Vipassana Newsletter

In the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin as taught by S.N. Goenka Vol. 27, No. 1 • March, 2000 386 Colrain-Shelburne Rd., Shelburne MA 01370, U.S.A. Published three times yearly

Words of Dhamma Patir³padesav±so ca, A suitable abode, pubbe ca katapuññat±, the merit of past good deeds, atta-samm±paºidhi ca— right aspirations for oneself— eta½ maªgalamuttama½. this is the highest welfare. — Maªgalasutta Pilgrimage to the Land of Dhamma The following article by S. N. Goenka was five continents come to Yangon. After Another destination for the pilgrims specially written for the Vipassana News- participating in an International Con- was the village of Dalla across the Yangon letter. Goenkaji recently visited Myanmar ference at the Dhamma Joti center in that River, where a center still exists estab- with over 750 foreign meditators. city, many then set out on the pilgrimage. lished by Saya Thetgyi, the first lay teacher My revered teacher Sayagyi U Ba Khin In spite of all the efforts made to provide of Vipassana. Further from Yangon is the ardently wished that Myanmar repay its proper facilities, the pilgrims had to face famous Kyaiktiyo Hill, where a pagoda debt to India by returning the invaluable hard traveling. Still, these Dhamma sons stands atop a balancing rock on the edge jewel of Vipassana to the land where it and daughters always had smiles on their of a cliff. After the exertion of climbing had originated more than two millennia faces and a reverential attitude toward my the hill, all tiredness was removed by before. He was confident that there were motherland, Myanmar, in their hearts. I meditating in an atmosphere charged with many in India with immense p±ramis who was deeply touched to see this. the pure vibrations of Dhamma. would wholeheartedly accept Vipassana Since ancient times, people have gone The pilgrims proceeded northward to and would join in the effort to spread it on pilgrimage to India from Myanmar and Mandalay. There they meditated at the around the world. He was also confident other countries where the Teaching of the Dhamma Mandapa center and the that there were many in other countries Buddha has been preserved. But this was Mahamuni Pagoda, and visited the Sagaing with p±ramis who were waiting for this the first time in history that hundreds from Hills where for centuries Vipassana has jewel, who would feel blessed to obtain it India and around the world went on a been practiced. At the monastery of their and would contribute in different ways to pilgrimage to Myanmar. Dhamma brother, Sithagu Sayadaw help its spread. This is exactly what The pilgrims meditated together with Nyanissara, they were received with great happened. Sayagyi’s Dhamma wish is large numbers of their local Dhamma kindness and hospitality. being fulfilled. brothers and sisters at Dhamma Joti. The The pilgrims visited sites associated With the coming of the Sayagyi big Vipassana family gathered as well to with Ledi Sayadaw, who was respon-sible Centenary Year at the beginning of the meditate at Shwedagon, the largest and for the rebirth and spread of Vipassana in new millennium, a similar Dhamma wish most revered pagoda in Myanmar, which modern times. They went to Monywa and arose in my mind: that meditators from enshrines hair relics of the Buddha. With India express their gratitude to Myanmar, the kind permission of the management CONTENTS the country that returned Vipassana to and trustees, entry was permitted in the their homeland, and that they be joined by early morning and late evening, when the Pilgrimage to the Land of Dhamma ...... 1 the hundreds of thousands of meditators Pagoda gates are normally closed. Two Pilgrims’ Impressions of Myanmar ...... 4 around the world who have benefited from Goenkaji Attends World Economic Forum .... 5 Meditators sat at the International News ...... 6 Vipassana. In fulfillment of this wish, a Meditation Center in northern Yangon, Conference in Massachusetts ...... 6 pilgrimage was planned to the Dhamma where I learned Vipassana at the feet of New Vipassana Centers ...... 7 country of Myanmar. Despite short notice, Sayagyi. For the welcome they received, The Spread of Dhamma: Latin America, it was hoped that 200 to 250 meditators Indonesia, Iran, China, Spain, Israel ...... 8 we are grateful to the teacher there, my New Responsibilities & Appointments ...... 9 from India and abroad might take part. Dhamma brother U Tin Yi, and to Mother Instead, it was a pleasant surprise to see Sayama. 750 meditators from 32 countries and all 1 the nearby Ledi village, where he was born and taught Dhamma, and they also saw the hillside cave where he used to meditate. In addition, in Kyaukse they visited the monastery of Webu Sayadaw, a revered monk of recent years who gave so much encouragement and inspiration to Sayagyi. A few of the pilgrims went to Mogok to meditate at the two Vipassana centers there, Dhamma Ratana and Dhamma Makuta. In this city famed for its gems of ruby, they experienced the gem of Dhamma in all its splendor. The return journey southward led through the historic city of Pagan, ancient capital and city of pagodas, which left an indelible impres-sion. All arrived back in Yangon feeling joyful though tired by the journey. Since Pagoda at Sayagyi U Ba Khin’s International Meditation Center in Yangon

