Journey of Self-Discovery
Exploring different paths to Liberation: Hindu and Buddha Dharma

Going on retreat means taking time to nurture oneself, taking a pause from the busy-ness and overwhelming stimulation we face more and more in our world today. Taking time to un-plug and simply come back to our own breath allows us to feel re-charged and to engage with the world around us.
There are many different paths that share the same goal: the liberation from suffering and the wellbeing for all. This is best practiced through loving kindness for ourselves and for others.

Bali -Indonesia:

Anand Ashram Ubud, Bali-  Center for Wellbeing and Self-Empowerment
founded by Anand Krishna, Spiritual Humanist and author of over 180 books, with other centers in Indonesia:
https://ubudashram.org/

One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind Mission: Working for Inner Peace, Developing Communal Love, Realizing Global Harmony.

Sanatan Dharma is the orginal ancient name for the spiritual tradition now commonly known as Hinduism. Originating over 5,000 years ago from the Vedas- the oldest and most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Composed in archaic Sanskrit between 1500 and 500 BCE. the Vedas carry knowledge and wisdom. The texts were originally transmitted orally before being written down. They are considered Sruti: (that which is heard), containing hymns, philosophy, and rituals. The vedas are believed to be revealed truths heard by ancient sages (rishis) in meditation. guiding a path of universal truth, righteousness
(dharma) and to liberation (moksa.)

Click below for an Introduction and hear more talks on Anand Krishna You Tube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFEdbLSKZA8

Yoga:   What does it mean?

Yoga means Union and the goal of this union is to unite our individual consciousness ( jivatman) with the universal consciousness. ( atman).  Going beyond duality, we transcend our “individual self” into the unified and ultimate awareness of atman.
The discipline of yoga is very wide and has a large number of practices but they all have communality. In the end, they all lead back to the source, which is our ultimate teacher.

Yogasanas or body postures help us to be detached from our minds and our emotions. Meditation practice is a tool to go beyond our ego-mind and to connect with our true nature.
Asanas help make the body healthy, our body being the temple of our individual soul. However, the body will be gone one day, but the soul within is immortal.

As human beings, our main stumbling block is that we confuse consciousness, self, mind and soul. Patanjali, Hindu sage and philosopher, tells us in his Yoga Sutras that yoga is the resolution of the agitation of the mind: “The seer abides in its own now nature.”
Patanjali continues to describe the result of achieving a state of yoga as the cessation of mental chatter, or citta vritti nirodhah. It means that when the mind is no longer distracted by thoughts, emotions, and external attachments, the true Self– the “Seer” or consciousness, rests in its own, natural state.
More on:  Live Yoga-  Yoga Sutras of Patanjali for Modern Times by Anand Krishna

Anand Krishna You Tube Channel on Patanjali Yoga Sutras:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJWkvobLoMw

Daily Life on Bali:

Bali practices a unique form of Bali Hinduism which has blended into ancient animist and ancestral worship. Over time through migrations and trade, influences of Hindu and Buddha culture manifested into ancient traditions creating the Bali Hindu identity found today. A core foundation of life in Bali is also influenced by Taoist beliefs in the concept of Yin/Yang: to live in balance of opposing, yet complementary forces which together create the universe. The black and white checkered cloth known as poleng is commonly seen draped around protective guardian shrines and sculptures. A visitor to Bali today will see Bali Hinduism as a living art form with daily offerings showing gratitude and honoring spirits of ancestors and nature, both seen and unseen.
Tri Hita Karana is the Balinese philosophy of three causes of well-being-that harmony is achieved by maintaining balanced relationships in three areas: with God, with other people, and with nature.
See more on Bali and Indonesia pages.

India:

Isha Foundation and Yoga Center in Coimbatore, India.
Founded by Sadhguru,  explore the website for programs and Isha’s inspiring work:
https://isha.sadhguru.org/global/en

Sadhguru’s You Tube Channel  for inspiring talks on all sorts of topics…
https://www.youtube.com/user/sadhguru

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams and Centers:
https://sivananda.org.in/

Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram:
Sri Ramana Maharshi ( 1879-1950 ) found his way to Arunachala Hill- an embodiment of Lord Shiva.
He spent the rest of his physical life at the mountain encouraging followers to discover one’s true-self through direct self-inquiry of “Who am I?”- the method to realize non-duality. (advaita).
https://www.gururamana.org/
Click to See and Learn More: https://alamasia.net/sri-ramana-the-sage-of-arunachala/

Buddha Dharma Teachings:

The Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, born around 563 BCE, was a prince of the Shakya clan in what is now within modern-day Nepal. Siddhartha renounced his luxurious life to become a wandering spiritual teacher. Having achieved enlightenment at age 35 after discovering the “Middle Way”- the Buddha shows us a path to be free of suffering. The meaning of the Buddha is the “awakened one.”

