Vipassana is an age old method to get an insight of the true reality. It uses the combination of mindfulness of breathing and the contemplation of impermanence to gain the insight. Observation of breath gradually leads to awareness of perpetual changes involved in breathing and the arising and passing away of mindfulness.
About the Course
The course is held once in a year during holidays which makes it easier to attend. The course has the same curriculum as any other 10 day course. The only difference is that this course is held on a rental facility in Occidental, CA at the CYO Camp. The course is offered to around 240 students.
Heated Comfortable cabins are provided at the course facility with 6 bunk beads in each cabin making it accommodable for 12 people. No private cabins are offered. Mattresses are provided along with the beds. Bathrooms are in a separated heated buildings. Students are supposed to bring their own bed-sheet, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags etc or they can rent the same from the facility at the rate of $15 for each set or $5 per item. The course site in Occidental is rugged, with uneven and sometimes steep terrain, gravel/dirt roads, etc.
Simple vegetarian food is provided and most people with vegan diets or gluten sensitivities find there is enough variety to choose from during the course.
Course Finances
All courses are offered free of charge and are run on a voluntary donation basis only. Donations are accepted only from those who have completed at least one ten-day course. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation on the last day of the course or any time thereafter.
In this way courses are supported by those who have realized for themselves the benefits of the practice. Wishing to share these benefits with others, one gives a donation according to one’s means and volition. Such donations are the only source of funding for course in this tradition around the world. There is no wealthy foundation or individual sponsoring them. Neither the teachers nor the organizers receive any kind of payment for their service. Thus, the spread of Vipassana is carried out with purity of purpose, free from any commercialism.
Website: http://www.sfbayarea.us.dhamma.org/occidental/
Course Schedule: https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/schedules/noncenter/n-ca.us
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