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Welcome to Dhamma Sirī
Dhamma Sirī, also known as the Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center, means the prosperity of dhamma in Pali. It is one of numerous centers worldwide dedicated to the teaching of Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
What is Vipassana?
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, an Art of Living.
Vipassana is the process of self-purification by self-observation. One begins by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. Then, with a sharpened awareness, one proceeds to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and egolessness. This truth-realization by direct experience results in mental purification.
The technique is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any organized religion or sectarianism. It can be freely practiced by anyone without conflict due to race, community or religion, and will prove equally beneficial to one and all. You can find out more about the technique by visiting What is Vipassana?.
The following Video Discourse in English by S. N. Goenka (19 minutes) provides a short explanation of the technique of Vipassana meditation:
- Real Video Format (Low Bandwidth: 28K-Dial Up)
- Real Video Format (High Bandwidth: 150K-DSL/Cable)
- Windows Media Video Format
(Excerpted from a Reuters interview of Mr. Goenka during his visit to Belgium in 2002. Download a free copy of the Real Networks Real One Player here*)
Vipassana Courses
To learn Vipassana meditation one needs to develop one’s own experience during a residential ten day course. Courses are held throughout the year at the Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center, Dhamma Siri. Courses are also held in various locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
To understand the prerequisites for course attendance and to apply for a course in at Dhamma Siri please consult the Course Information Page and the associated instructions.
According to the tradition of pure Vipassana, courses are run solely on a donation basis. Donations are accepted only from those who have completed at least one ten-day course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation on the last day of the course or any time thereafter.
Center Location
Dhamma Siri is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Dallas, Texas and a few miles south of the city of Kaufman, Texas. For more information on Dhamma Siri visit The Center Page.
Attending a Course?
Please review The Course Checklist for items and instructions for the course. Also please review The Transportation Information and visit our online Ride Share Board.