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Pariyatti Pilgrimages
Pariyatti's vision is to enrich the world by disseminating the words of the Buddha, providing sustenance for the seeker's journey, and illuminating the meditator's path. As we enter our second 25 years, Pariyatti is exploring diverse ways to serve Dhamma practitioners, scholars and seekers. One valuable way to enrich the world and deepen awareness of the Buddha's teachings is to facilitate travel to places connected with the teachings of the Buddha and Saṇgha.
In Feb-Mar 2013 Pariyatti conducted a 21-day test pilgrimage for 30 pilgrims to the sacred sites in India and Nepal related to the Buddha's life. Based on feedback from participants, the pilgrimage was considered a resounding success which motivates us to further develop this aspect of Pariyatti's services. We are currently working on incorporating the valuable lessons and experiences we learned from the pilgrimage into an ongoing program so that we can sustainably offer pilgrimages to India.
Pilgrimage to Myanmar
Pariyatti will conduct two 21-day test pilgrimages to Myanmar between December 2013 and February 2014. Each pilgrimage will be able to accommodate a maximum of 24 pilgrims. The first half of the pilgrimage will focus mainly on sites related to Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka, and in the latter half we will branch out to visit sites that we hope will inspire attendees as we expose them to the Dhamma infused Burmese culture.
Pariyatti is hesitant to offer a full pilgrimage program without conducting initial trial tours, whose aim is to ensure that the elements of the itinerary work as planned. These test tours to Myanmar are being organized as an opportunity to gather valuable information and feedback. With the participation of knowledgeable “beta testers", we will try to iron out wrinkles, to help streamline the tour in preparation for making it available on an ongoing basis. We are looking for a group of people seasoned enough to understand that despite our efforts to make the itinerary manageable and the accommodations and travel comfortable, the pilgrimage will have inevitable bumps in the road. Hardships are to be expected (indeed, in the volition of the pilgrim, to be embraced as part of the benefit). One of your roles on the pilgrimage will include identifying various mishaps and helping to resolve them for the benefit of future pilgrims.
Eligibility criteria
Since Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka plays an an integral role in this pilgrimage, the minimum acceptance requirements are:
- Sat (not including courses served) at least three 10-day Vipassana courses
- Not been practicing any other meditation techniques since last 10-day course
- Have been practicing this technique of Vipassana for at least one year
- Are trying to maintain your meditation practice and the five precepts in your daily life
Information about guides
We are working with the team at Compassionate Travels Myanmar to create a pilgrimage that meets our requirements.
What is expected of participants
- Requirement to carry travel insurance
- Conduct that is amenable to group travel
- Appropriate conduct for the cultural context
- Responsibility to provide feedback and complete post pilgrimage survey
Finances
The cost of the pilgrimage itself is estimated to be US$1,850 per person. This covers all accommodations, meals, transportation, entry fees, and guide fees. The pilgrimage cost does not include visas, personal travel insurance, cost of airfare to and from Myanmar, nor additional nights' accommodation at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage.
If you are able to afford the full fees, in the application process you will have the opportunity to consider donating to fund scholarships to support others who cannot afford the full amount. For those who cannot afford the full fees, in the application process you will be asked to how much you can afford to pay.
Anyone wishing to donate to our Pilgrimage Fund is welcome to do so. Contributions to the Pilgrimage Fund will be used to cover the costs of volunteers who help us run the pilgrimages, and also to provide scholarships for those who are unable to afford the full pilgrimage fees.
Itinerary overview (Tentative)
- Day 1 Yangon: Check in & introductions
- Day 2 Yangon: Info sessions, market visit, Shwedagon Pagoda visit
- Day 3 Yangon / Hwambi: IMC & Dhamma Joti visits, info sessions, Sule & Botatuang Pagoda visits
- Day 4 Yangon / Hwambi: Alms walk, visit to sites related to Saya Thetgyi
- Day 5 Yangon / Hwambi: Alms walk, info sessions, free time
- Day 6 Mandalay: Travel to Mandalay
- Day 7 Mandalay: Maha Muni Pagoda visit, visit Mandalay Vipassana centres
- Day 8 Mandalay: Visit Kyauske, Ava, Amarapura
- Day 9 Monywa: Travel to Monywa, visit sites of interest along along the way
- Day 10 Monywa: Sangha dāna at Ven. Ledi Sayadaw monastary, visit Ledi caves, Shwe Tuang Oo pagoda, Vipassana centre
- Day 11 Ingyinbin: Travel to Ingyinbin, visit birthplace of Ven. Ledi Sayadaw along the way, visit Shewbo and Ven. Webu Sayadaw monastery
- Day 12 Ingyinbin: Join alms round, tour of Pariyatti and Patipatti sides of Webu monastery, local village, Sangha dāna
- Day 13 Ingyinbin: Join alms round, 1-day Vipassana course
- Day 14 Ingyinbin: Free time, info sessions
- Day 15 Sagaing: Travel to Sagaing
- Day 16 Sagaing: Explore Sagaing hills
- Day 17 Sagaing: 1-day Vipassana course
- Day 18 Sagaing: Free time, visit Mingun
- Day 19 Yangon: Travel to Yangon
- Day 20 Yangon: Visit Shwedagon, free time
- Day 21 Yangon: Wrap up
Pilgrimage status
- December 28, 2013 to January 17, 2014 - Ongoing!
- January 31, 2014 to February 20, 2014 - Space available. Registration closes January 8th.
If you have any questions, please contact burma2014@pariyatti.org.
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