Vipassana Newsletter

In the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin as taught by S.N. Goenka Vol. 25, No. 3 • Autumn, 1998 P.O. Box 51, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370-0051, U.S.A. Published three times yearly

Words of Dhamma Phuµµhassa lokadhammehi, When faced with life’s vicissitudes, citta½ yassa na kampati; one’s mind is unshaken, asoka½ viraja½ khema½, free from sorrow, impurity, or fear— eta½ maªgalamuttama½. this is the highest welfare. —Khuddakap±µha 5.12, Maªgalasutta

Farewell Dhamma Brother by Kaly±ºamitta S.N. Goenka “How extraordinary!” But the patient is so peaceful, so free from revered teacher, only one ten-day course was Speaking in his customary soft voice, Dr. distress; it is difficult to accept that she is held each month, starting on the first Friday Om Prakash repeated, “It is really suffering from cancer. We shall have to carry of that month. Ever since she had started extraordinary. I have seen so many people out further tests before making a diagnosis.” walking on the path of Vipassana six or seven die, but never like this.” He was referring to years before, there had not been a single my aunt and adoptive mother, Rami Devi. course in which Mother had not taken part. Truly, her illness and death were Just recently she had completed a special 30- extraordinary. At the age of 75, about 15 days day course. Her equanimity had become so before she died, she was chatting with Illaichi established that there was no possibility of Devi (Mataji) and happened to remark that her giving way to lamentation. for several months she had felt constant pain After many tests, both doctors concluded in her abdomen. She was able to endure it and that it was definitely cancer and that it had remain equanimous, but she mentioned the already advanced to the terminal stage. They fact in passing. believed that Mother had only a few days left. At once I called our doctor and my close friend, Dr. Om Prakash, who had become an CONTENTS inseparable part of the family. He examined Farewell Dhamma Brother ...... 1 Goenkaji and Mataji Visit my mother and then, taking me aside, he said, East and Southeast Asia ...... 4 “It might be cancer of the liver. The signs all Meditation Pagoda for Thailand Center ...... 4 clearly point toward this diagnosis, except Vipassana in Cambodia ...... 5 On the Path, a book excerpt ...... 6 for one fact: in such a case the pain is Dr. Om Prakash, Vipassana Acharya Website Update...... 6 intolerable, and the distressed patient keeps 1912 - 1998 New Film on Vipassana in U.S. Prisons ...... 7 crying and weeping. No person could suffer Millions See Film on Prison Courses ...... 7 Dhamma House in Italy ...... 7 from the pain of this cancer for months and After they left, Illaichi Devi asked Mother, “What is the pain like that you feel?” The Regional Developments in North America ..... 7 not so much as mention it to anyone. Even Course Schedule ...... 8 now your mother is so peaceful. I shall have reply astonished everyone; Mother said, “It is Teacher Appointments ...... 9 much more severe than the excruciating pains Schedule for Long & Special Courses ...... 9 to investigate further.” Update on Conferences in the West ...... 9 of childbirth. But what is the use of crying? I Two days later, Dr. Om Prakash came Distributors ...... 9 observe the pain with equanimity. After all, Vipassana Meditation Centers ...... 10 with Col. (Dr.) Min Sein, a well-known doctor isn’t this what Guruji [Sayagyi U Ba Khin] World Contacts ...... 11 in Rangoon. After examining Mother, the Questions and Answers ...... 12 taught us to do?” colonel said much the same thing: “All the signs suggest an advanced stage of cancer. Mother was an outstanding Vipassana The Vipassana Newsletter is funded mainly meditator. At the meditation center of my by the donations of grateful old students. 1 Any kind of treatment would be useless and “How can this be?” Illaichi Devi explained Anapana, he is for ready Vipassana. Come would only increase the suffering. that Mother’s body was still soft and warm, immediately; he must be given Vipassana Nevertheless, they continued with palliative unlike a dead body. now.” I went to the center for the giving of care. We all went to Mother’s room with Dr. Om Vipassana to Dr. Om Prakash, and once more At 3:00 a.m. on her last night, Mother told Prakash. He examined the corpse carefully returned home. Sayagyi came again for the the nurse that the time of her death was and said that though Mother was certainly not evening meditation and discourse. He was approaching, and she asked for her children alive, it was true that the whole body was still very happy, saying that after only one day of to be called. We all went to her room. I warm. Her face was exceptionally tranquil Vipassana, Dr. Om Prakash had attained the immediately telephoned Dr. Om Prakash. He and illuminated by some divine radiance. It state of bhaªga [dissolution] and was now had not yet gone to bed; just two hours before, seemed as if she was in deep sleep. And this working at a very deep level. he had been called out to see another patient was the moment when Dr. Om Prakash The next morning he called me again and who was dying. Even so, he came at once. I remarked, “How extraordinary!” There was said, “Come at once. The progress of your also called Sayagyi, and fortunately he too no doubt that she was dead, but what marvel friend is extraordinary. It seems that he has came with Mother Sayama. was this? I was at a loss for words. abundant p±ram²s of many lives. He has Dr. Om Prakash checked and could not We performed the funeral ceremony and reached close to the state of nibb±na. He will find a pulse. Mother had only a few minutes returned home. Everyone in the family was a have to be given the necessary instructions left. Shortly before her death, she said, “I Vipassana meditator, and so no one cried. I now.” Overwhelmed with great joy and want to sit up.” Dr. Om Prakash advised meditated most of the time to maintain a wonder, I went to the center and took my seat against it, saying, “It would be better for her Dhamma atmosphere. By early evening all near Sayagyi. Dr. Om Prakash was given the to keep lying down. The pain will worsen if the Vipassana meditators in the city had requisite instructions. There was no limit to she sits up.” But Mother insisted and, assembled for a one-hour group sitting. my happiness when he immediately understanding this as her last wish, I supported Sayagyi and Mother Sayama were also experienced nibb±na, the state transcending her so that she could do as she wished. To our present. After the hour, other members of the the senses. Sayagyi was also happy. He astonishment, she made the effort to sit up community who were not Vipassana examined him closely and found that all the cross-legged and started meditating. Truly meditators came and, with Sayagyi’s signs indicated this was the state of nibb±na. this was remarkable Dhamma strength. permission, I gave a one-hour Dhamma What limit could there be to my happiness! A few minutes before, her pulse had been discourse. Immediately afterwards, Dr. Om My dear friend had entered the stream of undetectable, and now she was sitting cross- Prakash came to me and said that he wished liberation, had become a sot±panna, an ariya legged and meditating! To reinforce her to sit a course. “Tell me when the next course [noble person]. resolve in meditation I said, “Tai m±, ‘anaiss±, will be held,” he requested. It was scheduled My first contact with Dr. Om Prakash was anaiss±’—Aunt/Mother, anicca, anicca,” to be held after about fifteen days. I assured at a public meeting in Rangoon after the pronouncing the word as they do in Burmese. him that I would inform him well in advance. Second World War in 1947. We were She lifted her right hand and, touching the top The next day, again there was a Dhamma immediately drawn toward each other. of her head, said, “Yes, son, anaiss±, anaiss±.” discourse in the evening. Again at the end, Fortunately the friends whom I met socially Then she lowered her hand. She looked at me, Dr. Om Prakash came to me and said, “The were good people and I had affectionate she looked at Dr. Om Prakash, she looked at next course will not be held for some days; I relationships with all of them. But of them Sayagyi and Mother Sayama, and then she wish to sit as soon as possible.” Sayagyi was all, Dr. Om Prakash was closest to me. We looked upward and breathed her last. standing nearby. Seeing the strong Dhamma used to work together in various fields. In the The sight of such a death had astonished impulse that had arisen in Dr. Om Prakash, he post-war period, we re-established the All- Dr. Om Prakash. It was about 4:20 a.m. agreed to hold a course immediately. We Burmese Hindi Literature Society, and Mother’s body had been removed from the were astonished that Sayagyi would conduct branches opened in many places throughout bed and placed on the floor, in accordance a course for just one person, but he directed the country. A symposium on Hindi literature with