Introduction to Vipassana:
Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living. For those who are not familiar with Vipassana Meditation, an Introduction to Vipassana by Mr Goenka & related videos and Questions & Answers about Vipassana are available.
The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants learn the basics of the method, and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results. There are no charges for the courses – not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to also benefit.
Meditation courses are held at both centre and non-centre locations. Meditation centres are dedicated facilities where courses are held regularly throughout the year. Before meditation centres were established in this tradition, all courses were held at temporary sites, such as campgrounds, religious retreat centres, churches and the like. Today, in regions where centres have not yet been established by local students of Vipassana who live in the area, 10 Day meditation courses are held at non-centre course sites
Vipassana in Africa
Angola – Had the first course in English/ Portuguese in 2005 and another in 2009.
Benin – Three courses have been held since 2011.
Egypt – Several courses have been held.
Ghana – One course was conducted in 2010.
Kenya – The Vipassana Kenya Trust has conducted three to six 10-day courses every year since 2001 as well as Satipatthana and Children’s Courses.
Madagascar – Madagascar Vipassana has conducted 3 courses since 2018 and 1 Children’s Course.
Mali – One Course has been conducted.
Mauritius – Mauritius has conducted fourteen 10-day courses since 2013. It is currently offering 3 courses per year.
Morocco – Since 2008, three to six 10-day courses are offered for about 70 students each year.
Mozambique – Since June 2015, Mozambique has conducted 7 courses.
South Africa – 10-day courses are held twice a month as well as Satipatthana and 20-day Courses yearly.
Sudan – One course was held in 2012.
Swaziland – Had courses in 2009,2010 and 2011.
Tanzania – Had courses in 2001 and 2002, and then not until 2010 due to lack of resources.
Tunisia – One Course has been conducted in 2017 and efforts are underway to find a suitable course site.
Uganda – Upcoming Course in 2022.
Zimbabwe – Courses were held once a year in 2001, 2003 and 2007 and twice a year in 2005 and 2006.
The African Heritage Course
Vipassana is gaining ground in Africa. To stimulate this further, a special course (called the African Heritage Course) was conducted at the Global Pagoda in December 2009 for African students. The 43 participants of the course came from many African countries (including countries where no Vipassana course has been held so far). The course was conducted by a female African-American teacher. After the African Heritage Course, 8 students attended the Gratitude Gathering at the Global Pagoda.
Useful Links:
Vipassana Research Institute: https://www.vridhamma.org
Vipassana Global Pagoda: https://www.globalpagoda.org
VRI Course Schedules: https://schedule.vridhamma.org
Dhamma.org : https://www.dhamma.org