then I have been receiving letters from pilgrims telling about their happy experiences. I am pleased to see so many enchanted by my motherland. Their words recall to mind an important incident in my life. When I came to India in 1969 to begin teaching Vipassana, the Government of Myanmar kindly issued me a passport, something almost impossible to obtain then. This allowed me to hold the first Vipassana course in India, with my parents participating. The Ganges of Dhamma started flowing all over the country after that. From the very first year, many foreigners participated in Vipassana courses along- side Indians. After their courses they entreated me to come help their families, friends and others who could not visit India to benefit from the munificent Dhamma. In doing so they were simply voicing Sayagyi’s wishes. But I was unable to accede to them: the passport I had received in Myanmar was valid for travel only to India, not to any other country. I sought endorsements for other countries but government policy made it impossible to grant my request. Finally I made a Dhamma resolution: if the policy did not change even after I had spent ten years serving in India, I would apply for Indian citizenship and travel to teach Vipassana in other countries on an Indian passport. Ten years passed; I obtained Indian citizenship and an Indian passport, and was able to set forth on a Meditation hall at Saya Thetgyi’s center Dhamma journey abroad. 2 At this point I learned that the Myanmar government would not give an entry visa to any former citizen who had changed his nationality after leaving Myanmar on a Myanmar passport. This news was extremely painful for me. I did not want to be prevented from entering my motherland. On the other hand, the momentous duty of Dhamma D³ta — Dhamma envoy — beckoned. Therefore I had given up citizenship of the country of my birth, dear to my heart. I consoled myself with the thought that perhaps this was the working of Dhamma, so that both the countries of origin of Vipassana — India and the protector country of Myanmar — should receive credit for the spread of Vipassana around the world. This is what is happening. Nevertheless, the longing repeatedly arose in my mind to return somehow to my motherland. I wanted to meet my Dhamma Goenkaji and Mataji lead a group sitting at the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda brothers and senior monks to gain further strength and knowledge of Dhamma. I Tin Yi, U Ba Pho and U Ko Lay. I was very land and its inhabitants! When I hear the was also confident that sooner or later the fortunate to be able to pay respects to the comments of the pilgrims about the people Myanmar government would grant me Venerable Mingun Sayadaw, and receive of Myanmar, my mind is filled with delight. entry since it knew that I had changed my blessings and guidance from him. Later, Blessed is the land of Myanmar, which nationality only to serve the Dhamma, not when I would remember my experience of preserved in its pure form the technique for any personal, political or commercial Dhamma vibrations in Myanmar and the of Vipassana for more than 2,000 years. gain. This Dhamma service was increasing strength I derived there, I would attribute We are grateful to Thailand, Sri Lanka, the prestige not only of India but also of these to my natural attraction toward my Cambodia and Laos along with Myanmar, Myanmar. Sooner or later I would certainly motherland and my delight in returning as these five countries preserved the words get the opportunity to go back to my there after so long. But now on this of the Buddha. But Myanmar alone motherland. pilgrimage, my Dhamma children had the preserved the beneficent practice of Dhamma is truly powerful. The oppor- same experience; they strengthened my Vipassana. If the Bhikkhu Sangha of this tunity indeed came when the Myanmar conviction that my motherland is charged country had not kept the practice of government invited me to Myanmar to with Dhamma vibrations, giving boundless Vipassana alive, today the entire world talk to senior monks about my Dhamma joy to any meditator who goes there. would have been in darkness for want of work. I returned with great joy. With I find the people of my motherland this technique. humility I spoke at the monks’ Pariyatti amiable and virtuous. Is it because I am Hail to the land of India, where this Universities in Mandalay and Yangon. biased in their favor? I think not. On the pure meditation originated. Hail to the The bhikkhus were fully satisfied that pilgrimage all the participants felt the land of Myanmar, which again made what I was teaching was nothing but pure same. People in the cities and villages of available the pure Dhamma, which gave Dhamma. For my part, this visit to the Dhamma country of Myanmar are the path of pure Dhamma to the world and Myanmar gave me incomparable joy. It peaceful and simple, contented in every showed the Way leading to welfare for the was natural that I was delighted to return situation. A Dhamma daughter from the suffering people of the world. ¨ to my motherland after 22 years. And this U.K. writes, “The January trip to Burma motherland gave