Indian custom. We would have to wait me to come to the meditation center on the was organized every week in Rangoon. Hindi for the others to arrive before the funeral following day with Dr. Om Prakash. colleges were established for the Society’s could take place. Relatives living in Rangoon The next day Dr. Om Prakash came to the primary, secondary and post-secondary levels and other members of the community would meditation center himself. I also arrived there of study, and many students took part. Work arrive by 8:30 a.m. In the intervening hours, on time, and two other people joined the was also done on exchanges between Burmese all of us, including Dr. Om Prakash, remained course. After the giving of Anapana, I returned and Hindi literature. Hindi textbooks were in a sitting room nearby. We kept talking of home and Sayagyi went to his office. As written and published. The Indo-Burmese this unusual death. usual, he returned to the center in the evening, Cultural Center was established, and through it many cultural programs were organized. Finally the hour of 8:30 a.m. approached, and later came to my home for the group Together, both of us set up an orphanage and when we would proceed to the cremation meditation. On completion of the Dhamma took responsibility for its management. Thus, ground. Before the body was placed on the discourse, Sayagyi told me that Dr. Om after working together in several public bier, it would have to be bathed and dressed Prakash was making excellent progress. I service activities, now we had the opportunity in new clothes. Illaichi Devi went to Mother’s was very pleased to hear this. to dedicate ourselves in the field of Vipassana. bedroom to perform this task, but she returned The next morning I received a summons immediately and startled us all by saying that from Sayagyi: “Your friend is endowed with Dr. Om Prakash had also treated me for my Mother was still alive. Dr. Om Prakash said, abundant p±ram²s. After only one day of migraine headaches. When other medications 2 proved ineffective, he started giving me from many poor patients. Instead, to some he His Dhamma service was most effective. morphine injections. But he himself worried used to give free medicines. This was his Many Vipassana centers were eager to have that I might become addicted to morphine, natural disposition. After coming to India, courses conducted by him. In America as and so he urged me to go abroad for treatment. whenever he was in Delhi, he regularly served well, people awaited him with great eagerness. “Even if you do not find a cure for your two hours a day at the Arya Samaj free clinic; But midway in the journey he departed and migraines,” he said, “you will at least free the rest of the time he devoted to the service attained a great promotion. The people were yourself from dependence on morphine. You of Vipassana. Even at the age of 87, he kept waiting. After reading his letter, I drew will certainly find some other effective traveled to different places and conducted a deep sigh and spontaneously these words painkiller abroad.” Heeding his suggestion, I courses with unflagging enthusiasm, outdoing came forth: traveled to many countries for treatment, but those much younger than himself. He also Ba¹e gour se sun rah± th± zam±n±, in the end I returned disappointed. Dr. Om went abroad on several occasions. tumhi so gaye dast±n kahte kahte! Prakash shared my concern. Subsequently, Recently, he again visited America to The world was listening very intently, when I joined a Vipassana course and became conduct numerous courses. His itinerary but you fell asleep while narrating the story! free from my disease, he shared my happiness. brought him to Los Angeles, with the next But when I started taking repeated courses, stop to be Kansas City, followed by courses The world Vipassana family is increasing meditating daily and attending group at Dhamma Kuñja (near Seattle) and Dhamma day by day, but my Dhamma brothers are meditation every Sunday at the center, he Sir² (near Dallas). While in Los Angeles, dwindling in number. How many now remain became worried that I might become a however, he suffered a stroke. When brought who received the teaching directly from Buddhist, an atheist. He often tried lovingly to the hospital, he explained his condition to Sayagyi U Ba Khin? This Dhamma brother to dissuade me. I would explain to him, the attending doctors with complete lucidity, also carried out his mission: “Anta samaya “With the deep influence of the Arya Samaj but while doing so he entered a coma. He was taka dharma ki, seva hoti jaya— Let me [a Hindu reform movement—ED.], I cannot in this state in the intensive care ward for serve the Dhamma until my final moment.” be trapped in any blind belief. I have examined some days. I was extremely fortunate to have such a the teaching of the Buddha very objectively During this time I myself was on a Dhamma Dhamma brother. on the basis of experiential truth, and I have tour of Southeast Asia. When I reached The ideal that Dr. Om Prakash set for all found it to be completely faultless. For Singapore, I received the news of his illness. Vipassana meditators and teachers will serve centuries, erroneous conditionings had led I telephoned and gave him mett±, but his son- as a beacon in the future. This inspiration will the people of India to shun the stainless in-law, Dr. Soni, who was then with him, said bring welfare to many, happiness to many. teaching of the Buddha. I myself was a victim that there was no physical sign by which it India will regain its ancient glory and dignity, of this false propaganda. But now I have could be said that the mett± was effective. He leading to immense welfare for the entire found by experience that there is no trace of said, “His brain is not functioning at all, and world.♦ blemish in this teaching. I am amazed that so no sense organ is functioning.” I was very this pure, invaluable technique of India sad to hear this. But a few minutes before Incomparable Refreshing became lost in the country of its origin.” I do death, he seemed to regain his sense of hearing. Tranquillity not know what effect my words had on him, Tapes of doh±s and Dhamma discourses were Once, while on a Dhamma tour of but after my mother’s death his immense being played continuously nearby. His son, North India, I stayed at Dr. Om Prakash’s p±ram²s were awakened and he became Dr. Rajiv, said that near the end his eyes residence in Delhi for two days. He gave eternally dedicated to this technique. opened slightly, his lips moved a little and he us his own bedroom and slept in another I came to India in 1969, and Vipassana seemed to be looking at something above. room nearby. The morning after our courses started to be held here. But Dr. Om Then his breathing started becoming slower— arrival, I meditated together with him on Prakash stayed in Myanmar for some years only nine breaths in one minute. His the bed in his bedroom. Near the end of longer. Even after he passed through some respiration gradually kept slowing until he the one-hour sitting, suddenly an extremely painful experiences, his mind was peacefully breathed his last. His face was incomparable nibb±nic cooling not tinged with bitterness. He did not even glowing with a divine radiance. From this we tranquillity emanated from him and report the misconduct of certain officials to may conclude that the inner consciousness spread throughout the room. On the president of the country, who had been his had really been present all along, but he had completion of the sitting he said with classmate in college. His mind continued to been unable to make any physical movement great humility, “Meditating with you be full of mett± and equanimity. Vipassana though he may have wanted to. In the end his today, I have become blessed. I was his bulwark. Even before, his nature had Dhamma strength arose, his eyes opened, and experienced incomparable refreshing been calm and stable. Now Vipassana made his lips moved—proof that the inner tranquillity.” I replied, “You know best it more so. After some years he came to India consciousness was awake. about your own experience, but after and became engaged in Vipassana activities. When I returned to Mumbai after a long experiencing your nibb±nic cooling He had been one of the leading doctors in Dhamma tour of seven countries, I saw that tranquillity I have become truly Myanmar but, because of his generous nature, among the pile of papers awaiting me was a blessed!”♦ he used to practice medicine in a spirit of letter he had written on August 26. In it he service. He did not charge any fixed fees. He described his journey up to Los Angeles, gladly accepted whatever payment the patient gave details of future courses and asked for offered after regaining health. He took nothing mett±. 