DAY 14: Shwebo

We will see the many beautiful pagodas of Shwebo, including Shwetaza Pagoda, which is nearly 1,000 years old and features a sandalwood Buddha image said to have come from the celestial realms; Maw Daw Myin Tha Pagoda, which was completed after a lunar eclipse and is said to bring the Buddha's light to darkness; Myodaung Pagoda, where local legend tells that part of the Buddha's own alms bowl was enshrined here, and much more. The highlight here will be Webu Monastery, established by the great meditation-minded monk. We will tour the sites connected with his stay here, and meet the senior monks and novices. We'll also learn the connection the site has with pre-colonial and British history in Burma, and its role in preserving Bamar culture and tradition until today. 

DAY 15: Seikkhun and Thilon villages (overnight in Shwebo)

Today we head to two very special villages on the outskirts of Shwebo. The first is Seikkhun Village, where Mahasi Sayadaw was born, ordained, studied, instructed his first meditation course, and wrote his revolutionary Vipassana manual. The second is Thilon Village, from which the 18th century presumed Arahant took his name.

Day 16: Hanlin and Kyaukmyaung (overnight in Shwebo)

Today features two more Shwebo area sites mostly unknown to meditators. The first is Hanlin, a village of nearly 7,000 people that flourished from the 4th to 9th centuries. We will learn about this history and visit some more recent Buddhist sites, and end by making a brief stop in Kyaukmyaung, which has a centuries-old history of pottery making.

Day 17: Ingyinbin

In the morning we will drive to Webu Monastery in Ingyinbin, arriving in the afternoon. Then time will be set aside to settle in at the monastery and meet the senior monks.

Day 18: Ingyinbin

Today is the full day tour, and there is so much to see! The entire morning will focus on the Patipatti Monastery, the meditation compound founded by Webu in 1927. Then in the afternoon, we'll explore the important sites in the much older Pariyatti Monastery, and then in tiny Ingyinbin village. Pilgrims will hear a number of stories related to the great monk and concerning Sayagyi U Ba Khin's ordination here, and learn about the history of how this site became established and later flourished. 

Day 19: Ingyinbin

Ingyinbin is a very special place, so today is a free day for pilgrims to do with as they wish. One may choose to sit a self-meditation course, have rest time, explore more parts of the monastery and village, or talk with senior monks or the young novices and nuns. 

Day 20: Return to Yangon

Those pilgrims who wish to return to Yangon directly will be provided a bus and air ticket to do so. Others who wish to stay longer in Upper Myanmar can do so, with an open plane ticket. Note that no hotel is provided tonight; yogis in need of reservations may contact us here. 

QUESTIONS?

All the essentials are included in your overall pilgrimage rate, and if anything is needed that is not included, you can contact us ahead of time for your needs. For complete details, see here.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

If you have any further inquiries, feel free to contact us any time here. We hope to see you soon in the Golden Land!