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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15 | Children | Applications accepted starting Mar 31 | Pecatonica |
For girls & boys 8-12 yrs |
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| Jul 24 | Teen | Applications accepted starting Jun 09 | Pecatonica |
For girls 13-17 yrs |
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| Jul 25 | Teen | Applications accepted starting Jun 10 | Pecatonica |
For boys 13-17 yrs |
See Comments for any special instructions for events in this section.
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | Oct 04 | 1-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Women - Wait List Servers - Men - Open | Naperville, IL |
For old students |
| Apply | Oct 17 | 1-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Open | Pecatonica |
For old students |
| Dec 16 - Dec 20 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 16 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 03 | 1-Day | Applications accepted starting Nov 04 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
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| Feb 24 - Feb 28 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Dec 26 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
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| Apr 25 | 1-Day | Applications accepted starting Feb 24 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
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| May 16 | 1-Day | Applications accepted starting Mar 17 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
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| Jun 02 - Jun 06 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 03 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
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| Sep 08 - Sep 12 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Jul 10 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
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| Nov 12 | 1-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 13 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
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| Dec 15 - Dec 19 | 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 | Sep 09 - Sep 20 | 10-Day | In Progress | Pecatonica | |
| Apply | Sep 20 - Sep 23 |
Between Course Service Period |
Servers - Open | 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. |
| Apply | Sep 23 - Oct 04 | 10-Day | Women - Wait List New Men - Wait List Old Men - Open Servers - Women - Wait List Servers - Men - Open | Pecatonica | |
| Apply | Oct 04 - Oct 18 |
House & Garden Days |
Servers - Open | 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. |
| Apply | Oct 18 - Oct 21 |
Between Course Service Period |
Servers - Open | 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. |
| Apply | Oct 21 - Nov 01 | 10-Day | Women - Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Open | Pecatonica | |
| Nov 01 - Nov 04 |
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. |
|
| Apply | Nov 04 - Nov 13 | Satipatthana Sutta | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Open | 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 15 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 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. |
|
| Nov 18 - Nov 29 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 18 | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 29 - Dec 02 |
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 16 |
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 23 |
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 |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 03 - Jan 10 |
Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Nov 04 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Jan 10 - Jan 13 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Nov 11 | 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 13 - Jan 24 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Nov 14 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jan 24 - Jan 27 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Nov 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. |
|
| Jan 27 - Feb 07 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Nov 28 | Pecatonica | ||
| Feb 07 - Feb 10 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Dec 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. |
|
| Feb 10 - Feb 21 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Dec 12 | Pecatonica | ||
| Feb 21 - Feb 24 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Dec 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. |
|
| Feb 28 - Mar 05 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Dec 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. |
|
| Mar 05 - Mar 14 | Satipatthana Sutta | Applications accepted starting Jan 04 | Pecatonica |
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements |
|
| Mar 14 - Mar 17 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jan 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. |
|
| Mar 17 - Mar 28 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jan 16 | Pecatonica | ||
| Mar 28 - Mar 31 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jan 27 | 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 31 - Apr 11 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jan 30 | Pecatonica | ||
| Apr 11 - Apr 23 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Feb 10 | 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. |
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| Apr 24 | Open House | Applications accepted starting Feb 23 | Pecatonica | ||
| Apr 26 - Apr 28 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Feb 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. |
|
| Apr 28 - May 09 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Feb 27 | Pecatonica | ||
| May 09 - May 14 |
Work Period |
Applications accepted starting Mar 10 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| May 17 - May 19 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Mar 18 | 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 19 - May 30 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Mar 20 | Pecatonica | ||
| May 30 - Jun 02 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Mar 31 | 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 06 - Jun 09 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Apr 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 09 - Jun 20 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 10 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jun 20 - Jun 23 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Apr 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. |
|
| Jun 23 - Jul 04 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 24 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jul 04 - Jul 07 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting May 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. |
|
| Jul 07 - Jul 18 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting May 08 | Pecatonica | ||
| Jul 18 - Jul 23 |
Work Period |
Applications accepted starting May 19 | Pecatonica |
For old students |
|
| Jul 26 - Jul 28 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting May 27 | 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 28 - Aug 08 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting May 29 | Pecatonica | ||
| Aug 08 - Aug 11 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jun 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 11 - Aug 22 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jun 12 | Pecatonica | ||
| Aug 22 - Aug 25 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jun 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. |
|
| Aug 25 - Sep 05 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jun 26 | Pecatonica | ||
| Sep 05 - Sep 08 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jul 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. |
|
| Sep 12 - Sep 26 |
House & Garden Days |
Applications accepted starting Jul 14 | 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. |
|
| Sep 26 - Sep 29 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Jul 28 | 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 29 - Oct 10 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jul 31 | Pecatonica | ||
| Oct 10 - Oct 13 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Aug 11 | 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 13 - Oct 24 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 14 | Pecatonica | ||
| Oct 24 - Oct 27 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Aug 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. |
|
| Oct 27 - Nov 07 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 28 | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 07 - Nov 11 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 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. |
|
| Nov 13 - Nov 14 |
Annual Trust Retreat/Old Student Program |
Applications accepted starting Sep 14 | Pecatonica |
For old students Annual Trust Retreat; all old students are encouraged to apply and attend. |
|
| Nov 15 - Nov 17 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 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. |
|
| Nov 17 - Nov 28 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 18 | Pecatonica | ||
| Nov 28 - Dec 01 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Sep 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 01 - Dec 12 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 02 | Pecatonica | ||
| Dec 12 - Dec 15 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 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. |
|
| Dec 19 - Dec 22 |
Between Course Service Period |
Applications accepted starting Oct 20 | 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 22, 2027 - January 02, 2028 | 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/
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | Oct 04 | 1-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Women - Wait List Servers - Men - Open | Naperville, IL |
For old students |
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.
Children's Courses are generally open for all children aged 8-12 years old who wish to learn to meditate. However there are local variations in age range, so please check the schedule.
Teenagers' Anapana Courses are generally open for all teenagers aged 13-18 years old who wish to learn to meditate. However, there are local variations in age range. In India and a few other countries there are also 7-day Vipassana courses for older teenagers. Please check the schedule for details.
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.