3 Goenkaji and Mataji Visit East and Southeast Asia From July through September of this year, meditation center. Goenkaji and Mataji also CD-ROM to P±li scholars. Four 10-day Goenkaji and Mataji made an extended tour visited Hualien, a scenic area on the east courses have now been held in Malaysia, and through the countries of East and Southeast coast, where it is hoped land will be bought the demand continues to grow in the region. Asia. Their travels started in mid-July with a for a permanent center. Goenkaji and Mataji returned to India in one-week stay in Myanmar. While in the They then went on to the southern city of early October, knowing that the seeds sown capital of Yangon, Goenkaji gave several Kaohsiung, where they were present at a 10- in the countries they visited have sprouted public talks for audiences of up to 2,000 day course for 375 students — one of the and become flourishing plants. people. He also presented the latest version of largest courses ever held outside India. Many Goenkaji commented, “The countries of the Vipassana Research Institute’s CD-ROM of the participants in this course were East and Southeast Asia all received the of the Tipitaka at a meeting of senior bhikkhus schoolteachers. While in Kaohsiung, Goenkaji teaching of the Buddha long ago, and it has and government officials, including the met with the Deputy Mayor, who announced become part of their culture and tradition. All Minister of Religious Affairs. The week’s that schoolteachers from the area who attend that was missing was a practical technique schedule included a visit to Mandalay, where a Vipassana course will receive credit points for applying the teaching—in other words, land has been donated for a Dhamma House for their professional training. When enough Vipassana. Now that it is being introduced, within the city and for a center in the schoolteachers are familiar with Vipassana, large numbers of people are becoming surrounding area. the plan is to introduce a school program for attracted to it. Because they have a base of From Myanmar Goenkaji and Mataji children, along the lines of the one in India. devotion to the Buddha and his teaching, they proceeded to Thailand, where a full program There were also visits to monasteries and accept Vipassana willingly and work hard. of public talks had been arranged in Bangkok. meetings with senior Buddhist monks and We are witnessing what Sayagyi described: During this visit Goenkaji donated to leading nuns. As always in Taiwan, the interest in the the clock of Vipassana is striking, and now is members of the Thai Sangha and to Thai P±li teaching was extraordinary, and large numbers when people around the world will learn and scholars copies of the VRI Tipitaka CD- of people showed eagerness to learn benefit from the Dhamma.”♦ ROM, which now includes the text in Thai Vipassana. Meditation Pagoda for script. The latest version of the CD-ROM was On August 30, Goenkaji and Mataji flew Dhamma Kamala in Thailand launched at a press conference presided over on to Hong Kong for a brief stay, during by the Minister of Science, Technology and During their recent visit to Thailand in July, which three public talks had been arranged. Goenkaji and Mataji inaugurated the new Environment, with the cooperation of the In the audience each evening were about 450 National Electronics and Computer meditation pagoda at Dhamma Kamala— people, including many intellectuals. Earlier, the first of its kind at a Vipassana center in Technology Center. The response was in the month of July, a 10-day course had enthusiastic. Thailand. The pagoda contains 48 completed been conducted by assistant teachers near cells, with the number eventually to rise to While in Thailand, Goenkaji and Mataji Hong Kong, and another course has been 120. The structure also includes a meditation also visited Dhamma Kamala to inaugurate planned for December. While Goenkaji and hall. The roof is in the shape of a traditional the newly built meditation pagoda and to give Mataji were there, a temple on Lantau Island Thai pagoda, towering approximately 25 Vipassana to participants in the center’s first was offered as a site for holding courses on a meters (83 feet) above the grounds of the 30-day course [see item on Thailand]. continuing basis. It can accommodate up to center. On July 31 they continued their journey, 80 people. The first course there is scheduled Construction was completed just in time flying to Taiwan, where they stayed for the for the end of this year. for the start of the first 30-day course at month of August. Once again a full program After Hong Kong the next stop was Dhamma Kamala. Twenty-eight meditators of public talks had been scheduled for Cambodia, the first time that Goenkaji and participated, including 10 foreigners and 18 audiences such as Buddhist monks and nuns, Mataji had been to this country. Despite Thai students. Goenkaji and Mataji came to intellectuals, businesspeople, children and security dangers they went ahead with their the center to give Vipassana on Day 11 of the young offenders. A press conference had plans in order to encourage local meditators course. Later that day they led a group sitting been arranged, as well as newspaper and who have been working tirelessly to re- for 300 old students to mark the opening of television interviews. In addition, Goenkaji establish the Dhamma in their homeland. the pagoda. and Mataji were present at a one-day course The program included several public talks; in Interest in Vipassana is spreading rapidly in Taipei and a three-day course for old the audience were government officials, throughout Thai society. As a result, more students at the temporary center of Buddhist monks and scholars, and laypeople. centers are being established and the demand Dhammodaya, near Taichung in west central A highlight was the presentation of the VRI is growing for courses in outlying areas. Taiwan. This property has been donated for Tipitaka CD-ROM in Khmer script. [See Currently under development is the second the next two years, during which time separate article on Cambodia.] center at Phitsanulok in northern Thailand; continuous courses will be held there. Located Later stops on the trip included Singapore in a quiet rural valley, it consists of a three- the first course is expected to be held there in and Malaysia. The program again included 1999. Non-center courses are being held at storey farmhouse on one hectare (2.5 acres) group sittings with Vipassana meditators, an of land, with a separate hall for meditation. Khon Kaen in northeastern Thailand and interview with a Kuala Lumpur newspaper, other locations. In addition, a large tract of Construction was undertaken to expand the public talks for audiences of as many as 400 facilities and make them suitable for a land has been donated for a third center at people, and presentation of the VRI Tipitaka Chumporn, in southern Thailand.♦ 4 meeting room was too small. About 300 members of the Sangha attended. The talk was again very well received and generated numerous questions, only a fraction of which could be addressed within the 2.5 hours allotted. On the afternoon of the same day, Goenkaji gave his second talk to the general public. This was attended by approximately 700 people—an astonishing number for Cam- bodia (the population of Phnom Penh is less than one million). Many of the same people who had attended the previous day’s talk returned, this time bringing friends and family with them. Once more, the audience responded New meditation pagoda at Vipassana Meditation Center, Dhamma Kamala, Thailand with many questions, and the content indicated serious interest in the practice. Over 500 Vipassana in Cambodia a Dhamma talk and presentation of the VRI introductory packets with course application [Following is an extract from a letter by a Tipitaka CD-ROM (now containing Khmer forms were distributed at this and the previous Western student living in Cambodia.] script). Invited to the event were persons day’s talk. likely to either use or promote the CD-ROM. Vipassana meditation began to be taught in Also on September 5, Goenkaji announced Unfortunately such persons are rare in Cambodia in 1992. Since then, between 4,000 that Ven. Ouk Sophearin would assume the Cambodia because of the near-total and 5,000 Cambodians have learned the responsibility of a Bhikkhu Teacher. This is eradication of the Buddhist Sangha during technique, with the number of course the first appointment of a Cambodian who the Khmer Rouge regime. Ordination of participants steadily increasing. In addition, lives in Cambodia, and will greatly facilitate monks resumed only in 1991. Very few know thousands of children have attended short the scheduling of more courses. The limited P±li or have access to training from exper- Anapana courses. Most courses are availability of teachers and ATs has been the ienced monks , and even fewer monks or overbooked, and the demand consistently main factor restricting the number of courses. laypeople have computer access. The total exceeds the available space. In 1995 a center Goenkaji had expressed his strong wish to audience for the talk numbered 75. The was established two to three hours from the visit the Cambodia Vipassana Center, and computer equipment needed to run the CD- capital of