I am still in awe. I just completed my second 10 day course. Last year was my first course. Both were amazing experiences. I have never found so much happiness in my life as I’ve experienced over the past year and currently. For my first sit I carpooled with another student from Arizona. On our ride home we could not stop our excitement “we just discovered the secret to life!” This entire program has the goal of making more people happy, making all beings peaceful and free of suffering. If you are serious about this, follow the instructions and schedule completely, and work hard you will see the results yourself. The first course for many is often about overcoming pain while sitting for longer periods. By the second course that may linger somewhere in the background but you will likely notice such a difference. I suffered years with relentless neck pain. I can now say it’s gone or at least my mind doesn’t cognizant it as pain or anything that hurts. I can sit an hour without moving and feel elation after the sit in amazement of our ability to remain calm peaceful and happy.
I just sat my first 10 day course and not only was the content great, but the facility was well taken care of and clean. I highly recommend this location.
I’m an old student and I’ve sat and served at centers in Northfork California, northern California, Illinois, I was down in the area of 29 Palms California so I thought I’d visit. But I called and I emailed and there was no response. They were between courses so a friend and I drove up to the substantial gate, once again no answer. I gave them five stars cause I’m sure they’re just like all the rest: meditation retreat factory that I’ve benefited greatly from. I was disappointed I couldn’t touch base with this center While I was passing through,because it’s The closest to me in Goldfield Nevada.
I recently had the privilege of attending a 10-day meditation retreat at the Vipassana Meditation Center, and it was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of serenity and tranquility enveloping the center, nestled amidst beautiful natural surroundings.The facilities at the center were excellent, providing everything one would need for a comfortable stay. The accommodations were simple yet clean and functional, allowing for a focused and distraction-free meditation practice. The meditation hall was spacious and thoughtfully designed, providing a conducive atmosphere for deep introspection and self-discovery.The highlight of my experience was the guidance and instruction provided by the experienced meditation teachers. They were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate, offering valuable insights and answering all our questions with clarity. The daily meditation sessions were structured and well-paced, gradually leading us towards a deeper understanding of Vipassana meditation and its principles.The practice of Vipassana itself was profound and transformative. Through the technique of mindfulness and observing the sensations in my body, I was able to develop a heightened sense of self-awareness and gain valuable insights into my own thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. The retreat was challenging at times, but the support and encouragement from both the teachers and fellow meditators created a strong sense of community and helped me navigate through the difficulties.The silence observed during the retreat was a powerful element of the experience. It allowed me to cultivate a deep inner stillness and provided a much-needed respite from the constant external stimulation of our modern lives. The absence of distractions helped me fully immerse myself in the practice and delve into the depths of my mind.The daily vegetarian meals served at the center were nourishing and delicious. The staff was attentive and ensured that everyones dietary needs were met. The mindful eating practice further deepened my connection with the food and enhanced the overall experience.In conclusion, my time at the Vipassana Meditation Center was an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The serene atmosphere, excellent facilities, expert guidance, and the profound practice of Vipassana meditation all contributed to making it a truly transformative experience. I highly recommend this center to anyone seeking inner peace, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Its an opportunity to embark on a profound journey of self-transformation that will stay with you long after you leave the retreat.Note: Its important to remember that individual experiences may vary, and its recommended to research and choose a meditation center that aligns with your personal preferences and goals.
Exceptional experience. I recommend it if youre looking to change your world.
What a wonderful place. I have returned many dozens of times, and always encounter wonderful, kind people. What a peaceful place. If you are reading this, still deciding whether its worth it. If you are hesitant about using those 10-vacation days, or your mind is coming up with all the reasons you shouldnt go. This is totally normal. And there is something you should know. As the world continues to speed up, the most important thing a person can do is slow down. This 10-day course is free. It cost nothing, and yet you will gain everything. Good luck. And if you are reading this, you are on the right path. May your first 10-day course be very beneficial :)
One the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. The 10-day course was challenging but the rewards are profound. The practice gives you a deep understanding of impermanence so you can live in the present with ease.