me birth not once but was so special for me. I think that the Baba, if there be any heaven on this earth, twice — first when I emerged from my Burmese are among the nicest, kindest if any celestial garden be here, mother’s womb, and second when I broke and most humble people in the world.” it can be no other than the shell of ignorance by learning An Indian pilgrim writes, “This tour the enchanting land of Burma. Vipassana at the feet of my revered was no less than a tour of the celestial teacher. realm. The influence of Dhamma is The country that gave me birth, evident all over Myanmar. People there The moment I stepped on that land I felt the country that gave me the Dhamma— are so innocent and serene. We in India that I had come back to my mother’s lap. Baba, I cannot forget cannot even imagine that people could be The entire atmosphere was charged with the land of blessings, Burma. the vibrations of Dhamma, and I received like this.” immense Dhamma strength. I was so Who would not be elated to read and —Dohas by S.N. Goenka delighted to meet my Dhamma brothers U hear such comments about one’s mother- 3 Goenkaji shares the stage with U Ko Lay, listening to a student of SayaThetgyi speak at the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Centenary Seminar held in January, 2000 at Dhamma Joti, Yangon Two Pilgrims’ Impressions of Northern Myanmar We were very excited about going back to We travelled to Mandalay and, with the One of the highlights for us was Myanmar; we had not been there since unsparing assistance of Ven. Nyanissara crossing the Chindwin river to Ledi 1979. The purpose of this visit was to join and his monastery, we visited sites in the Sayadaw’s cave. We squatted in a sleek other foreigners in celebrating the birth area associated with Vipassana. Our shallow wooden boat that was silently centenary of Sayagyi U Ba Khin, the journey to the town of Monywa was a thrust along with a long bamboo pole by renowned modern-day meditation master bumpy three-hour trip, punctuated by our boatman. The atmosphere felt who was our teacher’s teacher. photo stops and a mechanical breakdown. strangely romantic, only in the sense that We fell in love with Myanmar and its The purpose was to visit the birthplace, it was so remote, timeless and almost wonderful people. This is a land that is monastery and forest mediation cave of dreamlike; the vibration akin to a thin magical. Being there is like entering a the great scholar and monk Ledi Sayadaw, mist, unseen to the eye yet tangible to the river with a gentle swirling current; all who lived there over 100 years ago and to senses in an uncanny way. As is so often you have to do is surrender to it and it will whom this tradition of meditation is traced. the case in Myanmar one is naturally drawn carry you to places you never imagined. As we embarked on our journey we were inward. Upon reaching the far sandy shore At times it appears that the entire landmass well aware that we owed a great debt of we walked to a cave where the great is decorated with thousands and gratitude to the foresight of Ledi Sayadaw, Sayadaw spent much of his time in deep thousands of golden pagodas and stupas since it was he who foresaw that Dhamma meditation. We encountered a couple of providing brilliance and radiance to an would spread around the world. He monks at this cave and joined them for otherwise arid landscape. But what really realized that, for this to happen, the meditation and a limited conversation in a makes this country so special are the technique of Vipassana meditation would few words of English on the purpose of gracious and generous people who inhabit have to be taught to and by lay people. our visit and our meditation technique. it. Everywhere we went we were greeted Until his time meditation practice was Our life’s experiences were so vastly with a generosity that is almost almost wholly limited to monks. Few different, yet in this droplet of time, we incomprehensible given the relative Westerners visit Monywa, so we were shared together a common quest and path. poverty of these unaffected and hospitable definitely a curiosity. However, it was Long after the dust of Myanmar has people. The Buddha taught that generosity clear that we were welcomed. The worn from the soles of our feet and the is the first step on the path of Dhamma; it hospitality of a local family meant that we clarity of these memories has inevitably is abundantly clear that the Burmese were well fed and guided further on our faded with the passing of time, this people have understood this noble pilgrimage. Dhamma land and its great sages will, no teaching. 