Phnom Penh. In 1998, a combined students shared that wish. The problem was ROM was purchased for the occasion with permanent office and Dhamma House was the very rough two-hour road trip to the the d±na of meditators; this equipment will established in a separate building within the center from Phnom Penh. This was solved by be for the use of the Buddhist Institute and the grounds of Wat Ounnalom temple in Phnom renting a large cruise boat for the journey. Buddhist University (the sole university for Penh. This is used for daily group sittings as Goenkaji and Mataji made the trip to the monks in the country). D±na was also given well as weekly meetings on Sunday. center on September 6, staying for about for another computer for the Dhamma House, Dhamma work in Cambodia takes place three hours and conducting a group sitting for where monks and laypeople without computer under particularly difficult conditions. about 120 meditators. access of their own can come to view the CD- Cambodian meditators have felt isolated and ROM. While they were present at the center, the unable to benefit fully from the experience of first official Cambodia Vipassana Trust was On the afternoon of September 4, Goenkaji the broader international Vipassana established, composed of nine serious old gave his first public Dhamma talk in community. The visit of Goenkaji and Mataji students. This was a great step forward; until Cambodia, at the Phnom Penh Institute of was a very important step in ending that then, the Dhamma work had all been Technology. This drew an audience of isolation. conducted on an ad hoc basis. approximately 175. The talk was very well The visit was rescheduled twice for security received and generated far more questions Goenkaji and Mataji flew out of Cambodia reasons, and when it did take place, it occurred than time could allow for. on the afternoon of September 6. Twenty against a backdrop of massive street protests minutes later, the violence that has plagued That evening Goenkaji and Mataji and political demonstrations. Although these Cambodia for decades made another conducted a group sitting for old students at were non-violent, there was strong risk of a appearance. The Dhamma House in Phnom the Dhamma House in Phnom Penh, attended violent response to them. Fortunately this did Penh was forced to shut down temporarily, by about 100 local meditators. not happen while Goenkaji and Mataji were but has since reopened. in the country. Their trip took place in On the morning of September 5, there was Every effort is being made to carry on with sufficiently secure surroundings—no small a second Dhamma talk specifically for the Dhamma work and, most important, to miracle in modern-day Cambodia. Buddhist monks and nuns at the Buddhist keep the Dhamma strong within ourselves. University. Given the enormous interest, it They arrived late in the evening of The mett± of all Vipassana meditators, was necessary to hold the talk under a tent September 3. The following morning, their everywhere, will be deeply appreciated.♦ program began at the Buddhist Institute with erected on the university grounds; the assigned 5 On the Path My “cellmate,” as I liked to refer to the Website Update woman who shared my room, was as intent as Here’s what is new on our websites. [A new book, provisionally titled Every- I on getting the most out of those ten days so The general website address is . This site is accessible Meditation in Action is in preparation. chatter. In fact, this was one of the most to anyone wishing to know more about The book includes personal experiences, like enjoyable aspects of the ten days ... no need Vipassana meditation. There are several new the one extracted here, from meditators to converse unnecessarily. websites in languages other than English, around the world. For further information It wasn’t easy. I never thought I’d be able including Portguese, the most recent addition. about the Vipassana Book Project 1998, see to sit comfortably, no matter which position The front page now contains text on the Internet Old Student Homepage, I adopted or however many cushions I used. “Worldwide Projects for the Spread of Vipassana courses in prisons. Follow this I experienced a lot of pain in my legs, and link to find information about prison courses, Dhamma,” or refer to the previous issue of standing up after one hour was pure agony. this newsletter.] including an overview of what has happened The period when we had to sit for two hours worldwide, the history of prison courses in Life prior to Vipassana was difficult for almost finished me off. But then, after several India and their current status in the United me. I was angry, anxious, self-pitying, difficult days of trying to meditate, something States. There are also sublinks to material unforgiving. I had spent many years living happened. I woke one morning eager to get to about Doing Time, Doing Vipassana as well with an alcoholic on whom I blamed all my the meditation hall. I was the first to arrive. I as a list of questions and answers about the problems. And although to all outward sat absorbing all the energy, all the mett±, all courses. appearances I seemed to be coping, my mind the peace. It was the start of some of the Also new are links to an article by a news was filled with despair. I wanted what I happiest days of my life. Some mornings, service about the Seattle prison courses, a couldn’t have and was angry at the way my during rest periods, I watched the sunrise radio program from US National Public Radio life had turned out. I was “suffering.” over the hills, and in the evenings I marveled on these courses, and an interview with Lucia I came to Vipassana through my son. At 59 at the sunsets. Every moment became special Meijer (NRF’s Administrator) which was years of age, I didn’t think there was much and even as these moments passed, as I broadcast on the Canadian CBC Radio. The my children could teach me. Little did I know learned to live in the present, accepting that NPR program requires “real audio” player that my son was to give me such a great gift. everything changes, my peace grew. I have software, which you can download free from I thought that I had given him the gift of life never experienced such joy as on the tenth ; the CBC interview and now, here he was, giving it to me. He had day of the course. It was the beginning, and requires “vivoplayer” software, which can be traveled to India and done some volunteer although stepping back into the modern world downloaded free from the links on our web work for the summer, and afterward did a ten- has subdued my joy somewhat, I still page where it appears. This is the same day Vipassana course before returning home. experience peace whenever I sit to meditate. vivoplayer used to view the videos of Goenkaji He spoke frequently and fervently of his time When my children were young and asked and Hill of Dhamma. meditating at Dehra Dun and gave me the me what I wanted for my birthday present, I There is also a new section on the new book The Art of Living to read. I decided that always said, “Just a little peace and quiet.” In video Changing from Inside [see separate I needed a copy for myself and wrote to order those ten days at Dhamma D²pa, that is what article]. Copies of media articles will be one. With the book came a list of reading I received. material and, as I became more intrigued, I added as they appear. This material is intended I am only a beginner; I have much to learn. for public consumption and anyone can now wrote to Dhamma D²pa for more information, In my day-to-day life it is not always easy to eventually taking the giant step of registering refer a prison administrator to the website for practice living in the present, to detach, to further information. for a ten-day course. I think my son became meditate. I am just now preparing to register The website specifically for old students a little concerned at this point and reminded for another ten-day course; I hope to go once of Vipassana is at . The username is “oldstudent”; the up time, the ten hours of meditation a day, with in my area on a weekly basis. and most of all the necessity to keep silent for password is “behappy.” Each day as I sit to meditate, whether nine days. I must admit this last point caused The site contains a new feature under the successfully or not, I feel as if my life is me a little concern, as I am someone who link entitled “Regional Vipassana Resources.” changing, I am changing. I am learning and loves to chatter. This link leads to sections for various parts of Vipassana is my teacher. I was very hesitant when the big day the world; in each is listed the regional website, I read a quotation once which begins, arrived. I had visions of being encamped with if any, as well as copies of the most recent “Place yourself in the middle of the stream of a group of hippies, New Age travelers and regional Vipassana newsletter. power and wisdom which flows into your young people. The smiling young girl who If you are aware of regional resources that life.” Vipassana meditation is my stream. greeted me on arrival soon dispelled all my are not listed, please contact the webmaster. silly preconceived notions, and in looking What have I gained from practicing Please also send copies of the most recent around the registration hall I saw people of all Vipassana? The truth about myself and the newsletter, preferably in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) ages and descriptions. I felt comfortable from beginning of liberation from suffering (and I format or in Pagemaker (.pm5) format. don’t chatter nearly as much).