Today most of East Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines have Vipassana meditation centers. The translations of Goenkaji’s English and Hindi teaching material in more than 50 languages have brought the teachings within the reach of millions of Asians. Many are watching Goenkaji’s discourses via satellite broadcasts.
The first course in Southeast Asia, conducted by Goenkaji’s assistant teachers, was in Thailand in 1987. Today, there are 39 centers and 9 non-centers locations offering courses and serving thousands of students annually across Asia.
Current Highlights
Japan: Japan has two centers, serving thousands of students annually. The first center, Dhamma Bhānu, established in 1989, is in Kyoto prefecture, and is set in a secluded valley surrounded by forested hills. The second Center, Dhamma Adicca, established in 2006, is close to Mobara town, Chiba prefecture. Covering an area of more than three acres and protected by hills on three sides, the center is quietly secluded and offers an ideal environment for meditation.
Thailand: Nine centers, serving over 10,000 students annually, are operational in Prachinburi, Phitsanulok, Khon kaen, Kanchanaburi, Bangkok, Chantaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Lampoon and Udon Thani. The first center, Dhamma Kamala, established in 1992, serves over 110 students and holds regular long courses.
Myanmar: Myanmar has eighteen centers providing courses for more than 10,000 students annually. There are three centers in Ayeyarwady region (Dhamma Mayūradipa, Dhamma Manorama and Dhamma Mitta Yāna), five centers in Mandalay region (Dhamma Mandala, Dhamma Maṇḍapa, Dhamma Makuta and Dhamma Mahimār), three centers in Shan state (Dhamma Labha, Dhamma Pabbata and Dhamma Mahā Pabbata), two centers in Yangon (Dhamma Magga and Dhamma Joti), and one center in Bago (Dhamma Nidhi), Kaytho (Cetiya Paṭṭhāra), Mon (Dhamma Manohara), and Sagaing (Dhamma Ñãnadhaja) region each.
The center in Yangon, Dhamma Joti, established in 1993, accommodates 300 students. A long course center, Dhamma Nidhi, was completed in 2011. There are also large centers in Mandalay and Mogok. Prison courses are held regularly at 3 more centers operating within jails. Children's courses cater to over 10,000 children each year.
Taiwan: Two centers serve more than 2000 students annually. The first center, Dhammodaya, established in 1999, is in central Taiwan and serves 80 students. The second center, Dhamma Vikasa, established in 2011, is in Liu Gyui and is being developed as a long course center. For more details regarding the spread of Vipassana in Taiwan, please click here.
Malaysia: Courses are conducted at one center and two non-center locations. The center, Dhamma Malaya, established in 2007, serves both the Chinese and Tamil-speaking local communities, with over 1500 students annually. It has 102 single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Two temporary centers are located in Penang and Johor.
Indonesia: Courses are conducted at one center and three non-centers locations. The center, Dhamma Java, situated in the hills near Bogor serves more than 100 students in each course and caters to multiple languages. Three temporary centers are located in Bali, Klaten and Medan.
Hong Kong: Courses are conducted at one center and one non-center location. The center, Dhamma Muttā, situated in South Lantau Island of Hong Kong serves around 80 students in each course. The temporary center is located in Sheung Shui Hang Tau.
Cambodia: Courses are conducted at two centers and one non-center location. The first center, Dhamma Laṭṭhikā, established in 2004 in the province of Battambang, serves more than 150 students in each course. The other center, Dhamma Kamboja, established in 2015 in the province of Kampong Cham, regularly conducts 10-day courses and Children's Courses. The temporary center is located in Phnom Penh.
Mongolia: The center Dhamma Mahana, established in 2005 and situated in Soyolyn Tov Orgoo, regularly conducts 10-day and other courses. In addition, courses have been held in a womens' prison in Mongolia. For more details regarding the spread of Vipassana in Mongolia, please click here.
Philippines: The center Dhamma Phala, situated on a three hectare land in Tiaong, Quezon province, regularly conducts 10-day and other courses.
South Korea: The center Dhamma Korea, established in 2001 and situated in the village of DeokCheon-ri, serves around 70 students in each course. It is flat, with rice and vegetable fields on two sides. Mountains tower above it in the near distance.
Non-center courses are also held regularly in Singapore and Vietnam.