4 doubt, continue to have a deep impact on Goenkaji Attends World Economic Forum us for the rest of our lives ... and maybe many more to come. ¨ The annual meeting of the World Economic love, compassion, goodwill and tolerance. This winter Goenkaji and Mataji Forum is the preeminent gathering of The inner essence is the common traveled to the newest center in Myanmar, business, industrial and government denominator of all religions. If people Dhamma Makuta. It is the second center leaders in the world today. Each January it practice it, they will find real peace, and in Mogok, a town of about 35,000 people, draws more than 1,000 heads of major religion would never be the cause for located about 70 miles northeast of multinational corporations, top academics conflict or confrontation. Mandalay. About ten percent of Mogok’s and government leaders (including heads Goenkaji participated as well in a dinner population have already attended of government and heads of state) to the program on the topic “Death: exploring Vipassana courses in our tradition and small Alpine ski resort of Davos, Switzer- the taboo.” In modern society, he noted, many of the Dhamma workers who served land. Meeting in private, they discuss with death is considered a taboo because people the Centenary Seminar at Dhamma Joti their counterparts current issues related fear it and don’t want to face even the came from Dhamma Ratana, the first center to global economics, envi-ronment, health thought of death. If, however, one in Mogok. As well, of the 30 students from and culture. The aim is to promote shared becomes fearless, there is no need for the Myanmar who traveled to Dhamma Giri views on how to implement solutions to taboo. In fact the fear complex, including this February to sit long courses several the common problems of our time. the fear of death, can be totally eradicated were from Mogok. This year’s meeting, the first of the new by practicing a scientific technique: a The new center is located high on one millennium, had as its theme “New mental exercise, discovered by the of the hills surrounding the town. Mogok Beginnings: Making a Difference.” In the Buddha, which removes all complexes, is surrounded by beautiful pagodas, as past, spiritual leaders have been invited to including fear. This technique is called well as mines that are the source of many attend the WEF, and in 2000 Goenkaji was Vipassana meditation. of the world’s rubies, sapphires and asked to be a Forum Fellow. He spoke at The subject of another dinner program emeralds. From the center there are views several panel discussions and gave a was “What to do when you are angry.” of the city and the surrounding pagoda- featured address. Goenkaji described anger as a reaction to covered hills. The center has a large On the first day of the meeting Goenkaji unpleasant physical sensations exper- Dhamma hall with temporary dining was interviewed by CNBC, the U.S. all- ienced with the unconscious mind. He facilities under it, and male and female news television channel, which provided explained how Vipassana breaks the dormitory-style accom-modations, which internal video coverage for the Forum. barrier between conscious and uncon- had coal fires burning in clay bowls to Goenkaji pointed out the importance of scious, and how it trains the mind not to provide warmth in the winter nights in this nonsectarian spirituality in implementing react to sensations, whether pleasant or northern area. A pagoda with cells is under business strategies. Without the base of unpleasant. In a situation that might construction. Eventually the center will Dhamma, he noted, all the money and all ordinarily trigger anger, one simply have private accommodation suitable for the success achieved in business would observes bodily sensations with the long courses. be an empty accomplishment. understanding that they are impermanent. The Dhamma workers at Dhamma Goenkaji also participated in a panel Doing so prevents anger from arising. At Makuta took very attentive care of all of discussion entitled “The future of religion: the same time, it gradually eliminates the visitors who came with Goenkaji to beyond beliefs?” Along with him on the unhealthy habit patterns, removing the this special inauguration of their center. panel were a Jewish rabbi, a Muslim leader, tendency to become angry. May this new center flourish, and may a professor of Chinese philosophy from The principal address by Goenkaji at the many students from around the world Harvard and a professor of religion from the Forum was entitled “Is this as good as who visit it benefit from the strong Oxford. Goenkaji emphasized that there it gets? The meaning of happiness.” Dhamma vibrations in this part of are two aspects of religion. One is the Goenkaji explained that unhappiness Myanmar. ¨ outer shell, which often features rites, occurs because of defilements in the mind, rituals and religious ceremonies, myth- and he described how a life of true ology, philosophical beliefs and dogma; happiness is attainable through the these characterize most religious sects. practice of Vipassana meditation. Followers of these sects may not have a For many leaders of world business, trace of morality, love, compassion or professional organizations and govern- goodwill, and yet they assume that they ment institutions, this was the first are religious persons because they have opportunity to come in contact with true performed certain ceremonies or profess Dhamma. Goenkaji’s participation in the certain beliefs. Such persons delude Forum may thus have far-reaching themselves and miss the inner essence of consequences, for the good and happiness religion, which is living a moral life full of of many. ¨

