International Buddhist Meditation Center

Founded in 1985 by Sayadaw U Paṇḍitābhivaṃsa, successor of Mahasi Sayadaw, IBMC is registered with the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, and affiliated with Paṇḍitārāma Shwe Taung Gon Sāsana Yeiktha in Myanmar; its stated purpose is to run Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā retreats. New yogis must stay at least 10 days (plus 2 days to arrive and leave); after that, yogis may stay from a day to several months, doing about 14 hours of sitting and walking meditation a day under the eight precepts. Applications go on a signed form, with a photo, to the IBMC office at Buddhanagar at least a week before arrival.

How to apply

Apply to each centre directly. Panditarama Lumbini asks you to read its guidelines and then contact it to agree your dates; IBMC Kathmandu wants a signed form at least a week ahead.

What is taught here

Mahasi Sayadaw's method of noting the rise and fall of the abdomen and whatever else arises, practised in silent retreats in Myanmar, Nepal and beyond. Read about Mahasi noting.