in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin
Course Schedule
Center Location: Website | Map
** Unless noted otherwise, course instructions are given in the following language(s): English
Surrounded by trees, grass and spring fed ponds, the center provides a supportive atmosphere where one can learn the practice of Vipassana meditation. This technique, discovered by Buddha twenty-five centuries ago, uses the breath and one's own body as the basis for developing concentration and insight. The courses provide a unique opportunity to direct one's attention inward, and set about a process of inner discovery through direct experience.
- Access the application form by clicking Apply for the desired course. Old students will be given the option to serve.
- Please carefully read the Introduction to the Technique and Code of Discipline which you will be asked to follow during your course.
- Fully and completely fill out all the sections of application form and submit it. An application is required to register for all courses.
- Await notification. All correspondence will be through e-mail if you give an e-mail address in your application. Due to the large volume of applications, it may take up to two weeks before receiving notification.
- If your application is accepted then we require you to confirm you will be attending in order to secure your place in the course.
Illinois Vipassana Meditation Center -- Dhamma Pakasa | General Course Registration |
- No Covid vaccination required
- No masking required
- No antigen or PCR test required
- Rideshare and public transportation allowed
Illness While At The Center: Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to accommodate course participants who arrive or become ill while at the Center. Participants with signs and symptoms of Covid-19 or other influenza-like symptoms (including stomach flu) will be asked to leave as soon as possible. Anyone who is unable to independently go home or to a safe destination, will need to ask their emergency contact for assistance. Please make arrangements for this possibility prior to the course.
Although the Center is taking precautions, there still remains the risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other contagious illness while at the Center. If you are at risk of serious illness from such exposures, it is advised that you not place yourself at risk by coming to the Center. |
Rideshare: Ride offers are on a volunteer basis and there is no guarantee that a ride will be available from your area. Alternate means of transportation should be considered well in advance. If you need a ride or if you're willing to give a ride to another student, we have course-specific Rideshare board. You will find the link to the Rideshare board for your course in the acceptance letter under the Directions and Transportation section.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: [email protected]
CHECK SPAM/JUNK MAIL or you may miss important email communications.
See Comments for any special instructions for events in this section.
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | Jul 26 | Teen | Girls - Open Boys - Closed Servers - Open | Pecatonica |
For Girls ages 13-17 yrs |
| Apply | Jul 27 | Teen | Girls - Closed Boys - Open Servers - Open | Pecatonica |
For Boys ages 13-17 yrs |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16 | Teen | Applications accepted starting Apr 01 | Pecatonica | ||
| May 17 | Teen | Applications accepted starting Apr 02 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jul 25 | Teen | Applications accepted starting Jun 10 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jul 26 | Teen | Applications accepted starting Jun 11 | Pecatonica |
See Comments for any special instructions for events in this section.
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 03 - Oct 05 | 2-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 19 | Pecatonica |
New Course!!For old students |
|
| Nov 12 - Nov 16 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 28 | Pecatonica |
New Course!!For old students |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 25 - Mar 01 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Dec 25 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Jun 17 - Jun 21 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 17 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Dec 16 - Dec 20 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 16 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
See Comments for any special instructions for events in this section.
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | Jul 20 - Jul 25 |
House & Garden Work Period |
In Progress | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Work Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
| Apply | Jul 28 - Jul 30 |
Between Course Work Period |
Servers - Open | Pecatonica |
For old students |
| Apply | Jul 30 - Aug 10 | 10-Day | Women - Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Women - Open Servers - Men - Wait List | Pecatonica | |
| Apply | Aug 10 - Aug 13 |
Between Course Work Period |
Servers - Open | Pecatonica |
For old students |
| Apply | Aug 13 - Aug 24 | 10-Day | Women - Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Women - Open Servers - Men - Wait List | Pecatonica |
*** Servers Needed *** |
| Apply | Aug 24 - Aug 27 |
Between Course Work Period |
Servers - Open | Pecatonica |
For old students |
| Apply | Aug 27 - Sep 07 | 10-Day | New Women - Wait List Old Women - Open Men - Wait List Servers - Open | Pecatonica |
*** Servers Needed *** |
| Sep 07 - Sep 10 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Jul 24 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Apply | Sep 10 - Sep 21 | 10-Day | Women - Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Open | Pecatonica | |
| Sep 21 - Oct 03 |
House & Garden Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Aug 07 | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Work Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Oct 05 - Oct 08 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Aug 21 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Oct 08 - Oct 19 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 08 | Pecatonica | ||
| Oct 19 - Oct 22 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 04 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Oct 22 - Nov 02 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 22 | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 02 - Nov 07 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 18 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Nov 05 - Nov 16 | 10-Day | CANCELLED | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 08 - Nov 09 |
Annual Trust Retreat/Old Student Program |
Applications accepted starting Sep 24 | Pecatonica |
For old students Annual Trust Retreat; all old students are encouraged to apply and attend. |
|
| Nov 10 - Nov 12 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 26 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Nov 16 - Nov 19 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 02 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Nov 19 - Nov 30 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 19 | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 30 - Dec 03 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 16 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Dec 03 - Dec 14 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 03 | Pecatonica | ||