5 News have requested availability of the Tipitaka Username = dhammaworker on the Internet. Therefore, VRI is planning Password = behappy The Latest from VRI to put the entire Pali Canon on the Web for Before downloading, please open and CD-ROM Version 3 easy access by scholars around the world. read the file: VRI has produced the new updated The Manuals of Dhamma There is also a link from the Old Student version of the Chattha Sangayana CD- Ledi Sayadaw is a towering figure in Homepage: . Use the same username and password. distribution as Dhamma d±na. It has the modern Teacher whose name we know, Look under “Reference Material for Old following new features: and the first to teach Vipassana to lay Students.” ¨ 1. Install Wizard to facilitate easier people. In addition, he was an outstanding Photos Needed for History Book installation. Pali scholar whose reputation extended 2. A faster search engine. around the world. The Vipassana Research A new book is being planned telling the story of the spread of Vipassana since 3. Copy and paste facility. (Use of this Institute has published The Manuals of Goenkaji came to India from Burma 30 facility makes it possible to select a portion Dhamma, a collection of writings by Ledi years ago. Relevant historical photographs of the text from the screen by dragging the Sayadaw translated into English. The book will be an important part of the publication. mouse, and copying it to the clipboard. is a treasury of information and offers Scattered around the world are meditators The text can then be pasted to any inspiring guidance for the practice of who may have interesting pictures stored document in a word processor.) Dhamma. The Manuals of Dhamma will be of immense benefit to meditators as away; now is the time to gather them and 4. Any volume can be saved in a text well as scholars. ¨ share them with others. file with Rich Text Format (RTF) in any of We are especially looking for photos of the seven scripts supported by the CSCD Words of Dhamma Updated Goenkaji’s and Mataji’s tours in India and then opened in a word processor. Words of Dhamma version 3 has been and elsewhere, those from early courses completed and is ready for distribution. 5. A 32-bit version CSCD.exe for in India and other countries, and those This popular computer software program installation on computers supporting 32- recording the development of Dhamma contains inspirational quotations from the bit, so the software will work much faster. Giri or other centers Buddha, Sayagyi U Ba Khin and Goenkaji, 6. The new version also works on and displays on screen for a short time Please do not send any precious computers having Chinese Windows as every hour. It contains all the verses from originals or negatives. Instead, make good the operating system. During installation, the Dhammapada and will also display quality copies of the most relevant the Install Wizard gives the option to install the stories associated with each verse. pictures, either print-to-print or negative- it for Chinese Windows. to-print. For each picture, write down the Version 2 of the program has been 7. Many more new Pali volumes have date or year it was taken, the place and a available on the old student website for been added. The CSCD now contains 216 description of the subject. Make up a some time. The new version has a number volumes. secure package and include your name of enhancements: It is Windows NT and contact information. Or you can also 8. Facility of opening any Sutta from compatible with many more user options, make and send scanned image files; the the list of Sutta names in a drop-down color preferences, etc. The program has contact is . menu. been tested and a number of errors were Please contact VRI or the Vipassana corrected. Send photos, before June 30,2000, to: India: Dr. Rohi at VRI, Dhamma Giri centre or distribution centre in your region The updated program is now available North America: Vipassana Newsletter, MA for a copy of the CSCD. at: . all those who can use it, many scholars Adams ¨ September Conference in Massachusetts A conference will be held at the comfortable integration with the empirical providers, historians, humanists, students Vipassana Mediation Center, Dhamma attitude towards proof. Other lectures will of life and disciples of the spirit will find Dhar±, in Massachusetts on September 3 deepen participants’ know-ledge of the topics of interest. In addition, old students and 4, 2000. The title is Vipassana exact descriptions of reality that were used will find inspiration to deepen their Meditation: Insights from an Ancient by the Buddha, and will compare modern understanding of the practice. New Tradition II— Medicine, Science and science and technology with the Buddha’s students attending the conference are Spirituality. method of transcending suffering. The strongly encouraged to join the preceding The conference will provide partici- conference will also focus on Vipassana’s ten-day course from August 23 to pants with an opportunity to explore augmentation of spiritual and emotional September 3. Old students are encouraged Vipassana intellectually, from diverse life in the light of poetry and literature. to help spread the word about this standpoints. It will address features that This conference is intended for people conference to people in the above fields— have encouraged many people to practice who have never meditated but who have an ideal way to introduce family, friends Vipassana, such as its potential contri- an interest in science, medicine or and colleagues to Vipassana mediation. butions to medicine and healing, and its spirituality. Scientists, doctors, health care Brochures are available upon request. Food and lodging are provided. 