“When one experiences truth, the madness of finding fault with others disappears.”
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
We live in a society rich with people of different appearance, genders, backgrounds, cultures and religions.
The Vipassana Centre Western Australia, Dhamma Padipa, welcomes all to our courses. Despite our diverse beginnings and our unique lives, when we come to a Vipassana course we are united by a common cause and a common purpose, to solve the mystery of human suffering.
NON-SECTARIAN PROGRAM
Although this teaching comes from Gotama the Buddha, it is presented in a non-sectarian format. The Buddha was not interested in converting people. He had found the path to the end of suffering, and his only interest was to share this with others. It is the same today. The cause of suffering lies within each of us and we only need to look inside to find its solution. This works for anyone regardless of their origins or traditions. And that is what you will learn here.
LANGUAGES
When we count up the native languages of the people on our courses, the number often reaches a dozen. We have the facilities to provide the evening discourse and daily instructions in almost 50 languages. When you first apply for a course, you will be asked about your native language and other languages you might also know. You may be asked to complete a language assessment form as part of the processing of your application. This allows us to determine if we have the facilities to serve you on the course and provide you with the materials you will need. We also usually hold annual bi-lingual courses in Mandarin and English. At these courses we ensure there is an interpreter for those students who need it.
GENDER DIVERSITY
At Dhamma Padipa we welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and body types. However, meditation centres in this tradition are segregated into male and female sides, this includes: residential accommodation, walking areas, dining rooms, bathrooms, and within the meditation hall.
We recognise that this doesn’t work for everyone, that some people may not feel comfortable in these segregated spaces, or may not identify as exclusively male or female (ie non-binary). So, we ask you to select 'Male' or 'Female' to indicate on which side of the site you would prefer to be accommodated. You are welcome to let us know any personal details or concerns in the section of the application form that asks ’Is there anything you wish to add?’. If you would like someone to contact you to discuss any aspect of the course further, please let us know. It is important for us to have this information in advance so that arrangements can be made to best accommodate you, so you will not be distracted while you meditate. Your private information will be kept confidential.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
A Vipassana course is a rigorous and demanding undertaking, and you need to be in a good state of both physical and mental health to attend a course. You need to be well enough to follow the full timetable and schedule.
Some applicants may have a special requirement due to a health condition, a physical limitation, pregnancy, or a medical dietary restriction. We hope to accept most people with limitations, but we need to know the extent of your requirements well before your arrival. If you have a special need, please describe in the section of the application from that asks, ‘Is there anything to you wish to add?’ We will contact you to discuss your needs.
If you have a mental health condition, past or present, the course may not be suitable for you. When you apply you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire in order to give us a more detailed picture of your condition and history. We may then need to seek advice from a health professional when considering whether it is in your best interest to attend a course.