Dhamma Delaware Vipassana Meditation Center

Do not expect support, kindness, wisdom, or knowledge from the instructors here. I worry for the safety of any participants that have a difficult experience during a retreat, for they will receive no advice or ongoing support once their ten days ends (or even while it is happening). To be clear, I support this practice but NOT this center. Please look elsewhere if you are interested in a retreat.

The place is conveniently located inside the city of Delaware in a quiet and serene environment perfect for meditation. Dhamma Pubbananda is a relatively new Vipassana center so you can expect pretty modest facilities here, that being said the dhamma servers and staff try their level best to make everything convenient for the meditators. They have many plans for the future and it will definitely be a bigger & better center pretty soon. I did my first 10 day course here in May 2019 and have absolutely nothing to complain of. Looking forward to going/serving in future!

What an incredible place to enter. It seemed as if the birds and trees and squirrels played in a universe of their own. The energy at this place is beautiful. Taking a 10 a day silent course is the most difficult thing I have ever done in life. But there is so much support, great food, comfortable beds. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to stay at Dhamma Pubbananda

Amazing experience. Beautiful facility and the teachers and servers are so kind and wonderful. Those who own/run the center have such kind and beautiful hearts. A wonderful experience I would recommend everyone try at least once in their life. So life changing and an amazing opportunity.

This place is still being developed. The piece of land is nice, but currently there's not much room to walk or sit outside. The buildings are also being renovated. I was in building 1 for my stay. It was very nice. For those that have done a retreat before, know that Dhamma Delaware is not in the middle of nowhere. It's in a mostly quiet suburban area. Dhamma Delaware will continue to improve aesthetically and functionally. The volunteers are so kind and the food is great. I really can't say enough about how wonderful the people are here.

Dhamma Delaware is a mediation center that teaches the technique of Vipassana meditation. A technique that comes from Gautama, the Buddha. It is this technique that gave rise the many branches of Buddhism today. However, like Christianity, it was never meant to be a religion in the conventional sense. Gautama and Jesus taught people how to achieve lasting peace and harmony through the purity of mind and heart in their present lives. To come out of negativity, judgment, and misery. If you seek such a life, then go to Dhamma Delaware or any of the many Dhamma Centers throughout the world and make a ten day course. They charge nothing and give you comfortable housing and delicious vegetarian food for the entire time. All you need to do is learn and practice Vipassana meditation. It's not easy but with a focused mind and open heart, anyone can do it. Check it out, you won't regret it.

I’m considering to go here the second time, most likely for shorter period and to serve; last time the meditation gave me an experience of feeling THE consciousness in my body, and moreover i was able to move it different directions within my body. Granted i was following all instructions and gave my best efforts, sitting throughout the whole meditation times, speaking with teachers, doing the hard work, looking for answers within myself, and not looking for verifications from the outside (and no, it’s not a place for unstable, suicide-prone, depressed, heavily medicated individuals, and vipassana meditation is not a magic pill to swallow). Staff there is great, food is absolutely delicious and vegetarian, meditation really works and helps in achieving whatever goals you came there for. Thank you, Dhamma Delaware ??

Ten days are spent there were among the most peaceful days of my life in recent years and gave me a way to stop and think over what I am doing in my life. I think everyone should do a 10 day silent retreat at least once. One of the best experiences of my life.

I was fortunate to take my first 10-day course here in January (2018). All staff were exceedingly kind and considerate in taking care of us throughout the retreat. Ample communication and support opportunities were offered for those who needed them. For example, on a given day any student has the opportunity for: a private interview with the assistant teacher (with a residence manager present), small-group interviews after the some afternoon sits, and open time after the evening dhamma talk to bring any questions to the teacher in the dhamma hall. The residence manager made sure we all understood that their door was open around the clock if any issues with accommodations or personal emergencies came up. I felt deeply cared for and surrounded by support throughout my stay, despite the potentially alienating conditions of a silent meditation retreat. To me that is a beautiful accomplishment on the part of the center and I am very grateful for it. The teachings and practice environment offered here have been so helpful to me, and I hope others will find them beneficial as well!

Highly recommend to visit and take the 10 day course. And try not to leave half way. They serve excellent vegetarian food, prepared by volunteers. Meditation for long hours is not easy, but they provide excellent environment for us to stay focused and start on the journey.

Meditation course is rejuvinating experience. Its completely free as it works on donation and service from old student. It definitely has improved my stress, anxiety and brought much happiness, peace in family and work.

I attended a 10 day silent meditation retreat here from July 19th - 30th. The entire program was very well run, particularly considering that everything is basically volunteer run. I would highly recommend this retreat center to anyone who is considering doing a silent meditation retreat.

If you are serious about meditation and committed to taking the next steps to practice it in your daily life, this center is a great resource. The organization makes it very clear that it is not appropriate for all. Individuals with health issues are advised against participation. People have appled to Vipassana courses with the unrealistic expectation that the technique will cure or alleviate their problems. Unstable interpersonal relationships and a history of various treatments can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from, or even complete, a course. Applicants are screened and advised that being "....a nonprofessional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with these backgrounds. Although Vipassana meditation is beneficial for most people, it is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and we do not recommend it for people with serious psychiatric disorders." It is a community of practice not a spa or wellness center staffed by professionals. I found it very beneficial and it has helped me look at life with a more peaceful perspective.

I attended the last 10day programme ending 10th sep 2017. Really wonderful experience. Precise external settings to corner the mind - the toughest task. I am sure to reap long term benefits. Thanks to one and all concerned.