Na Uyana Aranya Monastery(නා උයන ආරණ්‍ය සේනාසනය)🌞🪷🌍

Na Uyana Aranya (‘Ironwood Grove Forest Monastery’) is one of the oldest Buddhist forest monasteries in Sri Lanka, dating back to the time of King Uttiya (3rd Century BCE).The modern revival of this ancient monastery during the past few decades has seen its emergence as one of the main meditation centres in the country. Today it is again a home to a thriving community of monastic and lay Buddhist practitioners.

More than 5000 acres in land area
Residence to about 200 monks and 30 lay practitioners
Follows the Pa-Auk Meditation System
Strict adherence to Vinaya (Buddhist Monastic Discipline) and the "Theravāda tradition"
Strong meditative atmosphere
Simple yet adequate facilities for practice
Situated in rural Kurunegala (160km/3-4 hours by car from Colombo)
The main monastery is situated in an ancient Ironwood forest
The rest of the monastery spreads over mountains that are being reforested
Dhammika Aśhramaya is a separate nunnery affiliated with Na Uyana for female practitioners.
General Information

ORIENTATION OF THE MONASTERY

Na Uyana Forest Monastery covers a total of more than 5000 acres, which can be divided into 4 main sections: (1) Pansiyagama Section, (2) Mountain Section, (3) Matale Section and (4) Andagala Section. The Pansiyagama Section is situated within an Ironwood forest, and contains the following structures: an uposatha hall (Sīmā Sālā), a meditation hall (Bhāvanā Sālā), a dining hall (Dāna Sālā) and alms food hall (Pinḍapāta Sālā), a library and offices, in addition to more than240 kuṭis (monk’s residences). The Mountain Section is the newly developed area on the main hill of the monastery, which has about 110 kuṭis and includes a meditation hall and service hall (Upaṭṭhāna Sālā). This area is in the process of being reforested. The Matale Section has about 20 kuṭis and includes a meditation hall, a dining-hall and an alms food hall. It is situated among grassy hills on the eastern side of the monastery. The Andagala Section is a remote, densely forested area, situated in the north-eastern part of the monastery.

COMMON DAILY ACTIVITIES

Dhamma Talk (Dhamma Desanā): Ven. Ariyananda normally gives a Dhamma talk on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in both Sinhala and English at the Bhāvanā Sālā on the Mountain and on Sundays at 7pm there is an English only Dhamma talk on the Dhammapada Commentary for the foreign community in the Sīmā Sālā. All are welcome to attend.

Chanting and Offerings (Pūjā): Morning chanting is held at the Lower Monastery Bhāvanā Sālā at 4:00 am. Evening chanting is held at Lower Monastery Bhāvanā Sālā at 7:00 pm. There are also ceremonial offerings made at the Lower Monastery Cetiya at 7.30am and 5.00pm, and at the Lower Monastery Bodhi Tree at 7.30pm.

Special Information for Monks

Robe Washing: Natural detergent and sinks for robe washing are available at the Pandu Sālā (Robe Dying Hall) and at the Upaṭṭhāna Sālā (Service Hall) every Sunday, beginning after breakfast.

Head shaving: Every Sunday, monks are required to shave their heads and beards, and to trim their nails if necessary. Razors and soap are available from the store room.

Disciplinary Inquiries (Vinaya) and Community (Saṅgha) issues: Disciplinary or Community issues may be addressed to Ven.Saṅghasobhana Thera, who is usually available after lunch in the library.

Special Information for Lay Practitioners

Etiquette around Monks: Please be mindful when relating to monks and other spiritual companions at the monastery. Paying careful attention to the way Sri Lankan laity behave towards the monks is perhaps the best way to learn the appropriate etiquette of lay-monastic relationships. Laypeople should never sit on the same seat or mat as a monk, or wear footwear in their company. Lay practitioners are also expected to help with simple duties for the maintenance of the monastery.

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