Beautiful landscape and lovely accommodations, all things considered. The food is amazing. The staff and teachers are kind. This center sets you up for success and comfort in what is a super challenging experience for most. Please commit to stay the entire length of your course. It’s worth it.Bring hoodies, slip on shoes and a comforting shawl or blanket for the meditation hall. It gets cold at night!
Wonderful center staffed by volunteers who have experienced benefit. No statues or shrines, no rituals, just sheer 60+ hours practice of self observation with no distractions. Come work on your enlightenment, it’s free!
Beautiful facility, well kept and well managed. If you attend this center, youll be greeted with a most serene desert landscape. My life was forever changed with the 10 day sitting I did back in March 2012. Im forever grateful. Thank you!
My Mom just got back from a 10 day discourse that was held at this location. When I dropped her off about 11 days ago, I was a bit apprehensive and unsure if the experience and the location was good for her and if she will be OK (My Mom is very particular about everything - especially the food and living). Since the time she has gotten back home, she has just not been able to stop talking about her experience and how much she loved EVERYTHING about the 10 day meditation session at this facility. She absolutely felt comfortable being there, was particularly OK with the food and the care that the folks running this center provided her and the other attendees. Everything about it made a very positive impact on her and she has already started telling me about how eager she is to enroll in another session when her schedules permit. Anyone from the Vipassana Center at TwentyNine Palms, reading this review - I dont know if I can in anyway reach out to you personally - But THANK YOU for everything you all are doing to conduct this program and for taking such good care of the attendees. It is much appreciated.
This place offers a course to learn a specific Meditation technique. If you worry too much about the future or dwell on the past, this technique might be helpful for you. Meals are simple and delicious, no electronics are allowed. When you are ready to unwind from the hustle bustle of modern life and learn an Art of Living, take 10 days for yourself and join one of the courses. Ive sat 2 courses and plan on more, there are also volunteer opportunities once youve completed a 10 day course.
First class facility. Clean rooms. Well kept grounds. Superb staff. Good food. Organized. However, I was very perplexed by the serving of dairy here, since one of the precepts is to “harm no being”. Honestly I was disturbed and didnt understand that at all since every meal served was vegan. They could completely remove those items since they had an alternative for all. You meditate 10 hours a day - you’re up at 4:00 a.m. and lights out at 10 p.m. With rests in between. This is a completely SILENT retreat - no communication, no eye contact, no visualization, no praying, no exercise, no yoga, no writing, no reading, etc. There is a walking path they encourage you to you during rest periods. Now the meditaion - different than any I’d experienced before. By day 4 I got in the zone somewhat, but I will forwarn you - and they will too - it is tough. In fact, by day 6 I’d opted out of the program. Vipassana meditation was not my cup of tea. BUT nothing against the program or facility at all... outside of dairy being served. Make sure you’re in for the long haul - because it is.
