Dhamma Nagajjuna Vipassana Meditation Centre

The Indian government is developing a Buddha Park on 285 acres of land in Nagarjuna Sagar. In July 2004 on one side of their project on the edge of the hill they allocated 35 acres of land for the development of a Vipassana center. Goenkaji has named this centre Dhamma Nāgājjuna after the great scholar Acharya Nagarjuna who was the chief abbot of Nalanda University. The centre enjoys a beautiful view of the reservoir and the surrounding hills. Dhamma Nāgājjuna is 160 kms from Hyderabad. From Hyderabad one can go by car (2.5 hour journey) or bus (3.5 hour journey).

By feb 2005, a Mini Dhamma Hall to seat 50 to 70 students, Office, Kitchen, Male and Female dormitory and toilets were constructed. The first 10 day course was held here in August 2005 after an additional dormitory and two single rooms with attached toilets were constructed on both sides. In 2006 construction started in the main course area. Since the environment here is ideal for long courses, it was decided to build individual rooms of 10’x10’ each having its own veranda and toilet. 18 such rooms were built of which 12 were used for males and 6 for females. A circular Mini Dhamma Hall for 50 students was also built by July 2007 and the first 10 day course was held here. Later 6 more rooms were added to the female side. A Pagoda with 64 cells was constructed in 2010 and it can be extended up to 200 cells. In 2014 twenty new rooms were constructed on the male side. The rooms are big enough to accommodate 2 people so 86 students can be accommodated. Every month two 10 day courses are conducted and Childrens’ courses on the last day of 10 day courses, teenagers courses, Satipattana courses and 10 day special are held. The first 20 day course was held in 2011. The first 30 day course was held on 30th of April 2014. The first 45 day course was held in January, 2015.

Developments:

Now in its second decade Dhamma Nāgājjuna has been evolving to meet the growing demand of students who want to attend courses. The completion of Kitchen, Dining Hall and Pagoda is a major accomplishment. These 3 projects have costed the center around 1.5 crores. Huge plantation has taken place in the first decade and now the trees stand tall having grown enough to give the barren land a vibrant lush-green look. Trees of Neem, Lemon, Amla, Mango and Kanuga trees occupy the garden. The garden is producing enough lemon and amla for the students.

Recent additions include Solar Water Heaters, Wood Stove and a Bio Gas plant to utilise the fire wood and food waste. Please click here to see photos

Future Projects:

1. Dhamma Nāgājjuna 2: In order to conduct workshops, 1 to 3 day courses for adults, teenage and children courses along with 10 day courses, the original old center is being converted so that the Dhamma hall can seat 70 students and dormitories are being added.

2. Main Dhamma Hall: Around 100 people are taking courses every month and 1200 people a year. The management feels that this is the time to build the Main Dhamma Hall with the capacity of up to 150 people. So that, we meet the growing demand of students.

3. Male and Female Residences:
Need to increase the accommodation facility from 86 to 150 people. At least, 40 more rooms need to be built.

4. Expansion of Pagoda:
There are 64 cells at the moment and they need to be increased to 150. In the second phase, 48 more cells need to be built, the foundation which already exisits. In the third phase, 38 more cells will be added.