Unofficial Guide
Everything You Need to Know
About Vipassana Meditation
Considering a 10-day silent meditation retreat? This site is a companion guide to dhamma.org, with honest answers to your questions, preparation tips, and personal experience from a practitioner with 60 days of courses completed.
What is Vipassana?
Vipassana means “to see things as they really are.” It is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques, rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. It was taught as a universal remedy for universal ills — an Art of Living.
The technique is taught through 10-day residential courses at centers around the world. During these courses, participants follow a prescribed Code of Discipline, learn the basics of the method, and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results.
The courses are entirely free. There are no charges — not even to cover food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who have completed a course and wish to give others the same opportunity.
Explore the Guide
Guide to dhamma.org
Step-by-step walkthrough of finding a center, understanding course types, and completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers about noble silence, the daily schedule, physical challenges, and what really happens during 10 days.
Preparation Guide
What to pack, how to prepare mentally and physically, and tips from someone who has done six courses.
Personal Experience
An honest account of doing Vipassana as a tech professional — the good, the hard, and the transformative.