking of. Many monasteries claim or use the pa-auk name. The rule is, “unless they are on the calendar they are not pa-auk”.
Pa-auk does not like a list because they say it is advertising ike to advertising. (While I and others would like a list). Only the lay people who make the calendar get the official list. So look for the calendar. (I don’t have one.)
Na-uyana has one or two places in India. They are often confused with Pa-auk and share many international donors. Na-uyana was never on the calendar. They just have a “relationship” with Pa-auk.
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I left a few weeks ago after being there for 6 months and I am intending to return towards the end of August for a long time. I am not aware of Sujin Boriharnwanaket (just checking out her teachings now) but I am always keen to meet dhamma teachers and dhamma friends, so keep me updated if you like!
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Thank you Bhante. I ll try a few things out and see what happens I guess.. 
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let me know if you have questions/comments. She is only in Sri lanka from 5th to 12th August I think. I am in Bangkok from July 31 to August 5.
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Unfortunately I will miss this since I am only returning back to SL the last week of August.. thanks for sharing and your willingness to help anyway. Much appreciated!
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Dear Nirodha,
Excellent topic.
The shifting nature of (impermanence) locations, the Sangha’s, and teachers are topics I too grapple with.
It is like a moving target. For me it is an impediment to ordination.
Please keep us informed of your experience’s, as I too am a bit partial to the Sinhalese, and the guidance provided by Pa-Auk in Myanmar.
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