Wow. A wild ride for sure. This is not an easy 10 days but it is worth it. The analogy of this being like spiritual boot camp rang true on many levels. You will likely be challenged in ways that you have not been before. 9-10 hours of seated silence each day reveals many things about your mind. At times, when I was going to the hall for a sit, especially later in the week, I felt like I was going to watch a movie of my life in HD and was unsure whether it would be a comedy or horror. In sustained silence, the unconscious mind has a way of reawakening and sending up into view past memories that you must face and observe.I am going to address a few things that I did not see covered in some of the other reviews. First, as others have pointed out, the grounds are spectacular, especially the walking path at night. Simply stunning landscape out there in the desert. The rooms are adequate with AC and the beds are a bit hard. The food for lunch was fantastic. Whoever is cooking back there either runs a restaurant or should be.The schedule is demanding and I do suggest you buy in fully. Meaning, that you go the meditation hall for all of the sits. This will ensure you get the most out of the experience.I was and still am totally impressed and inspired by the people who shared the experience with me. A few times I would open my eyes and just marvel at the courage of the people there to do such an intense and challenging experience. The world is full of convenient distractions for sure, that are intoxicating, and for people to want something beyond that stimulation is amazing. So, Im sending my love the July 3-14 group, you rock.I would also suggest reading up on Buddhist teaching/philosophy before hand if you not that familiar with some of the core teachings and ideas. While vast in scope and varied across many traditions and sects, the core teachings of no-self, impermanence, and suffering are staples of Buddhism. I find the section on Buddhism from Huston Smiths book on the World Religions from the early 1960s quite good and would recommend that as a good entry point.The course is run by audio and video recordings from a 10 day course back in 1991 by the Vipassana teacher Goenka. He is quite a teacher. A great story-teller with a very sharp mind with deep insights and theological nuance. I found his talks to be compelling especially the ones from days 4-9. I would suggest keeping a bit of an open, critical mind to some of his claims though. He seeks not to convert for sure which he states quite often, but does slip into making some claims that are worthy of some deeper inquiry. For instance, he believes in reincarnation, that he has friends he is certain to have known in previous lives, and that his specific teaching of this ten day course in India was somehow prophesied 2500 years ago. Also, the discourses on morality were not very nuanced. However, as stated above, he is a very gifted story teller, has a brilliant mind, and his defense and teaching of the Dharma as being scientific, rational, and non-sectarian is deeply admirable and much needed in the world. Theological quibbles aside, he is a teacher of deep wisdom and knowledge, and his sharing of the dharma is inspiring. So, if you want a secularized meditation experience, you will not get that fully here as the whole practice is framed in Buddhist teachings, but I do not think that will be a problem for you.I could go on and on. In total, this is a really life changing experience in many ways. You will learn that meditation is not about feeling calm and relaxed. You will learn that meditation is really about training the mind to become less prone to blindly cling onto pleasure or to have aversion to pain. You will see your habits of mind in both directions very clearly (towards cravings/away from aversion).In conclusion, to the teachers, managers, volunteers, cooking staff, etc, thank you so much for your service. Your dedication to the well-being of others is deeply felt, appreciated, and inspiring.
If youd like to find your Shiva spiritual entity and feel positive after 10 days then this establishment located in 29 Palms is a sure way to reach your goal. Easy to find with GPS. Parking on premises. Retreats for women are offered.
Arduous Meditation Bootcamp: 5 Star.Ok, first let’s be clear. This “retreat” involves spending 10-12 hours sitting in meditation/day, living in silence without any contact nor speaking to another for 10 days, living without your phone, reading materials, computer, or writing materials for 11 days, eating purely vegetarian for 11 days with only fruit & tea for dinner, and sleeping on a VERY hard bed.Stuff will come up for you…your mind will rebel at the discipline that it’s likely never had imposed on it like this…you’ll feel all kinds of internal judgement about what you’re experiencing and how the retreat is run…you’ll resent the strict schedule…you’ll be amazed at your constant mind chatter…your back, hips and knees will ache…you’ll be counting the days to get out… AND without question I give this experience and the facility 5 stars and am so incredibly grateful that I participated. My mind has never accessed such calm and quiet in my life.I now LOVE the Vipassana meditation technique and since completing my first 10 day course just under 2 weeks ago I’ve implemented a daily meditation practice into my life for the first time, which I absolutely intend to continue. Why? Because I feel better, I’m calmer and more focused, and I strongly sense that my body is healthier with this increased awareness and focus.If I got through this, you can too! I would recommend that you read up on the approach (reading the brief book The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka would be perfect preparation) I ended up piling layers of blankets underneath my bedsheets so that my back and hips would have a little bit of cushion so I could sleep, but if I attend again at a future time (which I plan to do! I would bring some kind of padding for the bed. Some folks like firm…my body can’t sleep like that at this point in my life. Bring unscented sunscreen, chapstick & unscented body lotion. The desert air is VERY dry. Bring a sunhat. The desert sun is intense.The facility is new, clean, and very nice. If you are older (or you have special needs) you will be offered a private room with a private bath when you register. There is a lovely 1/4 mile walking path through the desert that I encourage you to walk after your meals when you have break time. The desert is beautiful and I witnessed the most gorgeous sunrise I’ve ever seen in my life there. I was in such a clear and calm space and it was so colorful and glorious that I will never forget it. If you are fortunate you may be able to experience some of the desert wildlife there: I saw many hummingbirds, industrious ants, a roadrunner, several long-eared rabbits, some coyote scat and a gorgeous tarantula walking slowly across the sand. The volunteers there who did all of the registration, cooking, & serving were wonderful. The house manager and assistant teacher were both lovely, loving and very helpful. The fact that this entire organization is run strictly by volunteers and operates so smoothly is VERY impressive. I HIGHLY recommend this training. It is intense but very much worth the initiation!
A wonderful place to learn meditation
Its beautiful and April is one of the best times of the year to visit the centre
It is the most peaceful place Ive ever been. Its a 10 day meditation retreat that you will leave there full of loveand compassion.🙏😊
One of two centers in the United States designed specifically for Vipassana. Dorm rooms, dhamma hall and kitchen all 3-5 min walk apart and clean. Expanding to increase student capacity and provide private meditation cells by 2025.
An amazing, beautiful, and well organized meditation center!!! Highly recommended!
This place will change your life, grateful for all the people in there, nice view of the desert. The dhamma hall is full of good vibes. ♥
One of the most transformative 10 day of my life. Gratitude!
The best Vipassana center ever. I sit 3 times in different locations, and this one seems newest and very well taken care of
I was in awe of the positive energy and the teachings of Dhamma in Vipassanna Meditation. The surroundings are beautiful, the teachings are at no cost, and the benefits are immeasurable
Serve others. Leave with happy light .Never met a soul who left without a smile.Original .All come free of cost your time is all.
Life changing experience, words fail to describe the enormous benefits. God bless all who strive to keep these teachings alive.
You can hear it a thousand times, or you can experience it once.
Peaceful and good atmosphere
Just like the retreat itself, speechless. In my perfect world this would be mandatory, but they know better.
10 day silent retreat was one of the best things I have ever done.
Try one course for your own experiences. This help me a lot. I want to come here more often.
Heaven on earthStaff is awesomeService is wonderfulLocation is mind blowing
Incredible program that must be experienced by every human on the planet.
Nicest vipassana center i have been to.Great location and very well run center
I had an amazing experience being there for 10 days
Great environment for whom wish to look inside themselves
This is the vipassana meditation Centre. Very peaceful and harmonious atmoshphe out there.
Very peaceful. Excellent courses.
Experienced amazingly beautiful meditation retreats here
Wonderful center for learning about the skill and benefits of meditation.
Amazing center, clean and simple facilities, Enjoy!!
Absolutely amazing.
Everyone should take this course at least once in lifetime
This is a place to spend 10 days to tame the monkey mind.
10 day silent retreat. Need to do it again.
This place is absolutely the release I needes
Beautiful center with great desert scenery
Good place for meditation
Excellent place for meditation and peace.
Ideal center to meditate Vipassana in South California.
Beyond words . Can only be experienced .
Meditation center
Great place
Always thankful for a visit
Everyone should attend this course
Great experience
Looking forward to visiting
Love
Fantastic
This place is a treasure.
Amazing experience
Good experience
Nice
Beautiful!!
Great Vibe
Great place.
Vipassana Center near LA The journey takes about 2 hours. The weather is very good, clean and clear. It looks like a desert, but its good. This center is from Ajahn Goenka.
Asaad, please have your phone number. I am Diaa Al-Iraqi
A true Vipassana meditation center.