6 Please contact: Vipassana Centers Arise Around the World Vipassana Meditation Center 386 Colrain-Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, Dhamma Ajanta help, please communicate with the world MA 01370 Sixteen acres of land have been donated contacts in Belgium, Germany or Holland. Tel. (413) 625-2160 for a Vipassana centre in Aurangabad, Construction Begins at Long-course Fax. (413) 625-2170 western India. Goenkaji has named the Center and Retirement Village site Dhamma Ajanta since it is close to the E-mail [email protected] Adjacent to Dhamma Giri, construction ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves. has started and is continuing apace at website: www.dhamma.org Dhamma Divakara Dhamma Tapovana, a center specially Speakers and their Topics: Land has been bought for Dhamma designed for serious long courses of 20 to Spiritual Emotions. Paul R. Fleischman, Divakara (Sun of Dhamma) in Mehsana, 90 days’ duration. The foundation work is MD. (Teacher) Gujarat. Construction will begin soon. complete for about 50 individual rooms, Dr. Fleischman will consider the Dhamma Makuta and some of these have already been positive role of particular emotions in the roofed. A total of 750 individual rooms In the area of Mogok in Upper Myanmar life of a Vipassana meditator and the core and as many cells are planned . of emotions that are treasured as elevating a 25-acre property has been purchased on Similarly, work has started on the and laudatory throughout religion and a hilltop. Facilities are currently being literature. Quoting from poetry and built for 250 students. Goenkaji has named bungalows in the Sayagyi U Ba Khin evocative events in the life and work of the center Dhamma Makuta (crest of Vipassana Village. Foundations have been Gandhi, Shakespeare, John Muir and Dhamma). laid for many of these; landscaping work is under way and a road is being built. others, he will examine Vipassana’s Vipassana Center in Dilsen, Belgium common ground with, and unique contri- Dhamma Sota The trusts of Belgium, Germany, and bution to , the great universal stream of Holland have come together to purchase a In central India, construction has begun spiritual life. center in Dilsen, Belgium. It is located at Dhamma Sota (Stream of Dhamma) at “Loka”: The Buddha’s Conception of close to the German and Dutch borders, Rahaka village in Gurgaon district, about the Universe. Richard Crutcher (Teacher) and near major towns in each country. The 60 kms from central New Delhi. The initial This talk will explore the actual words property, which is in a green protected phase is almost complete and the first of the Buddha, as preserved in the Pali area, near a small road with occasional course for 60 meditators is scheduled for language. It will explain why the cos- local traffic is surrounded by fences and March 2000. Thereafter, one course per mology implied in the Buddha’s teaching woods and situated on one of the highest month is planned. has nothing to fear from the advance of points in the locality. It can accommodate The completed center will have two modern physics and astronomy, and how 60 to 80 people and needs no major meditation halls for 300 meditators, a Vipassana is used as a technology for the renovations or new buildings to begin meditation cell complex, residential individual’s transendence of suffering in blocks, dining halls, teachers’ residence a universal context. courses. For more information about this new center, or to find out about ways to and an independent block for research Practical Spirituality: the Art and activities. ¨ Science of Vipassana. Lemay Henderson, MD. (Assistant teacher) The relationship between Vipassana and the biomedical sciences will be discussed at multiple levels: basic sciences, such as physics and biochemistry; clinical medicine, such as endocrinology, neur- ology and psychoneuro-immunology; wholism, such as mental health and psychology; and social and cultural studies, such as sociology, education, and evolution. Science, Objectivity, and Vipassana. Peter Kerr, Ph.D. (Assistant teacher) The scientific method, its historical development and contemporary appli- cation, will be compared and contrasted with Vipassana Meditation. The false dichotomy between “subjective” and “objective” is the thread by which the potentially fertile union of science and Vipassana can be most fully explored. Emphasis will be placed on the role of Main building at the new Meditation center in Dilsen, Belgium perception, preconception, and mental purity in the apprehension of reality. ¨ 7 The Spread of Cuba was held in 1996, in Bolivia in 1997, in European countries. On returning to in Colombia and Peru in 1998, and in their country, they organized weekly Dhamma Ecuador in 1999, making a total of 11 group sittings in Teheran. The book, The countries in Latin America that have had Art of Living, was published in Farsi, a The following is an excerpt from Vipassana