What is Vipassana Meditation?

Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living. For those who are not familiar with Vipassana Meditation, an Introduction to Vipassana video by S. N. Goenka is available.

How to learn it?

The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants learn the basics of the method, and practise sufficiently to experience its beneficial results. No previous experience of meditation is required. After reviewing the Code of Discipline for Vipassana courses and checking the course schedule,  you may apply for a course.

Course Finances

Courses are run solely on a donation basis. There are no charges for the courses, not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from those who have completed a course, experienced the benefits of Vipassana, and wish to give others the same opportunity. Neither the Teacher nor the assistant teachers receive remuneration; they and those who organise the courses volunteer their time.

Where to learn it?

Courses are given in numerous Meditation Centers and at non-center course locations at rented sites. Each location has its own schedule of courses. In most cases, an application for admission to each of these courses can be made by clicking on a selected one of the listed course dates that appear in the schedule.

There are numerous Centers in India and elsewhere in Asia/Pacific; ten Centers in North America; three Centers in Latin America; eight Centers in Europe; seven Centers in Australia/New Zealand; one Center in the Middle East and one Center in Africa.

Ten day non-center courses are frequently held at many locations outside of Centers as they are arranged by local students of Vipassana in those areas. An alphabetical list of worldwide course locations is available as well as a graphical interface of course locations worldwide and in India and Nepal.


Vipassana Meditation courses are also being taught in prisons.