♦ the first day. Give all our sites a visit and tell others (Jean) about them.♦ 6 New Film on Vipassana Millions Shown Film Regional Developments in U.S. Prisons on Indian Prison Courses in North America A film has recently been completed on the The film Doing Time, Doing Vipassana Developing the New Canadian Center Vipassana course program in a correctional (DTDV), about how Vipassana came to This past August, a three-day course for old facility in the US state of Washington. prisoners in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, was produced students was held at Dhamma Surabh², the Changing from Inside was shot and funded by by Karuna Films of Israel. It has been very new center established last year in the a meditator who is a professional filmmaker. successful in introducing Vipassana on a Canadian province of British Columbia. The 42-minute film follows seven women broader scale to viewers worldwide. Architectural plans have been completed for undertaking a 10-day course. They speak Now that it has been sold to seven major the first phase of development; they call for with extraordinary directness about TV networks around the world, we can rightly a facility accommodating up to 30 people themselves and their experience. In the end say it is being shown to millions of people. year-round, and up to 46 meditators in warm they are transformed by their inward journey The following networks have shown or will weather. The foundations will be poured and come away with tools to maintain their soon be showing DTDV: PBS in the United before the winter, if possible, and building transformation. Equally impressive are States, NHK in Japan, YLE in Finland, will start in early 1999, with six months interviews with the jail director and her staff, Channel 8 in Israel, TV Poland, TSI in estimated as the time needed to complete the who accept the challenge of introducing Switzerland and DR TV in Denmark. project. Meanwhile, one-day courses are held Vipassana and who open themselves to the The film received three awards this year: at the site every month. Meditators with changes it brings to their facility. the Golden Spire Award at the San Francisco construction skills are welcome to help on the International Film Festival, a Finalist Award project. More information is available from The film is aimed at corrections officials the BC contact (see World Contacts). and attempts to answer the questions they at the New York Film Festival, and the Silver usually have after seeing Doing Time, Doing Plaque at the INTERCOM (International Courses Held in North Carolina The first 10-day course in the mid- Vipassana [see the following item], or when Communications Film and Video compe- Southeastern USA was held in North Carolina they are considering the idea of meditation as tition) in Chicago. As well, DTDV was in April/May of this year, with about 30 a reform measure. shown on a regular basis at a San Francisco cinema over a period of several months. participants. A second course took place in The video will be distributed to institutions It has been or is in the process of being early August, and a third in October. Next starting in January 1999. David Donnenfield translated into Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, year four courses are planned. The North Productions is also offering it to Vipassana Italian, Spanish, French, Finnish, Polish, Carolina Vipassana Association was formed meditators at a much-reduced price for Danish and Dutch. to serve students in North and South Carolina personal and Vipassana-related use, through as well as in Tennessee, Virginia and The video is available for purchase from various regional book and tape distributors Maryland. The Association is seeking to distributors in the UK, Germany, the USA (see p. 9). Both NTSC and PAL formats are spread awareness of Vipassana in the broader and Australia. See list of distributors, p.9.♦ available. ♦ community and at the same time to help old students maintain and deepen their practice. A Dhamma House in Italy The long-term goal is to establish a meditation The Vipassana Association of Italy is course schedule). There are also plans for center in the area. pleased to announce the establishment of a frequent courses in 1999. New Trusts Form in Diverse Areas Dhamma House. Dhamma Aµala (Steadfast Old students are welcome to come to sit North America now has four Vipassana in Dhamma) is in a beautiful site in the hills and serve. The full address is: centers, each administered by a trust. But in south of Piacenza, one and a half hours Centro Vipassana - Dhamma Aµala , other locations trusts exist as well, or are from Milan. Localita Orezzi - Obolo di Gropparello being formed. Some have been operating for In August, two consecutive courses were 29025, Piacenza, Italy. years—for example, the Rocky Mountain held with a total of 132 students and tel. [39](0) 523 857215. Vipassana Association in the state of Dhamma workers participating. Two more See also the World Contacts list for course Colorado, and the Vipassana Foundation in courses are scheduled for late 1998 (see registration details.♦ Quebec. Other trusts and associations were formed very recently or will shortly be established in such places as New York/New Jersey, Illinois/Minnesota, Philadelphia, Florida, North Carolina and Northern California. Look for more details on our website and in regional newsletters.♦ UK Information Number There is now a regional Vipassana contact in London for the benefit of resident or traveling meditators seeking information on UK Vipassana activities, contacts, etc. This service is run by the UK Trust. The number is (0181) 387 8844 or, in New Dhamma House near Piacenza, Italy international format, [44] (181) 387 8844.♦ 7 Schedule of Vipassana Meditation Courses • 1998 - 1999 All courses listed below are conducted by assistant teachers of S. N. Goenka. In addition to these, there are courses held at other centers and rented sites throughout the world. For information, contact the appropriate center listed on page10. NORTH AMERICA November 11 - 22 10-day course Florida see World Contacts December 4 - 13 Satipaµµh±na Sutta course1 Dec. 27 - Jan. 7 10-day course California contact: Dec. 26 - Jan. 6 10-day course May 5 - 16 10-day course California Vipassana Center January 13 - 24 10-day course Dhamma Mah±vana February 3 - 14 10-day course North Carolina contact: P.O. Box 1167, North Fork, CA 93643 Feb. 24 - Mar. 7 10-day course North Carolina Vipassana Association Jo’son and Laurie Bell, 7126 Kepley Rd. ((209) 877-4386, Fax 877-4387 Mar. 31 - Apr. 11 10-day course E-mail [email protected] Apr. 28 - May 9 10-day course Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Nov. 27 - Dec. 8 10-day course May 26 - June 6 10-day course ((919) 929-8996 December 10 - 21 10-day course June 7 - 28 20-day course2 E-mail [email protected] Dec. 27 - Jan. 7 10-day course March 10 - 21 10-day course Washington contact: January 13 - 24 10-day course May 8 - 19 10-day course Northwest Vipassana Center February 10 - 21 10-day course August 4 - 15 10-day course Dhamma Kuñja February 26 - 28 Children’s course3 October 13 - 24 10-day course P.O. Box 345, Ethel, WA 98542 March 3 - 14 10-day course ((360) 978-5434, Fax 978-5433 Quebec see World Contacts March 18 - 21 3-day old students’ course November 19 - 22 3-day old students' course Mar. 25 - Apr. 5 10-day course E-mail [email protected] November 18 - 22 3-day old students' course April 18 - 29 10-day course April 14 - 25 10-day course August 15 - 26 10-day course Apr. 30 - May 9 Satipaµµh±na Sutta course1 Nov. 25 - Dec. 6 10-day course December 9 - 20 10-day course August 26 - 29 3-day old students' course May 12 - 23 10-day course Novenber 7 - 18 10-day course May 26 - June 6 10-day course Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 10-day course January 6 - 10 3-day old students’ course November 18 - 21 3-day old students' course Massachusetts contact: January 13 - 24 10-day course Vipassana Meditation Center Jan. 27 - Feb. 7 10-day course LATIN AMERICA Dhamma Dhar± February 10 - 21 10-day course P.O. Box 24, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 Feb. 24 - Mar. 7 10-day course Argentina contact: Mary Luisa Schonfeld ((413) 625-2160, Fax 625-2170 March 10 - 14 3-day old students’ course Rosario 814, Buenos Aires 1424 E-mail [email protected] March 18 - 28 Satipaµµh±na Sutta course1 ([54](1) 901-1146, Fax (21) 44949 Nov. 25 - Dec. 6 10-day course Mar. 31 - Apr. 11 10-day course