Vipassana International Academy Igatpuri

"Had an opportunity to attend a course called SattiPattana Sutta (STP) in Dhamma Giri which concluded just daybefore Yesterday. This is an advanced course and is offered only to individuals who have completed at least three ten day courses and served as a sevak (volunteer) in atleast one ten day course.

The atmosphere of Dhamma Giri was very serene and during the days of my participation there was rain almost every day. The Vipassana International Academy, Vipassana Research Institute are also adjacent to the Dhamma Giri compound.

Dhamma Giri being an old and established center which would complete fifty years next year was good with facilities like individual rooms, big dhamma hall, good dining facility and individual cells too.

The only disappointment I had during this course was the conduct of the staff of male course office. I think he has to learn to practice better and communicate better (not in a rude manner) with both the course students and sevaks. Am referring here to the person usually in the male course without any sevak id and with spectacles. I hope the management looks into it, as it may be disturbing for a new student and sometimes such incidents can affect the students and take away their focus on the practice. Dhamma Giri should always be a model centre.

Overall I respect, commend & appreciate the works and efforts put by the management and team and sevaks who have made the centre what it is today. I also found the commitment by the team of sevaks during this course very good.

To the participants of the courses my personal request is to try to donate whatever is maximum possible considering that the future courses, the maintenance of existing facilities and expansion and improvement of the infrastructure will be a function of the amount the centre is able to receive from participants. I have never seen any of the Vipassana centres asking/insisting any course student to make a donation, as it is always left as a voluntary deed.

May the centre serve many many people to develop in Dhamma."

Sri Bharath

"The Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy is a Very Famous Vipassana Center in Igatpuri located off the Igatpuri Railway Station and has a Huge Complex which is Very Well Landscaped and Very Well Maintained too. There is plenty of Parking inside, so that is nice. They have a Lovely Exploration Center where there are a Large Number of Paintings with Detailed Explanations Depicting the Life and Times of Lord Gautam Buddha, which is Very Well Done. They also sometimes screen a Short Movie for Visitors. You need to take off your Footwear before entering the Center, which is Very Clean and Well Maintained too. Adjacent to this, there is also a Lovely Buddha Park which is Beautifully Landscaped with 9 Large Plaques covering the Life & Teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha, which is So Beautifully Portrayed. There is also the World Famous Vipassana Academy which offers a Very Popular 10 Days Residential Meditation Program with Accommodation within the Complex itself. A Beautiful, Well Designed and Very Well Maintained Place, which is a Must Visit for all First Time Visitors to Igatpuri."

Trevor Saldanha

"Peaceful Serene experience.
Vipassana dhamma center is the most pure form of dharma in today's world. One must experience it at least once, also the staff was courteous, and the food was heavenly delicious. Close to nature seriously a gateway, timeoff from the real world. Will visit again."

Jeetu Tyagi