Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living.
The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants learn the basics of the method, and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results. There are no charges for the courses - not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to also benefit.
Residences The men’s and women’s residences have single, double and triple rooms with bathrooms. Single rooms cannot be be reserved.n the summer months, some male students may be housed in outdoor tents and cabins. Indoor accommodations are first reserved for students who must be inside due to physical or health limitations, so please come prepared to be accommodated outdoors. Tents are on platforms measuring 8′ x 10′ and 10′ x 12′ and are large enough to stand up in. Cabins are partitioned to accommodate four people. They are unheated and have no source of electricity. Temperatures throughout the summer can range from 40 degrees F.(4C) at night to 100 degrees F. (38C) in the afternoon, and in the spring and fall, from 30 degrees F.(-2C) to 70 degrees F.(22C). Be aware that temperatures at the center can range 10 degrees F.(6C) to 30 degrees F. (18C) cooler than the states south of Massachusetts. Therefore, please be prepared by bringing enough warm clothing. During the camping season we do accept some students with their own tents. If you are interested in this possibility please inform us when you apply. For those needing local accommodations before or after your course, see the Local Accommodations section of the Directions and Travel page.
On Travel Arrangements Please make all of your travel plans (to and from) before arriving at the center, as you will not have access to your cell phone from the time the course begins until after the course is completed. Please ensure that your departure time from the Center is after 7:30AM. This will allow adequate time for the closing of the course on the final day. Students should make proper travel arrangements, allowing sufficient time for travel to and from bus and train stations and airports. If you have any difficulty, please do not hesitate to call us at (413) 625-2160 x0. Dhamma Dharā has no affiliation with any of the below travel services. Please send corrections to the Webmaster. Travel Information By Car, Bus, and Air: Dhamma Dharā is located in the town of Shelburne, Massachusetts, approximately 6 miles west of the the town of Greenfield, 6 miles east of the village of Shelburne Falls, in the western part of the state.