Vipassana Centers
Dhamma Birata, meaning the Colossal Dhamma, derives its name from the near by city of Biratnagar in Eastern Nepal. The center is surrounded by green paddy fields leading up to a Saal forest at the foothills of the scenic Himalayan mountains. It is located 1.5 km south-West of the Mahendra Highway and Koshi Highway junction near Itahari, conveniently accessible via road from all over Nepal. The nearest airport is 20 km away in Biratnagar, while the nearest railway station is 30 km away at Jogbani on the Nepal-India border.
Dhamma Chitwan, meaning Dhamma in the Forest of Cheetahs, is near Bharatpur, a town located 150 kms southwest of Kathmandu. The center was established in 2004 on a five-acre land.
Dhamma Jananī, meaning 'Mother of Dhamma', is situated in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Situated near Bhairahawa City in the western region of Nepal, the Centre started operating in the year 2000. The Dhamma hall can seat nearly 200 students but there is accommodation for only about 48 male and 48 female students at this time, all with attached bath. Meditation cells are also available. One 10-day course is being conducted every month, and two Satipatthana courses every year. The number of students in each course is steady with many visitors to the birthplace of the Buddha taking out time to sit courses here.
Dhamma Kitti, meaning Fame of Dhamma, is also known as Kirtipur Vipassana centre. It is located in Kirtipur, a beautiful and historical town situated 6 kilometers south west of Kathmandu city. The centre consists of a dhamma hall with the capacity of 40 students, a kitchen, separate dinning for male and females, teacher’s residences and residences ranging from dormitories to double bed rooms. The centre can comfortably accommodate 40 students.
Dhamma Shringa, meaning Summit of Dhamma, was founded in April, 1981. Also known as the Nepal Vipassana Center, it is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, overlooking the Kathmandu valley, about 12 kilometer north of Kathmandu City. The Center's land covers nearly four acres. Various buildings serve for residences, ranging from dormitories to single rooms, two separate dining halls for men & women, and a few meditation halls. The center can comfortably accommodate about 250 people. A half-ring shaped building containing 84 meditation cells, is available for the old students.
Dhamma Tarai means the Plain of Dhamma. Established in 1996, Dhamma Tarai is the second oldest Vipassana center in Nepal. The center is situated on a lush green 5-hector land, surrounded in the South and the North by two rivers, respectively called Kiyasut and Sirsiya, and located near the settlement of Parwanipur, about 9 km north of Birgunj, a town on the Nepal-India border. The nearest airport called Simara, is about 10 km from the center, with regular flights from Kathmandu. The nearest railway junction is at Raxaul, about 13 km from the center and 4 km from the town of Birgunj.