by Jeff Waye
Article reproduced courtesy of The Alliston Herald
February 2004

"One need only glance at the front page of a daily newspaper to be reminded of the acute suffering and deep despair which inflict the inhabitants of our planet. Is there a way out of these seemingly insoluble problems?  The answer is unequivocally, yes."  These are the words spoken by S.N. Goenka who began teaching Vipassana Meditation courses in India in 1969.  It certainly does appear to be true that in this fast paced and sometimes confusing world in which we now live, many people are looking for ways to find some sort of balance.  For a growing number of people, meditation is collecting approval.

After countless years of conducting courses at rented sites, the Ontario Vipassana Foundation has recently purchased property nestled in a thickly-forested area of Essa Township on Simcoe County Road 56.  The centre kicked off its first set of courses in the fall of 2003, drawing people from all over the province to the hamlet of Egbert.

According to the brochure, Introduction to Vipassana Meditation, Vipassana means 'to see things as they really are.'

'Vipassana is one of India's most ancient meditation technique's which was rediscovered 2,500 years ago by Gotama the Buddha.  Central to the teachings of the Buddha, this practice works on the basis that all human beings share the same problems.  Everyone faces the problems of suffering -- it is a universal disease which requires a universal remedy, not a sectarian one.'

For this reason the practice has an appeal to people of all backgrounds and of any religion and no religion.

Ten days of sustained practice has been found to be the minimum amount of time in which the essentials of this technique can be learned.

For this reason the usual course offered is a 10-day residential course.  During this period, students are provided with everything they need as they meditate for 10 to 12 hours each day in a meditation hall.

Vegetarian meals along with a noiseless, wordless environment allow meditators to taste the way of life in a monastery.  Due to the nature of the course (10 days of introspection), tremendous effort is required and invaluable life changes can be expected.

Students who complete the standard 10-day course may then participate in various other courses.  Bill Hamilton, an assistant teacher at the centre said, "Enrolling in courses longer than ten days duration requires several years of practice to be fully grounded in the teaching."

Through the guidance of Goenka, Vipassana has spread throughout the world and received a considerable amount of attention.  To date, Goenka has trained more than 700 assistant teachers who conduct courses in over 90 countries.  Furthermore, in recent years Vipassana has been successfully introduced to prisons in many countries of the world as a method of rehabilitation or "self observation and self correction" said Goenka.

In fact, the Indian government has recommended Vipassana as a reform measure for all jails throughout India.

Vipassana Meditation is not taught commercially and no one involved in its teaching receives any remuneration.

"Nobody's getting paid here," said Bob Wagester who has been staying at the centre since May of 2003. "The practice exists because "old students" volunteer their service."

Likewise, there is no fee for the courses.  All expenses are met by donations from those who have completed a course and wish to impart the same opportunity to others.

An "Open House" will be held at the Essa location May 16, 2004 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and all are welcome.

To learn more about the technique of Vipassana Meditation online, visit www.torana.dhamma.org or contact the Ontario Vipassana Centre at +1 705-434-9850. The Ontario Vipassana Foundation is a registered, non-profit organization.

Peace abounds -- 
A student heads along a path to the dining hall at the Vipassana Meditation Centre
in Essa Township. The not-for-profit centre purchased the land
on County Road 56 and opened last fall.
(Special Herald photo by Jeff Waye)

Ontario Vipassana Centre - 6486 Simcoe County Road 56, Egbert, Ontario, L0L 1N0, Canada
Phone: +1 705-434-9850 Fax: +1 866-691-5214 E-mail: info@torana.dhamma.org
Registration: +1 416-342-6229 E-mail: registration@torana.dhamma.org
Web: www.torana.dhamma.org
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The Ontario Vipassana Centre is owned and operated by the Ontario Vipassana Foundation which is a registered non-profit charitable organization (Charity Number BN 87365 6219 RR0001)