courses public talk by Goenkaji appeared in Iran’s Goenkaji’s address to assistant teachers In most of these countries, at least two leading newspaper, Hamshahree, and and Dhamma workers, December 31, 1999. courses are organized each year. By the course material was translated. All these This is not only the start of a new end of 2000, there will have been more were steps toward holding courses in Iran. millennium but also the centenary of the than 100 ten-day courses held in Latin The breakthrough finally came in 1999. birth of the great householder saint, America. Courses are also being organized In July and August, short courses were Sayagyi U Ba Khin. In fulfillment of his for children as well as old students. More held for old students. Later in August the hopes, this is the time for Vipassana to and more Vipassana material is being first 10-day course was held at Lavasun in arise. The darkness of ignorance, the translated into Spanish and Portuguese. suburban Teheran. This was followed by darkness of misery exists everywhere On the Internet, Spanish and Portuguese six 10-day courses between August and around the world. The light of Vipassana versions of the new and old student November. is needed, and the light of Vipassana is Vipassana homepages have been created, Courses were organized for either men arising. with links to the English homepage. or women, with a total enrolment of 136. May all of you strengthen yourselves Land has recently been donated for a Despite physical discomforts students in Dhamma, in s²la, sam±dhi, paññ±, mett±; center in Mexico. This is the next step in worked seriously and gained great benefit. only then will you be able to help others. the steady spread of Dhamma to an A participant in one of the courses was First help yourselves and then start helping important area of the world. a senior Islamic cleric. After sitting 10 others. Indonesia—In December 1994, 26 days he commented, “We have to keep The next millennium is for peace, for students took part in the first course in this technique in Iran and help to spread it harmony, for Dhamma. May the darkness Indonesia, conducted in a Buddhist for the benefit of society.” of ignorance pass away. May the light of monastery in Mendut, central Java, near More Vipassana courses have been Dhamma spread round the world. May the site of the world-famous Borobudur planned from June to November 2000. Vipassana spread for the good of many, monument. Since then an annual ten-day Already, efforts are underway to establish for the benefit of many, for the liberation Vipassana course has been organized a Vipassana center; land has been offered of many. every year for growing numbers of in an area about 250 kilometres west of participants; in 1999 the number was 100. Teheran. Iranian meditators hope that their Latin America—Until quite recently, Courses have also been held in the country will be the gateway for Vipassana many people from Latin America had Jakarta area, since June 1998. Vipassana to spread throughout the region. learned Vipassana but no course had been has now come into the mainstream in For more details on Vipassana in Iran, held in any Latin American country. This Jakarta, respected by both the Buddhist please contact: Mr. Daryush Nowzohour situation began to change in September Sangha and laypeople from different at Dhamma Giri, India. 1991, when a course was organized in religions, including Muslims. The recent China—There will be four 10-day Panama. Unfortunately, because of a political turmoil has accelerated the spread courses in China this year, at the same misunderstanding by local authorities, the of Dhamma, with strongly growing Monastery where the first Vipassana police called the assistant teacher and demand for courses. Courses have course was held in April 1999. This is one students in for questioning and the course continued, with special arrangements to of the oldest and most prestigious Chan had to end prematurely on day 7. Even so, ensure the safety of participants. Those temples in northern China. it was an important course: a number of who come to courses work extremely hard Chinese meditators in the Greater New the students later completed ten-day and give generous donations, despite the York area have formed a trust to undertake courses and are now helping to organize current economic difficulties. the great task of helping Vipassana spread courses in Panama. And after seeing the A trust is being formed and old students announcement of this course in the to China. With the success of the first are now looking for a site for a permanent course, the door to China has opened, and Vipassana Newsletter, students from other center. countries in Latin America became strenuous efforts will be made to serve On the island of Bali, the first course interested in organizing courses in their this country. was conducted in July 1998, with 36 own countries. For the upcoming courses Dhamma participants. To date, 135 students have servers are needed who have a strong Finally, in March 1994, the first ten- taken Vipassana courses. Since Bali is a day Vipassana course was held in volition to serve under difficult conditions favorite tourist place, about one-third of and who can pay their own traveling