Distinction between Theravada and Mahayana Traditions:

The teaching of Buddha spread into different schools adapting into local cultures and traditions.

Theravada- Teaching of the Elders:

Core Focus: individual liberation through personal effort. Based on the historical Buddha teachings and monastic discipline.
Key Concepts: Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path with emphasis on Vipassana insight meditation to realize impermanence (annica) suffering (dukkha) and non-self ( anatta) – which teaches that there is no permanent, unchanging, independent self.
Vipassana, for a first time practitioner can be a challenge to many in our fast-paced modern world- to simply sit for hours in meditation. Therefore it is important to begin with Samatha meditation allowing oneself to first enter a relaxed state in order to concentrate further to gain insight ( vipassana)
Scriptures are based on the Pali Canon Tipitaka or The 3 Baskets:
Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline), Sutta Pitaka( Discourses), and Abhidhamma Pitaka: ( Higher Discourses including the breakdown of mind, matter and consciousness)
Geographic Spread: from India down to Sri Lanka and across to SE Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and parts of South Vietnam with ethnic Khmer Krom communities.

Mahayana:

Often referred to as the “great vehicle”
Core Focus: universal compassion and the Bodhisattva ideal. To attain enlightenment not just for oneself, but to liberate all sentient beings. The altruistic intention encourages awareness and compassion in daily life to benefit others.
Key Concepts: Shunyata or “Emptiness” – that all phenomena lack inherent existence as explained in the Heart Sutra and with a focus on interbeing and interconnectedness applied to social and environmental issues. Devotion to the Bodhisattvas include Avalokitesvara (compassion) and Manjushri (wisdom)
Geographic Spread: from India- north through the Himalayas: Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet where Vajrayana practice developed, and on to China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam where Mahayana has also branched into the practice of Zen.

Male and Female Roles:

Describing male and female involvement in Theravada versus Mahayana Buddhism involves looking at the distinction between traditionalist, scripture-focused structures and the evolution of Mahayana-developed philosophies. In general, Theravada maintains a strict hierarchical separation where men are dominant, while Mahayana theoretically offers greater gender equality, emphasizing “no male or female” at the highest level of enlightenment. 

Theravada Buddhism:
Men/boys are expected to undergo temporary ordination for social status and education.
The Bhikkhuni (nun) order was traditionally lost in many Theravada countries, though modern revival efforts are ongoing. However, the role of the female is very much focused on looking after the household and the economy. For example in Laos, a male is respected for education gained while ordained as a monk, while the female is respected for her traditional weaving skills which contributes to the economy.

Mahayana Buddhism:

Male and Female Equality: It is believed the union of both male and female qualities are needed to balance the universe.
Role of Women: In Mahayana, women are respected as having equal potential for enlightenment and as embodiments of wisdom and compassion.
Monastic Status: Male and Female Monastics generally ordain for life. The Bhikkhuni lineage has remained strong in China, Korea, and Vietnam, where nuns play significant leadership roles and are often educated to the same standard as monks. In the Tibetan tradition, the 14th Dalai Lama and organizations like the Tibetan Nuns Project, enabled nuns to pursue higher studies, take examinations, and earn top-tier degrees- such as the Geshema doctorate- equivalent to those held by monks.
Gender Transformation and Feminine Buddhas:
Some Mahayana texts discuss gender as an illusion and allow for the transformation of gender to achieve Buddhahood, unlike the fixed gender view in Theravada.
Feminine Buddhas: The tradition includes female figures of supreme enlightenment, such as Tara in Tibetan Buddhism or the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is often represented as female.

---

Retreats in Theravada Traditions and Vipassana:

While the Theravada tradition emphasizes individual effort to attain enlightenment to end personal suffering, it is also universal in its approach to compassion (Karuna), loving-kindness (Metta), and ethical conduct. (Sila).
May all Beings be well, happy and peaceful

Sri Lanka:

Nilambe Meditation Center located in the hills – approx. 45min. drive from Kandy.
Beautiful nature with no electricity. A very special place to unplug and re-charge.
Vipassana style with time allowed for mindful yoga practice and sharing dharma talks.
Founded by beloved teacher Godwin Samararatne, whose spirit continues with the resident teacher
Upul Gamage. Upul also engages in various social projects including outreach meditation programs in prisons and schools.
See more on:   https://alamasia.net/nilambe-meditation-center/
Nilambe website:   https://www.nilambe.lk/

