Welcome to Dhamma Selā

Dhamma Selā, means the mountain of dhamma in Pali. It is one of numerous centers worldwide dedicated to the teaching of Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.

What is Vipassana?

Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, an Art of Living.

Vipassana is the process of self-purification by self-observation. One begins by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. Then, with a sharpened awareness, one proceeds to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and egolessness. This truth-realization by direct experience results in mental purification.

The technique is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any organized religion or sectarianism. It can be freely practiced by anyone without conflict due to race, community or religion, and will prove equally beneficial to one and all. You can find out more about the technique by visiting What is Vipassana?.

The following Video Discourse in English by S. N. Goenka (19 minutes) provides a short explanation of the technique of Vipassana meditation:

• Real Video Format (Low Bandwidth: 28K-Dial Up)
• Real Video Format (High Bandwidth: 150K-DSL/Cable)
• Windows Media Video Format

(Excerpted from a Reuters interview of Mr. Goenka during his visit to Belgium in 2002. Download a free copy of the Real Networks Real One Player here*)

Vipassana Courses

Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka was introduced to Colorado by his students in 1982. The first course was held at a retreat center in Cedaredge, Colorado. The Cedaredge courses continued every summer for many years. At present, courses are conducted at a retreat center in Elbert, Colorado, about 90 minutes south-east of Denver.

From the time of the initial course up until now, the development of the practice of Vipassana has grown greatly in the Rocky Mountain area and continues to do so. RMVA has purchased a property in order to establish a permanent meditation center for the region. Efforts are on-going to develop the site. In the meantime, 10-day Vipassana courses will continue to be offered in Elbert, CO at a rented site.

To understand the prerequisites for course attendance and to apply for a course in at Dhamma Siri please consult the Course Information Page and the associated instructions.

According to the tradition of pure Vipassana, courses are run solely on a donation basis. Donations are accepted only from those who have completed at least one ten-day course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation on the last day of the course or any time thereafter.

Center Location

Dhamma Sela is located a in the rural town of Elbert, Colorado. For more information on Dhamma Seka visit The Center Page.

Attending a Course?

Please review The Course Checklist for items and instructions for the course. Also please review The Transportation Information and visit our online Ride Share Board.