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Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin Vol. 35, No. 4 December 2008 www.vnl.dhamma.org Since 1974
Words of Dhamma Sukho Buddhānam uppādo Happiness lies in the arising of the Enlightened Ones. Sukhā saddhammadesanā Happiness lies in the teaching of true Dhamma. Sukhā sanghassa sāmaggi Happiness lies in concord among the Sangha. Samaggānam tapo sukho Happiness lies in meditating together.
—Dhammapada, 194
Goenkaji Sits the First Teacher’s Self Course at the Global Vipassana Pagoda
From November 8 to 23, 2008, approximately 400 Vipas Completion of the Global sana meditators supported their teacher by meditating in the Vipassana Pagoda Structure Teacher’s Self Course at Dhamma Giri , the adjacent long A fervent Dhamma wish of our course center of Dhamma Tapovana , and Dhamma Pat teacher was fulfilled in No tana —the new center next to the Global Vipassana Pagoda vember 2008 when the struc in Mumbai. ture of the Global Vipassana The participants were native speakers of 23 languages and Pagoda was completed. came from 35 different countries. They had sat a total of over This magnificent construction 750 courses. is modeled on the Shwedagon Goenkaji and Mataji meditated at Dhamma Pattana . This was Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. the first time in a long time that his health permitted him to Out of respect for the original, undertake a course. He opened the course with a webcast of it is slightly smaller. the beginning formalities and Ānāpāna instructions. He also The Global Vipassana Pagoda gave a brief talk closing the course. The video of this talk is expresses the gratitude of Vi posted on the old student website at: passana meditators to the http://video.server.dhamma.org/video/tsc/tsctalk.htm Buddha for the teaching of liberation, and gratitude as The top of the Global Vipassana Pagoda well to the chain of teachers
Contents Goenkaji Sits the First Teacher’s Self Course at the Global Vipassana Pagoda ...... 1 Completion of the Global Vipassana Pagoda Structure ...... 1 Questions and Answers with Goenkaji ...... 2 International News ...... 3 Grateful Commemoration ...... 5 New Appointments and Looking down on Dhamma Pattana from the top of the Global Responsibilities ...... 6 Vipassana Pagoda
and Sayagyi U Ba Khin for transmitting that teaching Why is your teaching called “in the tradition of Sayagyi U through the millennia down to our own time. By adopting the Ba Khin”? Did he inaugurate a tradition of Buddhism? form of Shwedagon, it pays tribute to the land of Myanmar, He always referred to the tradition of the Buddha, the tradi from which Vipassana returned to India in modern times be tion that was transferred to Myanmar and was continued fore spreading around the world. down through the three generations of teachers I often speak The Pagoda is a place for Vipassana meditation. It is also a about: Ledi Sayadaw, his disciple Saya Thetgyi, and finally U place for visitors who wish to learn about the Buddha and Ba Khin. We use the term “in the tradition of U Ba Khin” what he taught. because he was the most recent teacher before the present day Goenkaji will attend the official inauguration of the Global and was very well known in his country, but this does not Pagoda in early February 2009. For more information, visit mean that it is a technique invented by him. It’s an old tech the Global Pagoda Web site: www.globalpagoda.org . nique, which he was teaching in a modern way. Is this part of Buddhist religion? Can people of other re Questions and Answers with Goenkaji ligions practice it, or does it interfere with other kinds of religious practices? Why would Christians, for instance, The Vipassana Newsletter invites old students to submit want to do this? questions about the Vipassana technique as taught by S.N. Goenka. These may be on a specific point or more general in One thing should be clear—this definitely is not Buddhist nature. Your input will help us choose relevant content for religion. At the same time it is definitely the teaching of Bud future editions. If you would like to submit a question, please dha. One should understand that “Buddha” means an enlight send it to: [email protected] ened person, a liberated person. Enlightened, liberated per sons will never teach a religion; they will teach an art of liv There is apprehension that the pagoda being built in ing, which is universal. They will never establish a sect or Mumbai might make Vipassana into another sect. religion. So there is no such thing as “Buddhist religion”; it is Well, if this teacher will have at least a few more years of his an art of living. Anybody belonging to any community, to life, you will see that he is so strict that he will not allow any any sect, to any religious group can easily practice it because thing that we are doing to take the turn of sectarianism. If the it is an art. pagoda