Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy
Igatpuri, India
- Attend a Vipassana meditation course
- Engage in silent self-reflection
- Meditate in the Golden Pagoda
- Practice mindful walking
- Study Vipassana literature in the library
Known for:
Description:
The Vipassana International Academy, also known as Dhamma Giri, in Igatpuri, India, is the principal center for Vipassana meditation. It offers rigorous residential courses in Vipassana, an ancient Indian meditation technique focused on self-observation and mindfulness. For tourists seeking spiritual enrichment and inner peace, Dhamma Giri provides a unique opportunity to learn and practice this technique in a serene and conducive environment. The academy's sprawling campus includes meditation halls, residential accommodations, and a library. While not a typical tourist attraction, it welcomes serious students of meditation from all over the world. Visitors should be prepared for a structured daily schedule and a commitment to silence and introspection. It's a place for profound self-discovery, not sightseeing.
History:
Dhamma Giri was established in 1976 by S.N. Goenka, a renowned teacher of Vipassana meditation. Goenka, trained in Burma, aimed to revive and disseminate this ancient technique, making it accessible to people of all backgrounds and faiths. The academy quickly grew into a global center for Vipassana practice, attracting students from around the world. Over the years, Dhamma Giri has played a pivotal role in popularizing Vipassana meditation globally. The Golden Pagoda, a prominent landmark within the academy, was completed in 2008 and houses the relics of the Buddha. The academy continues to offer courses and retreats, preserving and promoting the teachings of Vipassana as passed down through a lineage of teachers.