The UK International Meditation Centre was purchased in late 1979 and opened soon after in early 1980 to promote the practice of Buddhist Vipassana meditation as taught by the late Sayagyi U Ba Khin. The practice is aimed at developing a calm mind leading to the realisation of Nibbana.
From the time of the Buddha, over 2500 years ago, Buddhist meditation has mainly been practised within the monastic order.
Sayagyi U Ba Khin encountered the teachings as a layman and realised the importance of Buddhist meditation to modern man. He had a unique ability to teach lay people meditation. Sayagyi U Ba Khin became a highly respected meditation teacher in Burma (Myanmar). He taught students from all over the world until his demise in January 1971.
From then until her demise in January 2017 his leading disciple, Mother Sayamagyi, carried on the tradition. She taught meditation for more than fifty years and established further International Meditation Centres worldwide.
Ten-day residential meditation courses are usually held once a month at IMC UK. They begin on a Friday evening and end early on a Monday morning. The courses are led by Mother Sayamagyi′s leading disciple Mr Roger Bischoff.
Anyone who comes with an open mind can gain the necessary confidence in the technique. The benefits will be proportional to the amount of balanced effort made.
The students who attend the meditation courses are from all walks of life, professions, religions and cultural backgrounds.