becomes a tool for making Buddha’s teaching into a Peace of mind is sought by everyone; purity of mind is sought sect, an organized religion, then all our teaching has gone to by everyone. Christ was a wonderful person who taught not mud. If this pagoda is used for people who come and pray, only peace and harmony but also purity of mind, love, com “Oh pagoda, please give me this or that, I need this or that,” passion. So those who follow the teachings of Christ certainly then the whole thing will become an organized religion, cer would like to develop this good quality of purity, love, com tainly. passion. When they come to courses, they don’t feel that they However, we are going to use the pagoda in the correct are coming to a foreign religion. A number of times very sen Dhamma way. That is, the pagoda is only for telling more ior priests and nuns have told me that we are teaching Christi and more people about Vipassana. They will first come to the anity in the name of Buddha. pagoda out of curiosity, wondering, “Such a magnificent building, what is in it?” And when they come there, they will Can you explain the Buddha’s concept that the entire uni get information about the Buddha, what sort of person he verse is contained within this very body? was, what he taught, what happened in his life, and the Vi Indeed, within this body turns the wheel of becoming. Within passana that made him a Buddha, and that made him a this body is the cause that puts into motion the wheel of be Dhamma teacher for the whole world, to the great benefit of coming. And so within this body is also found the way to at so many. We will give this information, and out of, say, ten tain liberation from the wheel of suffering. For this reason thousand people who come, even if only a hundred benefit, at investigation of the body—correct understanding of the direct least the others get the right message. So we will see that this physical reality within—is of utmost importance for a medita pagoda is not allowed to build up another sect. Otherwise our tor whose goal is liberation from all conditioning. purpose will be lost. Is everything in this life predetermined? Do you think that U Ba Khin taught exactly what the Buddha taught? Did he adapt the Buddha’s teachings to Well, certainly our past actions will give fruit, good or bad. modern times? And if so, how and what did he change They will determine the type of life we have, the general from the original teachings? situation in which we find ourselves. But that does not mean that whatever happens to us is predestined, ordained by our There was no change in the teaching, but U Ba Khin certainly past actions, and that nothing else can happen. That is not the made the way of presenting the teachings of the Buddha case. Our past actions influence the flow of our life, directing more adapted to the people who came to him. To the non it toward pleasant or unpleasant experiences. But present ac Buddhist, English speaking, Western people, who were more tions are equally important. Nature has given us the ability to scientific minded, he presented the teaching in a more scien become masters of our present actions. With that mastery, we tific way. So the explanation was made more palatable to can change our future. those who were coming to learn, but the actual, practical teaching remained the same. 2
International News struction of a dedicated long course center, the growth of Dhamma in Europe is entering a new phase. Dhamma Pad Laying Dhamma Foundations for Europe’s hāna will be the first Vipassana center outside India dedi Long Course Center cated to long courses. This past September, the UK Vipassana centre hosted a large The land where the center is being built has been used exclu Satipa hāna course dedicated to Dhamma Padhāna sively for meditation and service for many years. For old stu (“Foremost in Dhamma”)—the European Long Course Cen dents who wish to work more deeply, the new center will ter (ELCC). Construction of this facility will start within provide ideal facilities for serious meditation. Each student months on land alongside Dhamma Dīpa. will live in a private room with attached bath, and will medi The retreat drew over 200 serious old students and servers from 21 countries. It was the largest residential Vipassana course to be held in Europe for 20 years. Dhamma Dīpa ’s new dining rooms were used for the first time, and the old kitchen was adapted to cater to large numbers. Small tent vil lages complete with their own temporary toilet and shower blocks were created. After weeks of rain, the weather turned clear and fine. This allowed students to meditate on the land where Dhamma Padhāna ’s meditation hall will stand. And so began the work of generating a positive Dhamma atmosphere for the benefit of future generations.
The land where Dhamma Padhāna ’s meditation hall will stand tate in a private meditation cell in the two storey pagoda.
