Rideekanda (Silver Hill) forest monastery is a Buddhist meditation training center located on a serene mountain top in a Yatawatta local council in Matale district, Sri Lanka. The mild climate, year-round clement weather, and the forested milieu offer meditation practitioners tranquility to mind and body.
Since the inception of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda in the 3rd century BCE, the true knowledge and traditions established by Lord Buddha were passed down orally as the order of monks flourished in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura. The famine caused by a severe drought called 'Bamitiya saaya' during king Walagamba's reign prompted the learned monks to turn the orally kept Buddhist scriptures to written format producing the first-ever written Tripitaka. Rising from the same noble order dedicated to preserving true Buddhism and adhering to its principles reside the monks of this monastery. While striving to develop their spiritual understanding of Buddhism and guiding the meditation practitioners who seek the noble path of Buddhism, our resident monks are engaged in a noble mission of propagating the Buddhist philosophy locally and internationally.
The Rideekanda forest monastery offers a profound and pragmatic path to comprehend the noble truths revealed in Buddhism to the seekers of such wisdom, developed with soteriological knowledge gained through extensive study of Tripitaka put into years of practice. Our specialty is the goal-oriented training methodology designed to guide the meditation practitioner to a definite understanding of Buddhist wisdom, with a systematic and progressive exposition of Buddhist philosophy and personalized recommendation of meditation subjects (Kammaṭṭhāna). Our training methodology is based on Lord Buddha's teachings on Samatha, and Vipassana meditation delivered systematically in coherence with the individual's progress in understanding. We believe that a systematic, balanced, and interactive teaching of dhamma helps meditation practitioners steadily progress in the noble path specified in Buddhism.
Our mediation programs include residential retreats and online instructional programs designed to the serious seekers Nibbhana -the ultimate salvation of all suffering, found only in Buddhism. We also offer Buddhist specialized psychological counseling programs to individuals suffering from stress, depression, anxiety, and addictions.
Rideekanda Forest Monastery is committed to conserving the ancient tradition and customs of the Buddhist order. Thus, our residential monks continue to practice the preparation of robes, kathina ceremonies and adhere to the custom of alms rounds (pindapatha), the same way they were practiced during ancient times.
Plans are also underway to transform the monastery into a Buddhist academic research center to expand the true wisdom in Buddhism to the western world.
The noble mission of this monastery is embodied through our endeavors to preserve true Buddhism for the individual, social, and spiritual well-being of human society.
The noble mission of this monastery is embodied through our endeavors to preserve true Buddhism for the individual, social, and spiritual well-being of human society.
The noble mission of this monastery is embodied through our endeavors to preserve true Buddhism for the individual, social, and spiritual well-being of human society.
The Journey of Developing Rideekanda Monastery
Over the past eight years, Rideekanda Monastery has undergone remarkable development, transforming into a serene sanctuary for meditation and spiritual growth. This incredible journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, has been led by Ven. Homagama Rewatha Thero, whose unwavering dedication has guided the construction efforts from the very beginning.
The progress made would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the village community, meditation practitioners, and generous donors who have supported the monastery's vision. Together, they have turned a vision into reality, creating a space that nurtures the mind and spirit.
Starting in 2017, the construction and expansion of Rideekanda Monastery have included numerous projects aimed at enhancing the facilities for meditation and residential retreats. These efforts reflect the deep commitment of everyone involved, showcasing how unity and shared purpose can achieve great things.
Today, the monastery continues to grow, standing as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring support of those who believe in its mission. With gratitude, we honor the contributions of all who have made this transformation possible and invite you to be part of our ongoing journey.
