International Meditation Centre

The UK International Meditation Centre, situated in the picturesque village of Heddington, Calne, was acquired in late 1979 and began operations in early 1980. The centre was established with the primary objective of promoting the practice of Buddhist Vipassana meditation, as taught by the revered Sayagyi U Ba Khin. The meditation technique is designed to cultivate a tranquil mind, ultimately leading to the realisation of Nibbana.

For over 2500 years, Buddhist meditation has been predominantly practised within the monastic order. However, Sayagyi U Ba Khin, a layman, recognised the significance of Buddhist meditation in contemporary society. He possessed an extraordinary ability to teach laypeople meditation and gained considerable respect as a meditation teacher in Burma (Myanmar). He continued to teach students from all corners of the world until his passing in January 1971. His leading disciple, Mother Sayamagyi, carried on the tradition, teaching meditation for more than fifty years and establishing additional International Meditation Centres worldwide.

Meditation Courses

At IMC UK, ten-day residential meditation courses are typically held once a month, beginning on a Friday evening and concluding early on a Monday morning. The courses are led by Mother Sayamagyi's foremost disciple, Mr Roger Bischoff, and are open to anyone with an open mind. The benefits of meditation practice are proportional to the balanced effort exerted. Students who attend the meditation courses come from diverse walks of life, professions, religions, and cultural backgrounds.

Meditation: The Eightfold Noble Path

A ten-day course in Vipassana meditation is a practice of the Eightfold Noble Path, as taught by the Buddha. The Path can be divided into three parts, namely: higher training in morality, higher training in concentration, and higher training in wisdom.

Morality: Morality is the foundation of all religions. At the Centre, students observe the five precepts of refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and the use of drugs or intoxicants. By diligently observing this morality, one develops purity of physical and verbal actions.

Concentration: Beginning with the foundation of morality, training in concentration is taught using Anapana meditation (mindfulness of breathing). Through learning to calm and control the mind during the first five days, the student quickly appreciates the advantages of a steady and balanced mind.

Wisdom: The third training is wisdom (or insight). This is introduced through Vipassana meditation, which is practised throughout the remainder of the period.

Anapana Respiration Mindfulness

Anapana, or respiration mindfulness, is a technique that can be practised by members of any religion, or a person of no religion. The breath is natural and common to all human beings, making it an ideal object to focus the attention on. When the mind is given only one object, it gradually becomes calm and steady. Anapana has several advantages, including the development of calmness and concentration, resulting in a concentrated mind capable of achieving better results.

Vipassana

Vipassana is a process that enables the student to develop awareness of the natural characteristics of the body and mind. By observing the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and non-self nature of these characteristics, the student can gain insight into the nature of reality, leading to liberation from suffering.