Diversity
We are very fortunate to live in an area rich with people of different colors, genders, backgrounds, cultures and religions.
The California Vipassana Meditation Center, Dhamma Mahavana, welcomes everyone to our courses. We embrace and respect diversity of all people, identities, genders and cultures. Despite our unique lives, when we come to a Vipassana course we are united by a common purpose: to discover the way to self-transformation through self-observation.
Non-sectarian program
Although this teaching comes from Gotama the Buddha, it is presented in a non-sectarian format. The Buddha was not interested in converting people. He had found the path to the end of suffering, and his only interest was to share this with others. It is the same today. The cause of suffering lies within each of us and we only need to look inside to find its solution. This works for anyone regardless of their origins or traditions. And that is what you will learn here.
Languages
When we count up the native languages of the people on our courses, the number often reaches a dozen. We have the facilities to provide the evening discourse and daily instructions in almost 50 languages. When you first apply for a course, you will be asked about your native language and other languages you might also know. You may be asked to complete a language assessment form as part of the processing of your application. This allows us to determine if we have the facilities to serve you on the course and provide you with the materials you will need. We also usually hold annual bi-lingual courses in Mandarin and English. At these courses we ensure there is an interpreter for those students who need it.
Gender diversity
People of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome to our courses.
The campuses at all the meditation centers in this tradition are separated into two sides, one for women and one for men. This extends to the residential accommodations, the walking areas, the dining rooms and the meditation hall. This structure is designed to reduce the tension that derives from the mixing of genders.
We recognize this doesn’t work for everyone and that sometimes members of the LGBTQ community may not feel comfortable on either side of the campus, or having to identify as male or female. If conforming to binary gender separation is a concern for you, please let us know when you apply to the course so that we can try to arrange a space for you where you can feel safe and not distracted while you meditate. You can let us know about your concerns in the section of the application where we ask, “Anything you wish to add to the above information?” We will contact you and together we will try to make a plan that works for you. Your private information is kept confidential for the teacher of the course and for accommodation arrangements only.
Physical health needs
Some applicants may have a special requirement because of a health issue, physical limitation, pregnancy or a medical dietary restriction. We are prepared to accept most people with limitations, but we need to know the extent of someone’s requirements well in advance of their arrival. If you have a special need, please describe in the section “Anything to you wish to add to the above information?” on the application form. We will contact you to discuss your needs.
We can supply back support or chairs for meditation for those who need it.
“When one experiences truth, the madness of finding fault with others disappears.” – SN Goenka
“When one experiences truth, the madness of finding fault with others disappears.”
-SN Goenka
“When one experiences truth, the madness of finding fault with others disappears.”
-SN Goenka
Diversity
We are very fortunate to live in an area rich with people of different colors, genders, backgrounds, cultures and religions.
The California Vipassana Meditation Center, Dhamma Mahavana, welcomes everyone to our courses. We embrace and respect diversity of all people, identities, genders and cultures. Despite our unique lives, when we come to a Vipassana course we are united by a common purpose: to discover the way to self-transformation through self-observation.
Non-sectarian Program
Although this teaching comes from Gotama the Buddha, it is presented in a non-sectarian format. The Buddha was not interested in converting people. He had found the path to the end of suffering, and his only interest was to share this with others. It is the same today. The cause of suffering lies within each of us and we only need to look inside to find its solution. This works for anyone regardless of their origins or traditions. And that is what you will learn here.
Languages
When we count up the native languages of the people on our courses, the number often reaches a dozen. We have the facilities to provide the evening discourse and daily instructions in almost 50 languages. When you first apply for a course, you will be asked about your native language and other languages you might also know. You may be asked to complete a language assessment form as part of the processing of your application. This allows us to determine if we have the facilities to serve you on the course and provide you with the materials you will need. We also usually hold annual bi-lingual courses in Mandarin and English. At these courses we ensure there is an interpreter for those students who need it.
Gender Diversity
People of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome to our courses.
The campuses at all the meditation centers in this tradition are separated into two sides, one for women and one for men. This extends to the residential accommodations, the walking areas, the dining rooms and the meditation hall. This structure is designed to reduce the tension that derives from the mixing of genders.
We recognize this doesn’t work for everyone and that sometimes members of the LGBTQ community may not feel comfortable on either side of the campus, or having to identify as male or female. If conforming to binary gender separation is a concern for you, please let us know when you apply to the course so that we can try to arrange a space for you where you can feel safe and not distracted while you meditate. You can let us know about your concerns in the section of the application where we ask, “Anything you wish to add to the above information?” We will contact you and together we will try to make a plan that works for you. Your private information is kept confidential for the teacher of the course and for accommodation arrangements only.
Physical Health Needs
Some applicants may have a special requirement because of a health issue, physical limitation, pregnancy or a medical dietary restriction. We are prepared to accept most people with limitations, but we need to know the extent of someone’s requirements well in advance of their arrival. If you have a special need, please describe in the section “Anything to you wish to add to the above information?” on the application form. We will contact you to discuss your needs.
We can supply back support or chairs for meditation for those who need it.