| Dec 14 - Dec 20 |
Between Course Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 30 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Dec 20 - Dec 31 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 20 | Pecatonica |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 - Jan 06 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Nov 17 | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Service Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jan 07 - Jan 18 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Nov 07 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jan 18 - Jan 20 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Dec 04 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jan 21 - Feb 05 | 14 Day Gratitude Course | Applications accepted starting Nov 21 | Pecatonica |
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements |
|
| Feb 05 - Feb 10 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Dec 22 | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Service Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Feb 11 - Feb 22 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Dec 11 | Pecatonica | ||
| Feb 22 - Feb 24 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jan 08 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Mar 01 - Mar 03 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jan 15 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Mar 04 - Mar 15 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jan 04 | Pecatonica | ||
| Mar 15 - Mar 17 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jan 29 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Mar 18 - Mar 29 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jan 18 | Pecatonica | ||
| Mar 29 - Mar 31 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Feb 12 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Apr 01 - Apr 12 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Feb 01 | Pecatonica | ||
| Apr 12 - Apr 24 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Feb 26 | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Service Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Apr 24 - Apr 26 |
Service Period For Open House |
Applications accepted starting Mar 01 | Pecatonica |
For old students Servers coming to serve open house apply here. |
|
| Apr 25 | Open House | Applications accepted starting Mar 11 | Pecatonica | ||
| Apr 27 - Apr 28 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Mar 13 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Apr 29 - May 10 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Feb 28 | Pecatonica | ||
| May 10 - May 15 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Mar 26 | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Service Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| May 18 - May 19 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Apr 03 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| May 20 - May 31 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Mar 20 | Pecatonica | ||
| May 31 - Jun 02 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Apr 16 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jun 03 - Jun 14 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 03 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jun 14 - Jun 16 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Apr 30 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jun 21 - Jun 23 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting May 07 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jun 24 - Jul 05 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 24 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jul 05 - Jul 07 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting May 21 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jul 08 - Jul 19 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting May 08 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jul 19 - Jul 24 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Jun 04 | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Service Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jul 27 - Jul 28 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jun 12 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Jul 29 - Aug 09 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting May 29 | Pecatonica | ||
| Aug 09 - Aug 11 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jun 25 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Aug 12 - Aug 23 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jun 12 | Pecatonica | ||
| Aug 23 - Aug 25 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jul 09 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Aug 26 - Sep 06 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jun 26 | Pecatonica | ||
| Sep 06 - Sep 08 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jul 23 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Sep 09 - Sep 20 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jul 09 | Pecatonica | ||
| Sep 20 - Oct 04 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Aug 06 | Pecatonica |
For old students House & Garden Service Period: A few times a year we set aside time to work on larger maintenance, construction, household, and gardening projects. The daily program includes three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Oct 05 - Oct 06 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Aug 21 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Oct 07 - Oct 18 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 07 | Pecatonica | ||
| Oct 18 - Oct 20 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 03 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Oct 21 - Nov 01 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 21 | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 01 - Nov 03 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 17 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Nov 04 - Nov 13 | Satipatthana Sutta | Applications accepted starting Sep 04 | Pecatonica |
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements |
|
| Nov 14 - Nov 15 |
Annual Trust Retreat/Old Student Program |
Applications accepted starting Sep 30 | Pecatonica |
For old students Annual Trust Retreat; all old students are encouraged to apply and attend. |
|
| Nov 16 - Nov 17 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 02 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Nov 18 - Nov 29 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 18 | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 29 - Dec 01 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 15 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Dec 02 - Dec 13 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 02 | Pecatonica | ||
| Dec 13 - Dec 15 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 29 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| Dec 20 - Dec 22 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Nov 05 | Pecatonica |
For old students Between Course Service Period: A time to clean the center, mow the grass, replenish the food, and generally get ready for the next course. The daily program includes three group sittings. Full-time and Part-time are welcome. |
|
| December 23, 2026 - January 03, 2027 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 23 | Pecatonica |
All old students must register online to attend one day courses in Ravenswood - Chicago.