E-mail [email protected] December 9 - 20 10-day course April 14 - 25 10-day course (Hindi/English) March 17 - 28 10-day course December 21 - 25 3-day old students’ course Apr. 25 - May 20 Service period contact: Eduardo Pino L. Dec. 27 - Jan. 7 10-day course Apr. 30 - May 2 Children's course3 Bolivia Jan 10 1-day old students’ course May 20 - 31 10-day course Daniel Campos 545, Tarija January 13 - 24 10-day course June 2 - 13 10-day course (Khmer) ([591](66) 42641, Fax (68) 12121 Jan. 27 - Feb. 27 30-day course2 June 16 - 27 10-day course E-mail [email protected] February 28 1-day old students’ course July 2 - 23 20-day course2 Apr. 21 - May 2 10-day course March 3 - 14 10-day course Alberta (Bragg Creek) contact: Brazil #1 contact: John Chang March 17 - 28 10-day course Marie De Roy Paroquia Sta Terezinha, Cx. Postal, 166 Mar. 31 - Apr. 4 3-day old students’ course 1115 - 9th St., Calgary CEP 85100-970, Guarapuava, Parana April 7 - 18 10-day course AB T2G-3B3, Canada (&Fax [55] 42-723-5192 Apr. 23 - May 2 Satipaµµh±na Sutta course1 ( ((403) 269-2679 E-mail [email protected] May 2 - 12 Work week January 20 - 31 10-day course May 7 - 9 Children's course3 May 3 - 14 10-day course May 11 - 22 10-day course British Columbia (Shawnigan Lake) contact: Brazil #2 contact:Veronica Mannarino May 22 - 23 Conference on Doug and Lucy Child R. Aurea 48, Sta. Teresa, “Vipassana in Prisons” 3566 Verner Ave., RR#2, Cobble Hill Rio De Janeiro, RJ CEP 20240-210 May 26 - June 6 10-day course BC V0R-1L0, Canada ([55] 21-221-4985 E-mail [email protected] Texas contact: ((250) 743-1490 June 23 - July 4 10-day course Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center E-mail [email protected] Dec. 27 - Jan. 7 10-day course Dhamma Sir² Chile contact: Luz Jimenez P.O. Box 190248, Dallas, TX 75219 Colorado (West Slope) see World Contacts Lota 2366, Dto. 303, Providencia, Santiago (214) 521-5258 or (972) 932-7868 ( July 25 - Aug. 5 10-day course ([56](2) 232-7292, Fax 334-7168 Fax (214) 522-5973 August 5 - 15 9-day course E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] Mar. 31 - Apr. 11 10-day course

1 Satipaµµh±na Sutta courses have the same timetable and practicing this technique of Vipassana for at least one special 10-day course is for students who have previ- discipline as 10-day courses. The difference is that in year, and who are trying to maintain the Five Precepts ously taken a long course or who have met the long the taped evening discourses Goenkaji examines the in their daily lives. course requirements for at least 10 years. Special appli- cation forms, necessary for these courses, are available Satipaµµh±na Sutta. This is the principal text in which the 2 Long courses are open only to serious students com- at all centers and on the old student web page. Applica- Buddha systematically explained the technique of mitted to this technique who have completed a mini- mum of five 10-day courses and one Satipaµµh±na Sutta tions must be submitted well in advance as processing Vipassana. These courses are open to serious old stu- may take some time. dents who have completed at least three 10-day course, and have been practicing regularly for at least courses, have not been practicing any other meditation two years. The 20-day course is a requirement for the 3 Children's and teenagers’ course requirements vary techniques since their last 10-day course, have been 30-day course. The 45-day course and the Teacher's from center to center. Please contact the specific regis- self-course require at least two courses of 30 days. The trar for details. Vipassana Newsletter Vol. 25, No. 3 Autumn, 1998 8 Colombia contact: Daniel Trujillo Panama contact: Virginia Gil del Real The following appointments Carrera 3A, #54A-71, Ap. 702, Bogota P.O. Box 6559, Panamá 5 have been announced ([571] 312-9762, Fax 232-4332 ([507] 223-5439, Fax 226-6292 E-mail [email protected] January 6 - 17 10-day course Bhikkhu Teacher Nov. 26 - Dec. 7 10-day course January 17 Children’s day3 Ven. Maha Kanok Supasanto, Thailand May 26 - June 6 10-day course Peru contact: Christian Saavedra Ven. Ouk Sophearin, Cambodia Ecuador contact: Torres Paz 235, Chiclayo Assistant Teachers Renaud W. Neubauer ([51](74) 228-964, 205-080, Fax 226-964 Mr. Babu Ram Yadav, India Universidad de San Francisco E-mail [email protected] Casilla Postal 17-1241, Quito November 11 - 22 10-day course Mr. Jin Chandra Suri, India ([593](2) 9721518 May 5 - 16 10-day course Mr. Kailash Berwal, India E-mail [email protected] June 9 - 20 10-day course Venezuela contact: Mirjam Berns Mrs. Sharda K. Ganatra, India Ap. 77, 1204 A San Antonio de los Altos Mr. Yogesh Shah, India Mexico see World Contacts ([58](2) 682-1942, Fax 573-5118 December 9 - 20 10-day course E-mail [email protected] Dirke & Mieke Taveirne-de-Wilde, December 20 Children’s day3 Dec. 26 - Jan. 6 10-day course Belgium Mar. 31 - Apr. 11 10-day course Mar. 24 - Apr. 4 10-day course Pierre & Lise Rodien, France August* 10-day course August 10-day course December * 10-day course December 10-day course Sau Thach, U.S.A. * Dates not yet fixed Daw Sein Sein, Myanmar

Long and Special Courses Update on International Conferences in the West 1998­99 Schedule Work is under way on a proposed inter- people in the fields of corrections, mental Dhamma Giri, Igatpuri, India national Vipassana conference in the West. health and addictions. Please contact the Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 Teacher's self-course The program would consist of a 10-day course center at the above address. January 8 - 11 Annual Conference followed by two or three days of presentations In Europe, a conference is being planned Jan. 13 - Feb. 13 30-day course and discussions on Vipassana. A steering for early 1999 in France, to mark presentation Jan. 13 - Feb. 27 45-day course committee has been formed and is formalizing Dhamma Thal², Jaipur, India of the Tipitaka CD-ROM to senior bhikkhus November 17 - 28 Special 10-day course its research and planning efforts. The aim is of the Cambodian community as well as Jan. 18 - Feb. 18 30-day course to attract Western people not familiar with scholars. For more information contact: Jan. 20 - Feb. 10 20-day course Vipassana or the teachings of the Buddha. A Centre Vipassana France, Dhamma Mah², Dhamma Sindhu, Mandvi, India detailed proposal will be submitted for “Le Bois Planté,” 89350 Louesme, France. November 18 - 29 Special 10-day course consideration at the meetings this January at Tel. [33](386) 45-75-14, Fax (386) 45-76-20, Jan. 19 - Feb. 19 30-day course Dhamma Giri. E-mail . Dhamm±laya, Kolhapur, India Jan. 23 - Feb. 13 20-day course When a decision is made to proceed, As well, the Italian Dhamma House will Dhamma Bodhi, Bodh Gaya, India invitations will be extended to leaders in host a seminar for old students on “Vipassana November 15 - 26 P±li workshop (English) various professional fields. The committee is in Daily Life” from May 27 to 30. See page Dhamma Kamala, Thailand now drawing up a list of such people and 7 for contact details.♦ March (dates not yet fixed) 20-day course would welcome suggestions, particularly from Dhamma Dhar±, Shelburne, U.S.A. meditators who personally know such Jan. 27 - Feb. 27 30-day course prominent figures. Please send comments Distributors Dhamma Sir², Dallas, U.S.A. and advice to the: The following organizations offer for sale a June 7 - 28 20-day course variety of books, tapes and other materials on Dhamma Kuñja, Ethel, U.S.A. International Conference Steering Committee, July 2 - 23 20-day course c/o Vipassana Meditation Center, Vipassana. Dhamma D²pa, Hereford, U.K. PO Box 24, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA. Pariyatti Book Service Apr. 26 - May 27 30-day course E-mail. PO Box 15926, Seattle, WA 98115, USA Dhamma Rasmi, Queensland, Australia Tel. (USA and Canada only) 1-800-829-2748 December 1 - 22, 20-day course In addition to the international conference, E-mail various regional conferences and events are Long courses are open only to serious students Dhamma Books committed to this technique who have completed being planned for the year 1999 to celebrate 12 Rosslyn Rd, Invermay 7248, a minimum of five 10-day courses and one the birth centenary of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. In Tasmania, Australia Satipaµµh±na Sutta course, and have been North America, VMC Dhamma Dhar± will Tel. [61](03) 6326 5549 practicing regularly for at least two years. The 20- host a conference for correctional officials E-mail day course is a requirement for the 30-day course. from May 11 to 23. A second conference will Vipassana Books, Tapes & Videoservice The 45-day course and the Teacher's self-course be held from August 25 to September 5, on Bahnhofstr. 