Vipassana meditation has three practical aspects to develop. Firstly, throughout the 10 days you will follow Sīla, a code of conduct whereby you refrain from speech and actions that are harmful to yourself and others. Secondly, for the first three and a half days you will practice Anapana Meditation, the observation of the breath, to help calm down and concentrate the mind. And thirdly, from Day 4 onward, you will practice Vipassana, the meditation of mental purification by insight.

You will be given instructions regularly every day. As well, the teachers will meet with you in small groups to see that you are practicing correctly. There will be other opportunities to meet with them on your own if you wish. Every evening you will hear a talk of about one hour on the practice by our late teacher, S.N. Goenka.

On Day 10 you will learn a new meditation of Mettā, loving kindness, and then the rule of silence will end. You will then have time to talk to those with whom you have spent the last 9 nine days in silence.

At about 6:40 am on Day 11, after the final talk, the course is officially over. Breakfast is offered and students take the time to clean their rooms and help prepare the centre for the next group of students. Since the centre is maintained by volunteers, this help you give at the end of the course is very much appreciated. Most of you will have left by 9:30 am.

This course of meditation is a very serious undertaking. If you feel you are really ready to take this course, to work diligently on the course and to follow the instructions carefully, you will gain a great gift of wisdom. If you maintain your practice of meditation it will be a jewel and a refuge to you for the rest of your life.

Course Menu

A simple vegetarian menu (see below for approximate menu), developed to satisfy the needs of most students, is offered at all courses. Each morning, oatmeal porridge, cold cereal, and toast are served as well as stewed and fresh fruit. Lunch consists of rice and vegetables, and a protein such as tofu, lentils, beans or paneer. This meal is served with a salad and condiments such as grated carrots and beets, garbanzo beans, sunflower seeds, raisins. At 5:00 p.m. a light evening snack is served of fruit and tea.

We regret we are unable to accommodate special food requests beyond the menu offered. However, if you have food requirements because of a medically diagnosed condition such as diabetes or pregnancy, please fully disclose your situation on your application form so we can see if we can meet your needs. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Please do not bring any food to the centre.

Lunch Menu Summary

Day Zero – Supper:

• Green Lentil Soup
• Southern Style Cornbread
• Green Salad

Day One:

• Pasta Primavera
• Rich Lentil Salad
• Blanched Kale
• Herb Bread
• White & Brown Rice
• Green Salad

Day Two:

• Red Lentil Dahl
• Orange Rice
• Blanched Bok Choy
• Brown Rice
• Green Salad
• Mango Lassi

Day Three:

• Thai Tofu Stir-Fry
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• White & Brown Rice
• Green Salad

Day Four:

• Borscht
• Persian Rice
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts
• Brown Rice
• Green Salad
• Cassava Cake

Day Five:

• Saag Paneer
• Carrot Salad
• White & Brown Rice
• Green Salad

Day Six:

• Mushroom Stir-fry
• Roast Potatoes
• Asian Cole Slaw
• White & Brown Rice , Green Salad
• Mango Swirl

Day Seven:

• White and Brown rice
• Mung Dahl
• Vegetable Green Curry
• Blanched Bok Choy
• Green Salad

Day Eight:

• White and Brown Rice
• Baked Lemon Miso Tofu
• Squash Soup
• Spinach Salad
• Green Salad
• Chocolate Cake

Day Nine:

• Brown Rice
• Grain Pilaf with Yeast Gravy
• Roasted Beets
• Blanched Kale
• Green Salad

Day Ten:

• Vegetarian Chili
• Southern Style Corn Bread
• Blanched Broccoli
• White & Brown Rice Green Salad
• Peach Rhubarb Crisp

Day Ten Supper:

• Split Pea Soup