Total reviews rating 4.8
80 Reviews for Dhamma Vaddhana Vipassana Meditation Center 2024:
Review №1
2024-02-05 08:30:49I served here in August 2023. I thought I wouldn’t go as “deep” as when I sit a course, but I found that practicing continuous awareness while working is a very useful skill for my life outside of the center. Contributing to a harmonious team environment with a group of strangers was really fun. There were some hurdles, but they turned into beautiful lessons. I found it very rewarding and I will surely serve again.P.S. It was hot! I will check the temperature and humidity levels before coming next time to be better prepared.
Review №2
2024-07-04 16:48:11I left here under duress, having a medical emergency that went unrecognized (giving the benefit of the doubt here) by staff. They are not equipped to help you if you experience psychological or physical distress. And it appears they dont feel any responsibility to equip themselves, evidenced by of the number of people who I have learned have experienced poor outcomes at these Goenka centers. Instead of adding medical staff or training volunteers to recognize distress they plan to use donations to expand their center to accommodate like 100 people. Another reason for the one star is that when I left under these conditions I forgot a large bag of belongings, and instead of contacting me, they started distributing my things among the various donation bins or the trash allegedly. Kind of adds insult to injury. They sent me the remainder of my things with several items missing. For an organization whos technique ultimately teaches metta it doesnt seem like they care about you. I am glad for the people who have 5 star experiences, and for those who this helps a lot, but that was not the experience I had here. Do a kindness to yourself and perhaps find another center, or another school with a living master.
Review №3
2023-08-03 08:57:19I had the opportunity to attend a 10-Day course at the Southern California Vipassana Center (SCVC) in May 2023. This was my second time participating in such a course, with my first experience being in Mumbai. The facilities were excellent. I enjoyed the scenic beauty of the place, especially in the morning and right before sunset. However, I would recommend checking the temperature and moisture levels according to the season youll be attending.
Review №4
2024-06-17 06:12:43Just completed a 10 day meditation course. Mentally tough to disconnect from technology, email, internet and work but well worth it. Feels like a reset from the craziness of a busy life, and help ground you to how to better approach life in a healthier and more meaningful way.
Review №5
2023-01-25 02:00:58I have completed 10 days course meditation here. Very helpful and life changing after I completed the course. More than 94 members took this retreat with me ! 🙏
Review №6
2024-03-05 05:41:43This center is where theory of Buddhism is taught but not truly embodied.Do not let it deter you from the path. Even yoga had a BikramDuring my second service period, teacher Arvinder offered little empathy to the emotional minds of the service staff, but still expected perfection of service while doing deep internal work. She hypocritically touted being a support for servers but militantly demanded coherence to a exhaustive schedule & dismissed me after I expressed that I was struggling with the service period. Shortly prior, she admonished me for wanting to adhere to noble silence as much as possible during my service saying that noble silence was reserved for students and that I was being selective in my silence bc I spoke in the kitchen to facilitate tasks or answer questions.Make the drive to another center to enjoy a more peaceful environment that is truly empathetic to you being a 3 dimensional being and not just a happy cleaning robot.As for the site location, if its not life threateningly hot, then its a wind & sand storm. Its also right off the highway and the traffic is a humm
Review №7
2018-04-09 02:57:41Great place to learn about the truth of our sufferings and the proper techniques to eradicate them at their root. Clear instructions, organized practices. One can see results and changes within 10 days. Highly recommended.
Review №8
2024-01-06 16:50:11I started meditating in 2000 at the CVC in North Fork. Im a recently retired teacher. Ive attended a course every summer since. I give a lot of credit to these centers in allowing me to work with at risk high school students for most of my 34 years in education. I know I benefited and think my students in turn had a better teacher.
Review №9
2023-11-26 00:53:48November 2023 - very thankful for calm, organized, loving environment. The campus is very clean and beautiful. Comfortable accommodation, single room with a private bath. Meditation hall shines with accumulated spirituality of many generations of meditators. Everything is thoughtful, all needs are satisfied.
Review №10
2022-02-17 02:15:5510 yrs of psychotherapy in 10 days. Def not for everybody but Ill definitely be returning