Dhamma Tapovana, means ‘Meditation Grove of Dhamma’, was established on 1st Jan 2000. Goenkaji and Mataji meditated with a few Vipassana students on the land adjacent to the southern side of Dhamma Giri. Thus was born one of the most significant projects for the teaching of Dhamma: A meditation Centre exclusively for long courses. Within two years, this barren land had been developed and successfully held the historic first ever 60-day course from January 2 to March 4, 2002.
Dhamma Tapovana is one of three projects commemorating the birth centenary of Sayagyi U Ba Khin (the other two projects being the Global Pagoda in Mumbai, and the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Village adjacent to Dhamma Giri) Presently, around 14 courses are being held annually, including 20-day, 30-day, 45-day and the annual 60-day course, as well as 10-day courses for business executives and senior government officials. During courses, Dhamma Tapovana is closed off from Dhamma Giri – three pathways connect the two centres. A small van ferries meals from the Dhamma Giri kitchen. There may not be the seclusion of a lonely forest, but the atmosphere here is serene, very suitable for students to work deeply to build the ‘Island of Dhamma’ within.
To view website for Dhamma Tapovana, please click here.