The first phase of construction for 50 students starts soon. By the end of 2009 the evolving center will begin to offer both long courses and shorter old student courses. All old students are welcome to become involved in this auspicious project and develop their pāramīs : • by helping physically on the site Group sitting on Dhamma Padhāna land • by serving on the Trust committees • Inspiration from Goenkaji by giving financial support in the form of donations and loans for the project A video link with India enabled Goenkaji to view the course For further information, please visit in progress and give instructions to the participants. On Metta www.padhana.dhamma.org (username: oldstudent; password: Day students could see their teacher on the television screens behappy) or contact: [email protected] in the Dhamma hall as he spoke directly to them. “I am very pleased that soon Dhamma Padhāna will come First Course in Bulgaria up here. A large number of students can’t come all the way Bulgaria hosted its first Vipassana course this past Septem to India to take long courses, so this center is a boon for ber, at a camp site in the Kamchiya Nature Reserve on the you. And it is not merely an English center, it is a European Black Sea coast. center. The initial work for the course started in December 2005. A My mettā is always with you. Let Dhamma Padhāna come small group of Bulgarian old students decided first to trans up as quickly as possible for the good of many, for the bene late and record the course materials, and then to try to organ fit of many, for the liberation of many. May people grow in ize a course. The course material was ready by the end of Dhamma, glow in Dhamma. Take advantage of this wonder 2007. It took until the following July to find a suitable course ful technique for your good and for the good of so many site, and the course was announced for September. others. The first course was for men only. The participants included May you all be happy, peaceful and liberated.” nine new and four old students, plus five servers. The coun tries represented included not only Bulgaria but Turkey, the Building Dhamma Padhāna Czech Republic, Germany and the UK. At the end of the In 2008 over 200 Vipassana courses have been scheduled course all expressed their sincere gratitude and happiness. across the European region in 28 countries. With the con
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With this successful beginning, the plan is to hold another Northern California course in September 2009. The Northern California Vipassana Association has pur For more information: chased a 17 acre former resort in Lake County and has re www.bg.dhamma.org ceived a use permit to develop the property into a permanent [email protected] meditation center. Dhamma Ma a (“Essence of Dhamma”), is approximately two hours from the Bay Area, one hour from Santa Rosa and less than two hours from Sacramento. The wooded property has a number of rustic buildings. Plans have been completed for upgrading these and building a new commercial kitchen and a meditation hall. Most of the construction will take place in spring 2009. The plan is to begin offering 10 day courses for 40 to 50 students by summer. For more information: www.manda.dhamma.org [email protected]
Bulgaria course site
Dhamma worker at Dhamma Ma a
Meditation hall for Bulgaria's first course
Plans for a Pāli Workshop in the Northwestern USA Pariyatti—a nonprofit, educational organization—is pleased to announce its plan to offer a Pāli workshop from mid April to mid May 2010, at a site near Seattle, in the state of Wash ington, USA. Mr. and Mrs. S.N. Tandon of Delhi, India, have accepted an invitation to facilitate and guide this workshop. As the words of the Buddha come alive, students are better able to under stand the path on which they are walking. Therefore the focus of this workshop is not on linguistics or academics, but on deepening the students’ meditation practice. For further information, interested students may subscribe to Dhamma Ma a the Pāli workshop e mail list by sending an e mail to: pali workshop info [email protected] .
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Suvatthi , is especially significant because it probably stands on part of the ancient Jetavana. During construction of this If you are interested in taking part in the development of this modern day center for the practice of the Buddha’s teaching, new center, you can also e mail: a few ancient bricks were found. dhamma [email protected] (please also copy [email protected] ) The area around the ancient Jetavana now has a handful of monasteries and meditation centers, as well as a small village. Center in Sravasti, Northern India The rural, quiet setting is ideal for meditation. In the Buddha’s time Sravasti (Pali Sāvatthī ) was the capital The center already has accommodation for 36 students. Now