Venezuela and Vipassana students came the students are visitors from different from other Latin American countries to sit expenses. If you are interested, please parts of the world. In Bali too, old students submit a Dhamma worker application and serve. The successful completion of are planning a permanent center. this course led to plans for many more. In form, available on the www.dhamma.org Iran—A major development during the October and November of this same year, website, clearly indicating which course(s) Sayagyi U Ba Khin centenary year has courses were held in Brazil and Argentina you wish to serve, to: Jeff Cai, been the organization of Vipassana and again in Venezuela. The next year Registration Committee, UBKMT of NY, courses in Iran. st courses were given in Panama, Chile and Rm. 3A, 133-32 41 Road, Flushing, NY Mexico, as well as Brazil, Argentina and For a number of years Iranian students 11354. Tel. (718) 445-7856 (home), (718) Venezuela. The first Vipassana course in had attended courses at Dhamma Giri and 965-2588 (work); E-mail: 8 . Again and again, students and assistant teachers who came to the site would say, “If only we could buy this place—although we probably would never be able to afford it.” At one point the property was no longer available for rental and other sites were used. Ten years passed during which time the Dhamma rooted itself more deeply in Spain. Finding a center became a priority, but no suitable place was found. Then, in 1998, we learned that the same yoga center used in the 1980’s came up for sale—at a price within our reach. The Association successfully negotiated the purchase, and three days after we took possession we were able to offer the first course at the first Vipassana center in New Meditation hall at center in Mogok, Myanmar Spain. Goenkaji has named it Dhamma Neru, meaning “celestial mount of If you speak Mandarin and reside in Vipassana courses in his monastery and Dhamma.” China, please contact Ven. Jing-Hui, Ven. played a key part in organizing them. Israel—Vipassana students in Israel Ming-Han or Ven. Ming-Zhuang (see Spain—In the late 1980’s the Spanish have signed a one-year lease on a Schedule). Vipassana Association held 10-day noncenter course site. As one meditator Old students are also welcome to sit the courses at a rented yoga center in the put it, “It will be the first time we shall 10-day courses. By doing so they will foothills of the Pyrenees. Over several have a place of our own for such a long give inspiration to the new students. years, half a dozen courses were held time and we don’t have to go around like Dana may be sent to the same address in there. vagabonds.” New York. Checks should be made to the The property had a beautiful wooden In 1999, Israel had 2300 applications order of UBKMT of NY, Inc. hall built for yoga classes, but equally for 11 ten-day courses, but only 1007 We are grateful to Ven. Jing-Hui, the suitable for our purposes; and though the students could participate because of Abbot of the Monastery and Vice site covered only five acres, it offered limited space, while 1000 requests Chairman of the Chinese Buddhist almost total privacy. Nearby stood a large remained on the waiting lists. ¨ Association, who has invited us to hold mountain like a natural guardian. Its name meant “mount of wisdom.” New Responsibilities & Appointments Acaryas Bhikkhu Teacher Outside India Mr Satyendra Nath & Mrs Laj Tandon Ven Dr Rewatadharma, U.K Martin John Haig, Australia Teaching of Pali, Co-ordinating chil- Assistant Teachers Rémi & Marie Fouilleul-Oriot, France dren’s courses and to serve Dhamma Sota India Eilona Ariel, Israel Klaus & Nadia Helwig Mr Talakshi Kakka Ms Kazuko Kitamura, Japan To serve Taiwan Dr Rohit Savla Victor Mateo Lledo, Spain Martin & Deni Stephens Mrs Kanta Khaddaria Ven Nagita, Sri Lanka To serve Dhamma Neru, Spain and Mrs Ramadevi Ghattu Mr T. B. Wijesinghe, Sri Lanka Portugal Mrs Talakshi Kakka Ven Sister Vajira, Sri Lanka Dr Jacques & Denise Tenzel Mr Harshad Patel & Mrs Hansa Patel Miss Komi Mendis, Sri Lanka To serve Dhamma Maºda,California, USA Mr Natwarsinh L Rathod Eveline Schwarz, Switzerland Mr. Shashikant & Dr (Mrs) Sharada Mrs Geeta Suresh Sampat Claudia Scholtz, Switzerland Sanghavi To serve in the field of com- Prof Chandra Kishor Sharma Marianne Guignard Fromont, Switzerland parative research Dr Achyut Pal Dr Shih Yu Fen, Taiwan Dr J Hatanbaatar Shri Manhar Sheladia Bhikkhuni Ming Chia Shih, Taiwan To serve Mongolia Shri Brahmanand Goyal Karamchand Leal, U.K. Senior Assistant Teachers Shri Chhabilal Sahu Richard & Deborah Harding, U.K. Mrs Sheeladevi Chaurasia, India Mrs Sudhaben Patel Drs Shwe Tun Kyaw & Sann Sann Wynn, Ms Kusuma Abeyasinghe, Sri Lanka Mrs Girija P Ganesan U.K. Mrs B K A Milina Senadheera, Sri Lanka Mr Chhotubhai Intwala Surendra & Urmilla Naik, U.S.A. Mr Geevaka de Soyza, Sri Lanka Mr Hirji H Gala Dennis Ferman, U.S.A Ven Sister Upekkha, Sri Lanka Mr Rohanikant & Mrs Kirti Sharma Norm & Debra Kosky, U.S.A Dr (Mrs) Shelina Hetherington, U.K. Mrs Shakuntala Garg Robert & Linda Warren, U.S.A. Mr Surendra & Mrs Induben Shah, India Mr Murarilal Kedia Julie Schaeffer, U.S.A. U Thaung Pe & Daw Myint Myint Tin, Mr Gauri Shankar & Mrs. Hemlata Sharma John Hing, USA Myanmar 9