Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka: Delve into the Dhamma (click here to register)

25th December 2024 – 17th January 2025

Join us and take a step into the depths of the Dhamma, exploring sacred Buddhist sites, as you embark on a transformative journey of discovery. Watch the video of the pilgrimage here: https://youtu.be/IG_yzvtlpeY

The pilgrimage will consist of an enlightening retreat at the Jethavanarama Buddhist Monastery to deepen your practice under the guidance of over 150 resident monastics. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the lives of these incredible monks and Anagārikās and get a glimpse of the inner peace they enjoy through a spiritual journey of self-discovery.

Food (breakfast, lunch and a light supper for those who require it) and accommodation will be provided free of charge during the retreat at the Monastery. The Monastery conducts its retreat programmes supported by generous unsolicited donations from individuals just like yourselves who benefit from them and wish to pay it forward. Your generous donation to the monastery will be greatly appreciated to support the Monastery in continuing to provide retreats and other services to the community.

The second part of the pilgrimage will consist of a tour around Sri Lanka, exploring sacred Buddhist sites and the rich heritage they represent. This will be an incredible opportunity to discover the rich tapestry of Buddhist history and culture and how they were weaved over many centuries. Experience and contrast the peace and tranquillity which prevailed many hundreds of years ago with the chaos of the 21 century. The tour will incur costs to cover transportation, accommodation, food, etc. Full details of costing will be provided later on.

You can join for the first part, second part, or the full pilgrimage. The dates and costs are as follows:

• Arrival into Sri Lanka: 25/12/24
• First part – Retreat: 26/12/24 8.00 am (SL time) – 4/1/25 5.00 pm (SL time) – Cost: No charge
• Second part – Tour: 5/1/25 – 16/1/25 – Estimated Cost: $850, which will include transport, shared accommodation, and meals
• Departure from Sri Lanka – 17/1/25

Participants will be required to organise and pay for the cost of their own airfare. Please book your air ticket to arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka 25th December, or 4th January if you are joining the second part only. Transport from the airport to the monastery or tour location can be organised if advanced notice is given and at a cost.

Families with children (aged 7 – 18 years) are welcome. Any children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

We recommend you arrange your own travel insurance.

Participants need to apply for a visa in terms of an Electronic Travel Authority before travel via this link: https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Please register via the links below. Limited spots available. Registrations close on the 25 September 2024.

For those attending the second part of the pilgrimage, please ensure that you make your initial deposit of $400 no later than 10 October 2024, and the balance of $450 is payable by 23 December 2024.

Registrations will only be confirmed if you provide us with your airfare to Sri Lanka and (and initial deposit if attending the second part). This is to avoid cancellations, because there may be costs to us if cancellations are made and we have already made bookings.
Adults registration form: https://forms.gle/CNvcioGvqudew6f77
Children registration form: (aged 7 – 18 years): https://forms.gle/FuHoEMZv1vpXQLjw6

If you have any inquiries, please contact: 0425173612 or email: info@ministryofnirvana.org.au