Situated about 80 km North of Singapore is the Samadhi Meditation Center in Pontian, Johore. It’s about 1 and half hours drive from the Woodland Check Point. The Center is nestled in a forested surrounding and is quiet and rustic, close to nature and far from the hustle and bustle of city life – a very rare resource in built-up Singapore.
It is an ideal place for meditation, which comes with the necessary amenities and lodging facilities.
A devotee of Mangala Vihara, Mr Sim Poh Hock’s father had donated the piece of land to built the Samadhi Meditation Center in the early years. Having learned much from Ven Mahaweera, he too became a monk some years later.
Bodhi Tree
A sapling of the Bodhi tree at Mangala Vihara, was planted at the Center. It is now about 4 storeys high.
In honour of Ven. Mahaweera for his guidance, his statue, relic, hair and other belongings can be found in a glass encasement at the Samadhi Meditation Center.
Having been in touch with the Center on a regular basis, Ven. Raja conceived the idea to capitalizing on its availability and using it for meditation fro devotees.
Two days ago, 22nd August, Ven Raja and a few representatives from Mangala Vihara visited Bhante Bhikkhu Lee, the person in-charge of the Center, at the Santi Forest Monastery in Ulu Tiram to seek permission for Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple to hold regular meditation retreats there .
Bhante Bhikkhu Lee was happy that we can make use of the Center and gave his approval since the Center is largely under-utilized.
Bante Raja’s plan is to conduct a retreat on every 3rd weekend of the month from Sat to Sun. He also has plans for short retreats of one to two weeks twice a year, if possible.
If all goes well, the first retreat will be held in January 2012.
Apart from going for meditation, there are also volunteer groups from MVBT who would help to upkeep and maintain the Center. Those who are interested in the volunteer work are welcome.
If you are keen to participate as a meditator, volunteer or be in the organising committee, you may indicate your interest with a simple email to the following address … admin@edhamma.net.
The MVDF seeks your active participation in this meritorious activity.
Saddhu, saddhu, saddhu.