41 / 2, require at least two courses of 30 days. The special mental health and addictions. Conference D-78532 Tuttlingen, Germany 10-day course is for students who have previously participants will attend the 10-day course Tel. [49] 7461-5148, Fax [49] 7461-12443, taken a long course or who have met the long followed by 2 days of presentations and E-mail course requirements for at least 10 years. Special Insight Books application forms, necessary for these courses, interactive sessions. Guest speakers from the The Sun, Garway Hill, are available at all centers and on the old student USA, India and Switzerland will present Herefordshire HR2 8EZ, UK web page. Applications must be submitted well in papers at these conferences. Brochures will Tel. & Fax [44] (1981) 580436 advance as processing may take some time.♦ be available for meditators who wish to invite 9 Meditation Centers AUSTRALIA South India: JAPAN New South Wales: Vipassana Meditation Centre, Andhra Pradesh: Vipassana International Japan Vipassana Meditation Center Dhamma Bh³mi, P.O. Box 103, Blackheath, Meditation Centre, Dhamma Khetta, Aza-hatta, Mizucho-cho, Funai-gun, NSW 2785. Kusum Nagar, 12.6 km Nagarjunsagar Rd., Kyoto 622-0324. (& Fax [81](771) 86-0765 ([61](2) 4787-7436, Fax 4787-7221 Vanasthali Puram, Hyderabad 500 070. E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] ([91](40) 402-0290, 402-1746, MONGOLIA Queensland: Vipassana Centre Queensland, City Office: (473-2569, Fax 41-005 Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Maªgala. Dhamma Rasmi, P.O. Box 119, Rules Rd., or: (202-802, 318-780 MYANMAR Pomona, QLD 4563. E-mail [email protected] Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Joti, ([61](7) 5485-2452, Fax 5485-2907 Tamil Nadu: Dhamma Setu, The Mahabodhi Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda Rd., Bahan Township, Tasmania: Vipassana Meditation Tasmania, Society, Kenneth Lane, Madras 600 008. Yangon. ([95](1) 39290 Dhamma Pabh±, G.P.O. Box 6, Hobart, ([91](44) 825-2458 Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Ratana, Mogok. TAS 7001. [61](3) 6228-6535 Karnataka:Vipassana Meditation & Research ( NEPAL Victoria: Vipassana Charitable Trust, Centre, Dhamma Sumana, Bangalore. Nepal Vipassana Centre, Dharmashriºga, Dhamma ¾loka, P.O. Box 11, c/o Mrs. Jaya Sangoi, 13/1 Vijaya II Main, Budhanikantha, Muhan Pokhari, Kathmandu. Woori Yallock, VIC 3139. 5th Block, Kumara Park(W), Bangalore 560 020. or: P.O. Box 12896, Kathmandu. [61](3) 5961-5722, Fax 5961-5765 [91](80) 336-0896, Office 336-4220, ( ( [977](1) 371-655, 371-007; Fax 221-5776 ( CAMBODIA City Office: Jyoti Bhavan, Kantipath, East India: Cambodia Vipassana Centre, P.O. Box 133, Kathmandu. West Bengal: Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Gaªg±, Dhamma Kamboja, next to Kompong Ko 225-490, 248-949, 250-581, 223-968 Sodpur, Panihati 743 176, Dist. 24 Parganas. ( Buddhist Temple, Dist. Koh Thom, Fax 224-720, 226-314 [91](33) 553-2855 Kandal Province. ( Dhamma Janin², Lumbini. or: c/o D. Kajaria. 242-1767, 8043 Mail: P.O. Box 2259, Phnom Penh 3. ( City Office: Jyoti Bhavan, Kantipath, or: c/o M.K. Badani. 225-4719, ([855](15) 831-665, Fax[855](23)363-191 ( P.O. Box 133, Kathmandu. 475-8342, 475-7208, Fax 275-5174 CANADA [977](1) 225-490, Fax 223-067 Bodh Gaya International Meditation Centre, ( British Columbia Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Tar±i, Contact: S. Kumar Fancy Store, Dhamma Bodhi, Gaya-Dhoba Rd., Dhamma Surabhi. (see World Contacts) Adarsh Nagar, Birganj. [977](1) 22894 near Magadh University, Bodh Gaya 824 231, ( FRANCE Bihar. [91](631) 400-437. NEW ZEALAND Centre Vipassana, Dhamma Mah², ( Office: Shanti Dham, Kankarbagh Rd., Patna Vipassana Meditation Centre, Dhamma Medin², “Le Bois Planté,” 89350 Louesme. 800 020, Bihar. & Fax [91](612) 352-874 Burnside Road, RD3, Kaukapakapa. [33](386) 45-75-14, Fax (386) 45-76-20 ( ( Vaishali Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Licchav², ([64](9) 420-5319 E-mail [email protected] Atardah (Lalitkunj), Muzzaffarpur 842 001 SRI LANKA INDIA Bihar. c/o Rajkumar Goenka, Parijat, Vipassana Centre, Dhamma K³ta, Maharashtra: Marwari Bazar, Samastipur, Bihar. Mowbray Galaha Rd., Hindagala, Peradeniya. Bombay area: Vipassana International Academy, ([91](621) 243-407, 243-206 ([94](8) 34649 Dhamma Giri, West India: TAIWAN P.O. Box 6, Igatpuri 422 403, Dist. Nasik. Gujarat: Kutch Vipassana Centre, Taiwan Vipassana Centre, Dhammodaya, ([91](2553) 84076, 84086, 84038, Fax 84176 Dhamma Sindhu, Bada Village, Dist. Mandvi, P.O. Box 45, Yang Mae, Tao Yuan, R.O.C. Kolhapur: Deccan Vipassana Centre, Kutch 370 475. ([91](28347) 3303, 3304 ([886](2) 2705-9432, Fax 2705-9433 Dhamm±laya, near Majale bus stand, or: c/o Mukul Savla, Bhuj. ((2832) 50-181 THAILAND Hatakanagale 416 109. Saurashtra Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Koµa, Vipassana Meditation Center, Dhamma Kamala, [91](230) 483-316 ( Kotharia Road, Rajkot, Gujarat. 200 Yoopasuk Rd., behind Thairath School 7, Nagpur: Nagpur Vipassana Centre, c/o Mr Rajesh Mehta , Bhabha Guest House, Tambon Dongkheelek, Amphur Muang, Dhamma N±ga, Village Mahurjhari, Panchnath Road, Rajkot 360 001, Gujarat. Prachinburi 25000. near Nagpur-Kalmeshwar Rd. ([91](281) 234-781, 232-187, Fax 221-384 & Fax [66](37) 403-515 [91](712) 558-686, Fax 539-716 ( ( ( Gurjar Vipashyana Kendra, Dhamma P²µha, E-mail [email protected] Khandesh Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Sarovara, c/o Mrs. Dropadi Chowdhary, Ratnam, 1 Patel near Dedargaon Water Purification Plant, UNITED KINGDOM Soc., Shahibag Rd., opp. Police Commissioner’s Vipassana Centre, Dhamma D²pa, Survey No. 166, at Post Tikhi, Dhule. Office, Ahmedabad 380 004, Gujarat. or: c/o Mr Prakash Borse, Harewood End, Hereford HR2-8JS. ( Res: [91](79) 562-4631, 562-4253, 12 Tulsiram Nagar, Deopur, Dhule 424 002. ( ([44](1989) 730-234, Fax 730-450 Fax 212-2016. E-mail [email protected] (Res. [91](2562) 22-741; Off. 22-614 Central India: UNITED STATES Pune Vipassana Centre, Dhamm±nanda, Vipassana Centre, , Rengatola, Dhamma K±nana California: California Vipassana Center, Pune Vipassana Samiti, 2 Vinay Chambers, Balaghat, M.P. c/o Mr. Haridas Meshram, Dhamma Mah±vana, Vetal Chowk, 971 S.B. Rd., Pune 411 016. G-8 Bagh Colony, Civil Lines, Balaghat 481 001. [91](212) 355-472 Fax 355-759, 680-558. P.O. Box 1167, North Fork, CA 93643. ( (Off: [91](7632) 2473; Res: c/o 2554 North India: ((209) 877-4386, Fax 877-4387 Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Ketu, E-mail [email protected] Rajasthan: Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Thal², Thanod, via Anjora, Dist. Durg, M.P. Massachusetts: Vipassana Meditation Center, P.O. Box 208, (Sisodia Rani Baug - Galtaji Rd.), c/o Mr. Sureshchandra Kathane, B-269, Street 5, Dhamma Dhar±, Jaipur 302 001. ([91](141) 641-520 Smritinagar, P.O. Nehru Nagar, Uttar Pradesh: Dehra Dun Vipassana Centre, P.O. Box 24, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Bhilai 490 020, M.P. ([91](788) 321-539 Dhamma Salila, Dehra Dun. ((413) 625-2160, Fax 625-2170 Bhopal Vipassana Centre, Dhamma P±la, E-mail [email protected] ([91](135) 654-189, Fax 655-580 Madhya Pradesh Vipassana Samiti, Bhopal, M.P. Texas: Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center, Himachal Pradesh: Vipassana Centre, Dhamma c/o Mr. Ashok & Mrs. Uma Kela, Dhamma Sir², Sikhara, MacLeod Ganj, Dharamsala 176 219. E-1/82, Arera Colony, Bhopal 462 016, M.P. ([91](1892) 21309, Fax 21578 10850 County Rd. 155A, Kaufman, TX 75142. (Res: [91](755) 563-113; Off: 557-761, (214) 521-5258 or (972) 932-7868, or: Delhi Vipassana Office, 557-762, Fax 564-520 ( ([91](11) 648-5071, 5072 Fax (214) 522-5973 In addition, there are many other centers in India E-mail [email protected] Delhi Vipassana Centre, Dhamma Sota, Haryana. at various stages of development: Washington: Northwest Vipassana Center, City Office: Vipassana Sadhana Sansthan, Dhamma Tihar, Delhi Hemkunt Towers,16th Floor, 98 Nehru Place, Dhamma Kuñja, Dhamma Cakka, Sarnath, U.P. P.O. Box 345, Ethel, WA 98542. New Delhi 110 019. Dhamma Suvatthi, Sravasti, U.P. ([91](11) 645-2772, Fax 647-0658 ((360) 978-5434, Fax 978-5433 Dhamma Vimutti, Kushinagar, U.P. E-mail [email protected] Dhamma Upavana, Baracakiya, Bihar Dhamma Dhaja, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 10 World Contacts AUSTRALIA ITALY THAILAND see Meditation Centers Associazione Vipassana Italia, see Meditation Centers Western Australia: Dhamma House, Via Martinelli 64, 20092 Cinisello B. (MI). Pornphen Leenutaphong, 143 Parry St., East Perth, WA 6004. (& Fax [39](2) 660-0214 929 Rama I Rd., Bangkok 10330. ([61](8) 9328-7773 E-mail [email protected] ([66](2) 216-4772, Fax 215-3408 or: Vipassana Foundation, P.O. Box 1219, JAPAN E-mail [email protected] Wangara, WA 6065. ([61](8) 9342-8088 see Meditation Centers UNITED KINGDOM South Australia: P.O. Box 10292, Gouger St., Vipassana Course Registration see Meditation Centers Adelaide, SA 5000. ([61](8) 8356-5530 16-17 Shimohayama-cho, Daigo, (in London) ([44](181) 387-8844 or: contact the Vipassana Newsletter, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 601-1332. UNITED STATES c/o V.M.C., Dhamma Bh³mi . (& Fax [81](75) 573-1510 see Meditation Centers AUSTRIA Email [email protected] Arizona: Vasanti Deshpande, Anton Rauchenzauner, LATIN AMERICA 4707 E. Rockledge Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85044. Gries 