Vipassana means: “To see things as they really are..”
It is a process of self-purification through self-observation. Vipassana is an ancient technique from India, which was originally taught by Gautama, the Buddha. The teaching is universal and not connected with any religious organization and can be practised by anyone without conflict with existing religious beliefs or the absence of beliefs. For those who are not familiar with Vipassana Meditation, we recommend clicking on About Vipassana for a detailed introduction.
Vipassana meditation is taught during ten-day residential courses. This period has been found to be the minimum necessary for new students to understand the technique and its benefits through their own experience. To apply for a course – please read the Code of Discipline then find a convenient date in the Course Schedule and submit an online application form.
Courses are run on the donations of grateful old students.
There are many benefits to this. The courses themselves are free of commercial profit. The donors are a prime beneficiary—their contribution given with a pure volition to help others help their own progress in Vipassana.
Each centre is financially self-sufficient and independently run through these donations from old students. These courses only continue with the support of students who have sat a course and wish to donate for the coming students. This support can be voluntary service, monetary donation, and/or donation in kind. The teachers do not receive remuneration. Nor do those who give their service in other capacities. All who help on the courses do so as volunteers.
Students can donate according to their volition and means. The average cost per student per course is about R 2,850. These are just the running costs, not including centre development and infrastructure.
These donations are not payment for one’s own course but are an expression of generosity to help others get the same opportunity. “As I got benefit from this course learning about this wonderful path, may others also get benefit from courses as i have.”
The donors themselves benefit from making a difference for others. This is part of one’s development in Dhamma, as Goenkaji explains when he elaborates on the ten paramis (essential wholesome qualities to progress in Dhamma). “Dāna is a very important parami, very important, especially for the householders. This is the basis for a householder to grow in Dhamma.”
The parami (wholesome quality) of dāna (generosity) keeps developing as meditators progress on the path.
On the tenth day of the course, and thereafter, students donate. One can donate towards the general fund or towards specific projects. These donations can only be accepted by those who have completed a ten-day Vipassana course. One must first experience the benefits of the Vipassana course —then the generosity is given with the right understanding. Click here to Donate
Vipassana Association of South Africa is a registered Non-Profit Organization: 028-041-NPO
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