Venerable Dhammagavesi

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Background and Ordination

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He began his spiritual journey in 2013 at Wat Pah Nanachat (the International Forest Monastery) in Thailand, where he stayed for about 1.5 years. He had previously done a few traditional Vipassana courses in Mumbai. In 2016, he discovered the teachings of the late Bhante Vimalaramsi and attended a retreat with him in Bali. He was ordained as a novice under Bhante Vimalaramsi and received higher ordination (upasampadā) in 2017 in Penang, Malaysia. He trained further under Ven. Khanti Khema in Sri Lanka and is currently based in Sri Lanka.

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Teaching Focus

He is a dedicated teacher of Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM), also referred to as Samatha-Vipassana or Metta Vipassana in the context of his groups. This approach, developed by Bhante Vimalaramsi, emphasizes:

 

Starting with Metta (loving-kindness)

The “6Rs” technique (Recognize, Release, Relax, Re-smile, Return, Repeat)

Combining tranquility (samatha) with insight (vipassanā) in a gentle, relaxed way based on the early Buddhist suttas

 

Role with Samatha-Vipassana Trust (SVT)

He is closely associated with (and has been instrumental in forming) the Samatha-Vipassana Trust in Mumbai, India, established in 2021 with the blessings of Bhante Vimalaramsi. The Trust organizes residential and online retreats across India, weekly Dhamma talks, and promotes TWIM practice. He serves as a key teacher and spiritual guide for the organization (sometimes listed as Co-Director for Dhammasukha Asia Region).

 

Activities in India

He regularly conducts multi-day retreats (often 10 days) in various parts of India, including at centers like:

 

Buddha Pāda Institute (Kalimpong)

Deer Park Institute

Other venues in different states

 

He also offers online coaching and leads retreats internationally. His teachings are popular among Indian practitioners seeking a more accessible, heart-centered approach to meditation.

In short, Venerable Dhammagavesi is one of the main Indian monastic teachers actively spreading the TWIM / Metta-Vipassana lineage of Bhante Vimalaramsi in India through the Samatha-Vipassana Trust.

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Home Site: https://mettavipassana.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dhammagavesi.bhikkhu/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ven.dhammagavesi/

SVT:            https://www.youtube.com/@mettavipassanaway

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