Sanatha Suwaya: a non-denominational meditation and holistic wellness center outside of Kandy.
Founded by Bhante Sujatha who also founded Blue Lotus Meditation Center in Chicago.
Learn more about their programs and Love in Action Outreach:
https://www.sanathasuwaya.org/
https://bhantesujatha.org/

Thailand:

Visiting Thailand, you will come across many wats or temples. At first glance, you may wonder about the mix of influences. Spirit shrines and Hindu deities all blend into daily life of a Thai Buddhist. While Buddhism deals with Karma and Nirvana, Brahmanism provides the active rituals for prosperity, protection and navigating life cycles. There are lots of legends and myths of how Buddhism developed out of Hinduism. The Buddha as well as Rama, are considered to be an incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The tradition of Thai kings bearing the name “Rama” is deeply embedded in the historical, cultural, and religious tapestry of Thailand. This practice is not only ceremonial, it also reflects the enduring influence of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, in Southeast Asian society and the profound reverence for Hindu deities within traditions of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

Aside from daily life, is the tradition of Vipassana ( Insight Meditation )

Meditation in and around Chiang Mai:

Wat Suan Dok- Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University
Introductory Meditation retreats are held each week and check to see if their Monk Chat is on- a nice opportunity to have conversation with students eager to practice their English while you can learn about Buddhism and about life as a monastic.

Contact: monkchat2023@gmail.com
or   Facebook Page: MonkChat MCU.ChiangMai

Wat Chom Thong- Northern Vipassana International Meditation Center:
south of Chiang Mai:
https://northernvipassana.org/en/

Wat Tham Doi Tone:
A very beautiful place located in Ban Mae Sapok, Mae Wang district-approx 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai.
Courses are held on a monthly basis for six or seven days led by Phra Ajhan Piyadassi. Conducted in Thai with limited English translation.
More on:  https://www.vimuttidhamma.net/

If website is down, try email:  doitcmm@gmail.com

Peaceful Cave Temple and Dhamma Hall at Wat Tham Doi Tone.

South Thailand:

Wat Suan Mokkh- The Garden of Liberation– a Vipassana Center in the forest tradition.
founded by Venerable Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikku. Located not far from Chaiya in Surat Thani province:
https://www.suanmokkh-idh.org/index.html

Myanmar/Burma:
Vipassana Meditation Centers in Burma (Myanmar) such as Mahasi Sayadaw and Panditarama Meditation Centers, are world-renowned, however access for foreigners has been limited sadly since the last military coup in 2021. Fortunately local people within Myanmar have access to these centers.

---

Mahayana:

Tibetan Tradition in Dharamsala and Bodhgaya, India:

Dharamsala is home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in Exile.

Tushita Meditation Center:
in peaceful hills above Dharamsala, wonderful courses on Tibetan Buddhism: www.tushita.info

Tushita is under the umbrella of FPMT-Foundation for Preservation of Mahayana Tradition with centers worldwide:  https://fpmt.org/
including:
Root Institute in Bodhgaya:   https://www.rootinstitute.ngo/

Deerpark Institute located in Bir, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, approx 2.5 hours drive from Dharamsala. Founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in the spirit of Nalanda, a great university of ancient India in which all traditions of Buddhism were studied and practiced. Deerpark Institute offers a variety of courses and workshops in all Indian wisdom traditions:
https://deerpark.in/

More Info on Travel to Dharamsala:
https://alamasia.net/asia-destinations-news-and-links/himalaya/dharamsala-and-ladakh/

Thailand North of Bangkok:

Thai Plum Village in Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh

located in Pak Chong approx 3 hours northeast of Bangkok.

Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022). affectionately known as Thay, was a renowned Zen Buddhist monk, poet, scholar and peace activist. He stood for nonviolent, compassionate solutions to conflict during the Vietnam/American War and was a pioneer of “Engaged Buddhism.” During the war, he established
The School of Youth and Social Service (SYSS) to rebuild bombed villages, establish schools, and provide medical care to victims of the war. He traveled to the U.S. to meet with Dr. Martin Luther King, who along with the civil rights movement in the US, joined in support to call for the end of the Vietnam War.
Exiled from Vietnam, Thich Nhat Hanh settled in France, establishing Plum Village, focused on Engaged Buddhism and the art of mindful living: https://plumvillage.org/
Learn about Thai Plum Village: https://www.thaiplumvillage.org/

Sit back and retreat with beautiful songs of Plum Village:
Back to my Island:
Click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TmFMbfvFN0

Travel Gently and Live Conscisouly- Create Peace in Every Step

More Inspirations: https://alamasia.net/inspirations/

More Reading: https://alamasia.net/reading-films-music/buddhism-and-yoga/