Entry requirements: A four-week visa is available for 25 US $ at the airport. An extension is easily possible in Kathmandu (for 1 US $ per day, up to four months per calendar year).
Leadership: S.N. Goenka
S. N. Goenka received teaching permission in 1969 after 14 years of practice from his teacher U Ba Khin. Goenkaji comes from a wealthy Indian industrial family and grew up in Burma, where he was raised in the Hindu tradition. Today he lives in India. Since there are more than 50 meditation centers worldwide in this tradition, Goenkaji’s instructions are shown on video or transmitted by cassette recorder.
As a rule, two assistant teachers (male and female) are present to answer questions and assist with problems. Each teacher has completed at least five 10-day courses, one 20-day course, and one 30-day course, and has also attended a special teacher training course. The teachers usually hold consultation hours twice a day.
Description: Slightly outside Kathmandu on a hillside, beautiful garden, easy to reach from Kathmandu (organized bus trip at 1 p.m. from the info office in Kathmandu). The center accommodates about 140 people.
Tradition and teacher: Vipassana according to U Ba Khin (Burma)
Meditation technique: Intensive sitting meditation and one discourse daily.
The first three days Anapanasati, i.e., breath observation. Concentration on inhalation and exhalation. The breath is only observed, not manipulated.
From the third day Vipassana meditation according to U Ba Khin. In the “Step by Step” method, body sensations are systematically observed. Once the body has been examined from head to toe, another round follows in the opposite direction. Sensations should not be judged, only observed. The course concludes with an exercise for developing loving-kindness.
Rules: Each participant commits to completing the entire retreat (not leaving the premises), maintaining silence for the first 9 days, not reading or writing, refraining from sexual activities, not performing rituals, prayers, or other meditation techniques, accepting the instructions of the teacher and management, and observing the five or eight Silas (moral precepts) (new or old students). Yoga or Tai-Chi exercises are compatible with the method but may not be practiced during the course so as not to disturb other students. Walks are generally possible during breaks, but due to the relatively small garden, only a circular route with few variations is possible.
There are no direct clothing regulations, but very conspicuous or revealing clothing should be avoided.
Course duration and dates: Monthly two 10-day courses from the 1st – 12th and 14th – 25th day
Second course in April, August, and December is a Satipatthana-Sutta course for students who have attended at least three introductory courses.
Language(s): Video and assistant teachers: Nepali, Hindi, English
Dhammatalks (introductions to the Buddha’s teaching) are also offered in other languages (e.g., German) on cassette.
Accommodation: In variously sized rooms, depending on course occupancy. Range from two-bed rooms to multi-bed rooms (approx. 8 people). Clean toilets and washing facilities for laundry available. With a bit of luck, warm shower (solar technology). The beds (with mattress) are equipped with mosquito nets, there are blankets, but a sleeping bag is recommended as the nights can be quite cold.
Meals: The food is vegetarian and tasty. Breakfast and lunch can be refilled. Every day fruits, delicious yogurt, milk, and tea are served. The nice helpers are very cooperative and strive to assist meditators with dietary requirements. New students receive fruits and milk in the evening, old students lemon water upon request. Drinking water is filtered or boiled and therefore safely drinkable for Westerners (those who want to be sure can use a brought water purification agent).
Shopping facilities
In Kathmandu, most everyday items are available. There is no shop in the center; toiletries must be brought. Sitting mats are available; a sitting cushion can be brought. A sleeping bag is advantageous. Be sure to bring warm clothing (fleece), as it can be very cold at 4 a.m. during sitting meditation.
Medical care: Good for the Indian subcontinent, as there are passable private clinics in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley is not a malaria area and the hygienic conditions in the Vipassana center are good.
Costs: On a donation basis
Climate: October, November are considered the best, late February to April the second-best time for a stay in Nepal (also trekking). Summers are hot and wet. December and January are generally suitable, but very cold (no heating!).
Remarks: Since the videos and communication with the assistant teacher are in English, it is useful to read an English-language book about Buddhism beforehand to practice the relevant vocabulary (e.g., Art of Living by S. N. Goenka). In German translation: “Die Kunst des Lebens”, Fischer TB-Verlag
Further information at the German center:
Dhamma Dvara
Alte Str. 6, 08606 Triebel
Tel: 037434-79770
Fax: 79771
Internet: http://www.dvara.dhamma.org
eMail:
Good for serious practitioners with retreat experience and a desire for intensive practice. Also suitable for beginners who have no major problems with prolonged sitting and are willing to integrate into an intensive, regulated daily schedule.
The Dhammatalks are didactically very well structured. The method of “body sweeping” is one of the most widespread Vipassana exercises. Very good conditions.
Video: