Vipassana Trust

Vipassana Trust
Dhamma Dipa
Harewood End
Hereford HR2 8NG
England

Tel +44 (0)198 9730234 Fax: +44 (0)198 9730450 dhammadipa@compuserve.com

Non-Religious
Vipassana means ‘to see things as they really are'. It is a way of self-purification by self-observation and is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Grounded in reality of self, there is no visualisation, verbalisation or mantras involved but careful observation of the body and self. Today in India over 600 Roman Catholic nuns, for example, use the Vipassana techniques and there is an increasing demand for it around the world whether Eastern or Western cultures are involved. The Trust offers courses in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin as taught by S.N. Goenka. You need to give all your effort on these courses, observing the rules of the house and taking your study seriously. The daily timetable that all are urged to follow starts at 4 am and goes on until 9.30 pm. Noble silence reigns here and there is complete segregation of men and women and this includes married couples and partners. People come here to meditate, serve on courses or to help with improvement of the property which is set in 22 acres of gentle rolling countryside near the cathedral city of Hereford. There are local practising Vipassana groups in London, Bedfordshire, Bristol, Liverpool, Suffolk, Sussex, Devon and Wales. A newsletter is published three times a year giving details of short and long courses throughout Europe with address of Vipassana centers around the world.

Open: All year. Receives men, women and young people for specific courses. 

Rooms: A few singles are available. 15 doubles. 3 dormitories. Men and women are segregated and restricted to their own areas. The rooms for men are basic but beds and central heating is good. The toilet/shower block is modern and clean. Women's quarters are slightly more comfortable.

Spiritual Help: Meditation. Teachers are available to guide students and answer questions about technique. 

Guests Admitted to: Almost everywhere, but male and female guests have designated and separate areas. 

Meals: Men and women eat separately. The food is vegetarian. Special diet arrangements only for specific medically reason. There is a morning and mid-day meals and that is it with only fruit consumed until the next morning- most people find this no problem. It keeps you alert and attentive.

Special Activities: Very specific courses are on offer. Send for information, which fully explains what is on offer and how the courses are run. 

Situation: Quiet in the countryside.

Maximum Stay: None but there is a minimum stay unless it is specifically a 3-day course. 11 days minimum for beginners. 

Bookings: Letter, telephone, fax, e-mail requesting application form that must be completed. 

Charges: Voluntary donations only, according to what people wish to give. 

Access: Sent with booking information. Train, bus and car all possible – but the centre is located up a long lane.