24, 4890 Frankenmarkt. Eduardo Puig, Arroyo 1160, Piso 12, Dto. B, ([1](602) 940-9540 ([43](7684) 389 Buenos Aires 1007, Argentina. Colorado: Judi Sammons, BENELUX ([54](1) 811-0218 1392 - 2600 Rd., Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Dirk & Mieke Taveirne-de-Wilde, E-mail [email protected] ([1](970) 835-8295 Lange Steenstraat 18/M, 9000 Gent. MALAYSIA Florida: Grant Ward, ( & Fax [32](9) 233-6227 Vipassana Committee, P.O. Box 54291, Jacksonville, FL 32245-4291. CAMBODIA 2-8-4 Pinggiran Kiara Kondominium, ([1](904) 724-4452 Sheryl Keller, P.O. Box 2259, Phnom Penh 3. TTDI, 6000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Idaho: Florence Blanchard, P.O. Box 225, Bellevue, ID 83313. ( & Fax [855](23) 880-262 (Cambodian work ([60](03) 718 8090, Fax: [60](03) 774 7082 [1](208) 788-4450 hours only), mobile ([855](12) 851-770 MEXICO ( Illinois: Ginger Tibbetts, E-mail [email protected] German Cano, Carmen Serdan 114, 809 Highview Ave., Rockford, Il 61107 CANADA 50120 Toluca. [1](815) 398-8441, Fax 398-6681 Alberta: Sharon Reed, 616 - 24th Ave. SW, & Fax [52](72) 1266-70 ( ( E-mail [email protected] Unit #11, Calgary, AB T2S-0K6. E-mail [email protected] Kansas: Dr. Sharat K. Jain & Dr. Sudha Jain, [1](403) 244-0165 ( MYANMAR 3109 West 118th St., Leawood, KS 66211. British Columbia: Vipassana Foundation, see Meditation Centers [1](913) 469-0675, Fax 469-5171 80 High St., Victoria, BC V8Z-5C7. ( NEPAL E-mail [email protected] [1](250) 479-6641, Fax 744-1461 ( see Meditation Centers Minnesota: Rosa Kittsteiner, E-mail [email protected] NETHERLANDS 807 University Ave. NE, or: Lora & Jerry Roy, 3395 West 8th Ave., Joshua & Mirjam van der Berg, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Vancouver, BC V6R-1Y3. Bargerkempke 6, 7103 DZ Winterswijk. [1](612) 362-9190 [1](604) 730-9877, Fax 641-2801 ( ( [31](543) 523-353 Missouri: Renee & David Cerchie, E-mail [email protected] ( P.O. Box 32533, Kansas City, MO 64111. Alan Nicholson, 60 Shippigan Cres., NEW ZEALAND Ontario: [1](816) 561-6113 North York, ON M2J-2G2. see Meditation Centers ( PORTUGAL or: Ashok Srivastava, ([1](416) 502-9264, Fax 502-9265 75 Worthington Dr., Ste. 102, Quebec: Fondation Vipassana Foundation, C.P. Marlies & Martin Lucke, Apartado 101, 8800 Tavira, Algarve. St. Louis, MO 63043. 32083, Les Atriums, Montréal, PQ H2L-4Y5. [1](314) 453-9500(w), 579-9492(h), (& Fax [351](81) 971-489 ( ([1](514) 481-3504, Fax 879-8302 ( Fax 453-0877, E-mail [email protected] ROMANIA DENMARK New Mexico: Paul Yoder, Dan Tomescu, Str. Piscului, Nr. 16, Bl. 42, Sc. B, Olivier Schori, Det Bla Hus P.O. Box 1616, Cuba, NM 87013. Et. 4, Ap. 50, Sector 4, Bucharest, Cod 75191. Badsmandsstreede 43, 1407 Copenhagen. ([1](505) 289-3308 ([45](32) 959-117 ([40](1) 675-5856, Fax 322-3925 E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] RUSSIA (including all of former U.S.S.R.) New York: Robert Cannon, FRANCE Vladimir & Svetlana Karpinsky 73-23 210th St., #4B, Bayside, NY 11364. see Meditation Centers 111555 Moscow, Molostovih St.,1-4-593. ([1](718) 465-1066, E-mail [email protected] FRENCH POLYNESIA ([7](095) 300-4854 North Carolina: Jo’son & Laurie Lindgren Bell, Tahiti: Pierre Machenaud, E-mail [email protected] 7126 Kepley Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514. B.P. 2386, Papeete 98713. SINGAPORE ([1](919) 929-8996 ( & Fax [689] 43-26-50 Vipassana c/o Mr. Jaya Chandran E-mail [email protected] or: Vipassana Association, B.P. 50335, Pirae. 31 Leonie Hill, #09-01 River Shire, Texas: Cathryn Lacey, P.O. Box 190248, GERMANY Singapore 239229 Dallas, TX 75219. ([1](214) 521-5258 Vipassana-Meditationshaus, ([65] 435 4212, Fax [65] 734 0602 Fax 522-5973, E-mail [email protected] Kirchenweg 2, 76332 Bad Herrenalb. E-mail [email protected] or: Manu & Sudha Desai, 2938 Dominique Dr., Galveston, TX 77551. ([1](409) 744-5708 ([49](7083) 51169, Fax 51328 SCANDINAVIA ( E-mail [email protected] Marianne Eriksdotter, Besmansvägen 8, 16834 Utah: Carmen L. Boutet, Bromma, Sweden. ([46](8) 25 59 29 867 Princeton Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84105. GREECE [1](801) 485-7040 Kostas & Claudia Lebedakis, SPAIN ( Maria Solis, c/ Fernando Diaz de Mendoza 41, Virginia: Terrell & Diane Jones, Somatas Rethymnis, GR-74100, Crete. 9258 Sugar Run Rd., Copper Hill, VA 24079. [30](831) 41483 3°B, 28019 Madrid. ([34](91) 469-0321 ( ([1](540) 929-4183 INDIA SRI LANKA E-mail [email protected] see Meditation Centers see Meditation Centers Wisconsin: Deborah Davis, INDONESIA SWITZERLAND 2223 N. Booth St.,Milwaukee, WI 53212 Eva Knöpfel & Kornelius Hug, Irene & Gregory Wong, Blok C5, #55, ([1](414) 372-5192 Permata Hijau, Jl. Merih Jati, Jakarta. Chi³z, 7428 Obertschappina. E-mail [email protected] ([62](21) 548-0062 ([41](81) 651-27-03 Washington: Scott Corley & Kathleen O’Grady, ISRAEL TAIWAN 22603 42nd Place W., Eilona Ariel, 69/A Krinitzi St., Ramat-Gan 52423. see Meditation Centers Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. ([972](3) 909-1354, Fax 670-2682 Dr. Lin Chung-An. Fax [886](3) 425-8073 ([1](425) 640-5661 E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] 11 Nonprofit Vipassana Newsletter U.S. Postage PAID Putney, VT, Permit # 1 P.O. Box 51 • Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

Questions & Answers Student: Why is it important to sit two full objects which help you come out of your old habit and you are doing something which is anti-craving, hours every day? of aversion. The whole purpose of Vipassana is to anti-aversion. The outside atmosphere starts Goenkaji: It is essential that you give material change the habit pattern of the mind: neither have overpowering you and you become weaker. You food to your body at least twice every day, to keep craving toward pleasant sensations nor aversion have to keep on fighting. it healthy and strong. Similarly you have to give toward unpleasant ones. When you have pleasant Whenever you find you have become so weak some food to the mind to keep it healthy and sensations observe them without attachment, that you can’t work with the body and bodily strong. And with these two hours of sitting, you without reaction, understanding they are anicca. sensations, come back to Anapana. Breath is are doing that. Good, now unpleasant sensations have come; something which you can intentionally make Student: What is the value of attending group make use of them, work with Vipassana. harder. If you work with it and you can’t feel your sittings? Student: For a period after each course I can breath, make it a little harder. You can intentionally Goenkaji: Whenever a few people sit together, meditate okay. Then it becomes harder, so that I make this object a little more gross. Work with whatever they generate in their minds permeates cannot even pass my attention through the body. that; the mind becomes calm and you will reach a the atmosphere. If five, ten, twenty, or fifty people What should I do? stage where you can again start working on the meditate together, the vibrations of one or two Goenkaji: Continue to work. Keep on fighting body. among them might be good vibrations and this your battle. When you come to a Dhamma Student: If I am not able to experience subtle may help the others meditate better in that environment like this, the entire atmosphere is sensation in the body, how can I practice mett±? atmosphere. charged with vibrations which are anti-craving, Goenkaji: It is true that if you practice mett± Student: I still get a lot of pain even when I anti-aversion, anti-ignorance. In this atmosphere with these subtle sensations, it is very strong, very meditate at home. What should I do? you can work better, and you gain strength by your effective, because then you are working with the practice here. Goenkaji: Meditate. What else can you do? deepest level of your mind. If you are experiencing Now you have a wonderful object with which you With that strength you have to face the world a gross sensation, that means only the surface can remove your habit pattern of aversion. outside. After all, you have to live in the world. level of your mind is working and the mett± is not Whenever you feel something unpleasant, the old You can’t live in a meditation center all the time. that effective. But it doesn’t matter. In this case habit of the mind is to react with aversion. You go to a hospital to gain health, not to live just keep thinking at the intellectual, conscious Vipassana is to help you be freet of all such there. So gain strength here and then live in the level, “May all beings be happy. May all beings be conditioning. world. After some time you may find that your happy.” And keep on working. When you reach the stage where there are subtle vibrations, you Your aversion toward unpleasant sensations meditation is again becoming weaker. Understand will work at a deeper level and the mett± will be cannot be eradicated unless you face them and the reason: the whole atmosphere outside is more effective.♦ change this habit pattern. So welcome all these charged with the vibrations of craving and aversion, 12