Meditation hall at UK Vipassana Centre
Courses may be residential or non-residential. They are all organised by non-profit Vipassana organisations at various locations around the world. They also vary in duration and age range [see Courses for children 8-12 years and Courses for teens].
Non-residential courses at Vipassana centres or rented sites are nearly always one day in length. Quite often meals are provided but sometimes the students are asked to bring their own lunch. Occasionally at some schools, a two day program is held and students go home overnight.
Residential Anapana courses are for 2 or 3 days and all meals are provided. Students have to stay within the course premises for the entire duration of the course. They are also expected to refrain from all kinds of religious practices or other disciplines for that period. Boys and girls are segregated in the Meditation hall and for other activities. They have separate accommodation, usually in dormitories. Most centres have a pleasant environment and walking areas.
Children's course at Vipassana Centre in Germany
Various institutions may host Anapana courses. These have been held at schools, orphan homes, homes for children with disabilities, juvenile homes, etc. at their request and subject to certain formalities for the benefit of their children. Such institutions are encouraged to give the children an opportunity to continue practicing Anapana for a short period of 10 -15 minutes each day.
Trained Children's Course Teachers supervise the meditation periods and check on the understanding of each student. Other adult helpers are assigned to small groups of children during other activities, during which simple materials for reading, drawing, games etc. are generally provided.
Activity period in South Africa
All courses are run solely on the basis of voluntarily offered donations. There is no fee charged. The courses are financed by donations from the students who have completed a prior course and wish to share the benefits they themselves received by giving donations for the students who come after them.
Please visit www.dhamma.org