of Kosala and home of the famous Jetavana Monastery. To the trust has decided to construct a pagoda with individual purchase the land on which the monastery was to be built, meditation cells. Together with the residential facilities, this Anāthapindika covered it with gold coins. It was here that the will provide an ideal environment for serious meditation. Buddha most often stayed during the rainy season, the tradi tional time for meditation retreats. Dana has been offered to cover most of the cost of an initial 12 cells, and building should start very soon. Gradually more In the Buddha’s lifetime and later, Jetavana was a very exten cells and accommodation will be added. Ultimately the center sive complex. Only the heart of this compound has been un will be able to host about 100 students. earthed by archeologists. The Vipassana center, Dhamma For more information, visit the centre’s Web page at www.suvatthi.dhamma.org or contact [email protected] . To receive news updates, subscribe to the centre’s listserv by e mailing: announce [email protected] . Worldwide Course Statistics for 2007 Statistics have been compiled for Vipassana courses offered worldwide during 2007. Close to 90,000 people attended a 10 day course, including over 54,000 new students . India ac counted for approximately half of these numbers, followed by East Asia, Europe and North America. Approximately 3,000 people attended courses for old students, including Special 10 day courses and courses of 20, 30 and 45 & 60 days. Dhamma Suvatthi
Grateful Commemoration Ven. Siddhartha Ratwatte (formerly Mr. Brindley Ratwatte ), a bhikkhu ācarya of Vipassana, passed away on Sep tember 9, 2008 after a long illness. Before becoming a bhikkhu , he had been a Vipassana teacher in this tradition. Mr. Ratwatte, his wife Mrs. Damayanthi Ratwatte and their daughter sat their first course in Bodh Gaya at the Burmese Vihāra many years ago. They were highly impressed and organized the first Vipassana courses conducted by Goenkaji in Sri Lanka. They were also instrumental in the establishment of Dhamma Kū a , the first and biggest Vipassana center in Sri Lanka, located on a scenic hilltop in Kandy. Mrs. Ratwatte is currently Vipassana teacher in charge of Dhamma Kū a . Richard P. Harding , assistant teacher of Vipassana in the UK, passed away peacefully in Dorset, England, on Novem ber 27, 2008. May they be happy, peaceful and liberated. Idha nandati pecca nandati, Here one is happy, hereafter one is happy, katapuñño ubhayattha nandati; The doer of good deeds is happy in both existences. puñña me katanti nandati, "Good have I done" thinking thus he is happy, bhiyyo nandati suggati gato. = He is happier still when he goes to a blissful state. J=Dhammapada 18
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Appointments and New Responsibilities
Additional Responsibilities New Appointments Ācaryas Bhikkhu Ācaryas Mr. Don & Mrs. Sally McDonald, Australia Ven. Bhikkhu Badullawala Seelaratana, Sri Lanka To serve Fiji in addition to Malaysia, Indonesia, Assistant Teachers Singapore, and Worldwide Course Statistics 1. & 2. Mr. Babu Ramsingh & Mrs. Shanti Chauhan, Senior Assistant Teachers Gwalior, India 1. & 2. Mr. Edward & Mrs. Junko Giorgilli, Italy 3. & 4. U San Lwin & Daw Tin Tin Naing, Myanmar To assist the area teachers in serving 5. Daw Hla Myint, Myanmar Sumatra, Indonesia 6. Daw Nyo Nyo Win, Myanmar 3. Mr. Geoffrey White, Australia 7. Mrs. Chin ing Helen Chen, Taiwan To assist the area teachers in serving 8. Ms. Maria Luisa Ferro, Italy Northern New South Wales, Australia 9. Mrs. Robin Curry, USA New Responsibilities 10. Mr. Prahlad Chaudhary, Dhule, India Ācaryas 11. Mr. Avadhut Gokhale, Indore, India 12. Daw Myat Lay Khaines, Myanmar 1. Ms. Nila Halai, Bhuj, India / UK Spread of Dhamma among Indian expatriates 13. Daw Hla Hla Myint, Myanmar in Europe 14. Mr. Jason Heng Moh Lim, Singapore 2. U Myat Kyaw, Myanmar 15. Mrs. Kate Howard, Australia To serve prison courses at Insein Prison, 16. & 17. Mr. Stefan & Mrs. Naomi Told, Spain Myanmar 18. Dr. Shriram Rathod, Nanded, India 3. Ms. Laraine Doneman, Australia 19. Daw Wai Wai, Myanmar Spread of Dhamma 20. Ms. Shanti Mather, South Africa Senior Assistant Teachers 21. Mrs. Osnat Rizi, Israel 1. & 2. Mr. Sham & Mrs. Sarla Bhatia, Nashik, India 22. & 23. Mr. Raj Kumar Singh & Mrs. Sarojini 3. Mr. Mohan Dewan, Tripura, India Chauhan, Fatehpur 4. Ms. Macarena Infante, Chile 24. Mrs. Rajinder Nagpal, Pune 5. Mr. Francois Kuoch, France 25. Ms. A. K. Sashikala Balakrishnan, Igatpuri To assist the area teacher in serving Cambodia 26. Mr. Nara Bahadur Gurung, Nepal 6. Mr. Christian & 7. Mrs. Rosi Hild, Switzerland 27. Mr. Somnuk Sattayanon, Thailand 7. Ms. Barbara Luxton, Canada 28. Mr. Yuth Itchayapruek, Thailand 29. Ms. Puangpaka Bunnag, Thailand 30. Mr. Jeremy Dunn, USA
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