Information about additional one-day courses is (or may be) listed on the Old Student portal of Dhamma Pakasa website: https://pakasa.dhamma.org/
The online application form encrypts your information before it is sent from your computer to our application server. However, it may not be totally secure even though encryption is used. If you are concerned about the possibility of security risks of your confidential information while it is on the Internet, do not use this form and instead download an application. Print and complete it. Then please send the form to the course organizers. By faxing or posting your application form it may delay the registration process by one to two weeks.
To access the Old Student Regional Site please click http://pakasa.dhamma.org/os. A user name and password will be required to access these pages.
Questions may be addressed to Email: [email protected]
All courses are run solely on a donation basis. All expenses are met by donations from those who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the same opportunity. Neither the Teacher nor the assistant teachers receive remuneration; they and those who serve the courses volunteer their time. Thus Vipassana is offered free from commercialisation.
Old students are those who have completed a 10-day Vipassana Meditation course with S.N. Goenka or his Assistant Teachers. Old students have the opportunity to provide Dhamma Service at the courses listed.
Bilingual courses are courses which are taught in two languages. All students will hear daily meditation instructions in both languages. The evening discourses will be heard separately.
Meditation courses are held at both center and non-center locations. Meditation centers are dedicated facilities where courses are held regularly throughout the year. Before meditation centers were established in this tradition, all courses were held at temporary sites, such as campgrounds, religious retreat centers, churches and the like. Today, in regions where centers have not yet been established by local students of Vipassana who live in the area, 10 Day meditation courses are held at non-center course sites.
10-day Courses are an introductory course to Vipassana Meditation where the technique is taught step-by-step each day. The courses begin after a 2 - 4 pm registration period and orientation, followed by 10 full days of meditation, and end the morning of the 11th day by 7:30 am.
Open Houses are held between meditation courses. All are welcome to attend and learn about Vipassana Meditation and the Center.
Teenagers' Anapana Courses are available for teens in different age ranges from 13-18 years old. Their parents/guardians do not have to be Vipassana meditators.
Please see our Children's and Teens' webpage for more information.
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements
Old Student Short Courses (1-3 days) are for any student who has completed the 10-day course with S.N. Goenka and his assistant teachers. All old students are welcome to apply to attend these courses, including those where it has been some time since their last course.
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements
Old Student Programs are similar to Service Periods where there is time to work on a variety of Centre maintenance, construction, household and gardening projects, but have a more full and structured program, an opportunity to meet with assistant teachers, and possibly committee and trust meetings. All Old Students are welcome to participate. The daily program will include three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods and in the evening there will be tapes played of special discourses and talks that S.N. Goenka has given to Old Students.
Satipatthana Sutta Courses have the same timetable and discipline as 10-day courses. The difference is that in the taped evening discourses the Satipatthana Sutta is carefully examined. This is the principal text in which the technique of Vipassana is systematically explained. These courses are open to serious old students who have sat (not including courses served) at least three 10-day courses, have not been practising any other meditation techniques since last 10-day course, have been practising this technique of Vipassana for at least one year, and who are trying to maintain their meditation practice and the five precepts in their daily lives, at the very minimum from the time of applying to the course.
Service Periods have been set aside to work on a variety of Centre maintenance, construction, household and gardening projects. All Old Students are welcome to apply. The daily program will include three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. On selected evenings, there will be tapes played of special discourses and talks that S.N. Goenka has given to Old Students.
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements
The 14-Day Gratitude Course was previously called the Teacher's Self Course. One of the qualities we develop as we meditate is gratitude - gratitude towards one’s teachers, Goenkaji and Mataji, and towards the long tradition of Vipassana teachers, right back to the Buddha.
The course is open to old students who are active in giving service. Requirements include 3 x 10day courses plus one Satipaṭṭhāna course, being active in Dhamma service, trying to maintain two-hour daily practice since last 10-Day course, and trying to maintain the five precepts to the best of one's ability. Local teacher’s recommendation is required. The course follows the usual format of 3x group sittings with instructions in the day, but students work more independently and the teaching materials are drawn from the 20-day course. This is a half-way step to help students mature for long courses, and serves to inspire students to work more deeply in Dhamma.
Applications must be submitted well in advance as processing may take some time. Students who speak neither English nor one of the other announced course languages may apply for the course, however acceptance into the course will depend on the availability of required course materials, suitable translators and permission of the teacher conducting the course.
