Course Information
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Basics
How do I learn Vipassana?
New students learn Vipassana by taking an intensive, residential ten-day course. Instructions are provided by S.N. Goenka on video and audio tapes. One or more assistant teachers are also present to provide guidance and answer any questions about the technique.
After reviewing information about the program, course requirements, and the Code of Discipline, you can check the Course Schedule to see which dates are available and register for a course either online, by fax, or by mail. To register by fax or by mail, contact the Registrar and the number below.
How much does a course cost?
Each student who attends a Vipassana course is given this gift by a previous student. There is no charge for either the teaching, or for room and board. All Vipassana courses worldwide are run on a strictly voluntary donation basis. At the end of your course, if you have benefited from the experience, you are welcome to donate for the coming course, according to your volition and your means.
Are there courses shorter than ten days?
Actually, the ten-day course is the minimum; it provides an essential introduction and foundation to the technique. To develop in the practice is a lifetime job. Experience over generations has shown that if Vipassana is taught in periods of less than ten days, the student does not get a sufficient experiential grasp of the technique. Traditionally, Vipassana was taught in retreats lasting seven weeks. With the dawning of the 20th century, the teachers of this tradition began to experiment with shorter times to suit the quickening pace of life. They tried thirty days, two weeks, ten days, down to seven days--and they found that less than ten days is not enough time for the mind to settle down and work deeply with the mind-body phenomenon.
How many students attend each course?
Course size varies, ranging from approximately 15 to 35 students. Courses that fall during a holiday generally have higher attendance.
What kind of food is served?
The menu is a simple and nutritious vegetarian menu. Special diets due to medical conditions and serious allergies can be accommodated with advance notice. Please discuss any dietary issues with the Registrar during the registration process.
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Register
Register Online
Unless otherwise specified online registration is available for all courses. Please follow the steps below:
Register via Fax or Mail
You can also register for a course via fax or mail. To contact the Registrar, please send an email to info@hk.dhamma.org or call at 852-2671 7031.
Guidelines
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One form per course
You must submit a separate form for each course for which you apply.
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One form per person
Each individual must submit their own application (i.e. one form per person).
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Changing courses
If, after submitting a course application, you wish to change your original course date for a different one (at another time), it would be helpful if you would submit a new application. This will save the registrar time and avoid possible confusion in the system.
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Checklist
Please find below the information for those who have been accepted for a meditation course at the Hong Kong Vipassana Meditation Center.
If you have any further questions regarding the courses, please do not hesitate to contact the Registrar at info@hk.dhamma.org or 852-2671 7031.
Confirm Registration
If you have not reconfirmed by the 14th Day (two weeks) before your course starts, your space may be given to someone on the Waiting List.
There are sometimes waitlists for courses. To ensure your spot in a course and to help with planning for the course, we ask that you reconfirm your registration (by phone or email) 3-4 weeks before the course begins.
Although you may have received confirmation from the registration office, we understand that circumstances may change. You are asked to reconfirm your registration, with your transportation details, so that the Center knows when to expect you. Whether you are still able to attend or not, we ask that you let us know. If you are unable to attend, someone else on the waiting list may be able to utilize that spot.
You may e-mail your reconfirmation to info@hk.dhamma.orgor you may call 852-2671 7031.
Code of Discipline
If you have not already done so, please read the Code of Discipline.
This document contains important information about the content, structure, and rules of the course. By submitting your application, you have agreed to follow the "CODE OF DISCIPLINE" during this course.
Clothing
NO SHORTS, TANK TOPS, TIGHTS OR REVEALING CLOTHING.
Tights or leggings should be worn only under a knee-length top or shirt. Please read the CODE OF DISCIPLINE carefully and note the rules regarding clothing.
Please anticipate your individual needs in this environment. The rooms and the meditation hall are climate-controlled by central heat and air conditioning. Many people like a sweater, shawl or light blanket in the meditation hall. As outdoor shoes are not worn in the meditation hall, dining hall or residential quarters, it is advisable to bring shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Bring sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay. Although automated laundry facilities are not available, facilities are available for hand wash and line dry.
Toiletries
NO PERFUMED OR SCENTED CREAMS, POWDERS, SHAVING LOTIONS, ETC.
Bring all items necessary for personal hygiene such as:
- Towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Bath soap
- Shampoo / conditioner
- Shaving/Sanitary supplies
Bedding
A single bed with a mattress is provided. Please bring sheets, pillow, and blanket or sleeping bag.
Meditation Cushions
Meditation cushions are provided. You may bring your own meditation cushion if you desire. Please request a chair if you need one on the first day of the course after your arrival.
Other Articles
Please do not bring unnecessary valuables or jewelry. Also, please do not bring food items, books, radios, computers, tape players, writing materials, journals, or religious objects.
All cell phones, palm pilots, pagers and other communication devices will need to be checked in with the management on the first day. Checked items will be returned when the course is over.
It is advisable to bring a watch and/or a non-ticking alarm clock. You may want to bring a flashlight and a small umbrella. Bring walking shoes if you want to do any walking exercise during the course.
Arrival and Departure Times
Please arrive between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on the day the course begins. A light meal and orientation will follow after registration. If your arrival will be delayed past 6:00 PM on the day the course begins please contact both the Meditation Center at 852-2671 7031. If you have not arrived by 6:00 PM, and we haven't heard from you, we will assume you are not coming, and your seat may be given to another student.
The course will end at approximately 7:00 AM on the last day after breakfast and a short clean-up. All new students, as well as returning students taking a full course, are expected to remain until the very end of the course.
Cancellation Instructions
It takes a tremendous amount of planning and expense to organize each of our 10-day residential courses. The courses at Hong Kong Vipassana Meditation Center are usually between 15 and 35 students and are run strictly on a donation basis. These courses are the only events at the facility; so it is essential to know the exact number of participants for each course.
If for any reason you will not be able to attend, it is essential for you to cancel, even if it is the day of the course. You many cancel by sending an e-mail to info@hk.dhamma.org, or by calling the Registrar at 852-2671 7031.
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Transportation
Take the MTR East Rail Line to Sheung Shui Station. Change to a GMB (Green Mini Bus) No. 50K from Sheung Shui Station to Hang Tau. Alight at the Jockey Club Back Gate. Walk back for 25 meters and turn left to a footpath leading to the entrance of the HKVMC.
May all beings be happy!
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