in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin
Course Schedule
Center Location: Website | Map
** Unless noted otherwise, course instructions are given in the following language(s): English
One of over 120 international centers where the technique of Vipassana meditation is taught and practiced, Dhamma Mahavana is situated on 109 acres of forested property in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Groves of oak, pine, cedar, and manzanita reinforce the California Vipassana Center's name of Dhamma Mahavana, Great Forest of Dhamma.
- Access the application form by clicking Apply for the desired course. Old students will be given the option to serve.
- Please carefully read the Introduction to the Technique and Code of Discipline which you will be asked to follow during your course.
- Fully and completely fill out all the sections of application form and submit it. An application is required to register for all courses.
- Await notification. All correspondence will be through e-mail if you give an e-mail address in your application. Due to the large volume of applications, it may take up to two weeks before receiving notification.
- If your application is accepted then we require you to confirm you will be attending in order to secure your place in the course.
| California Vipassana Meditation Center P.O. Box 1167, North Fork, CA 93643, USA http://www.mahavana.dhamma.org | General Course Registration Voice Mail: [1] (559) 876-8760 ext.1 Fax: [1] (559) 876-8761 [email protected] | Children / Teenager's Course Registration Voice Mail: [1] (408) 471-7642 Fax: [1] (800) 734-1558 [email protected] Children's Course Registration | Dhamma Service Registration Voice Mail: [1] (559) 876-8760 [email protected] |
Students may apply to sit only one 10 Day course at a time, even if the other course is in another state or is a waitlisted enrollment.
CHECK SPAM/JUNK MAIL or you may miss important time-sensitive email communication.
CVC Covid-19 Protocol
All Covid-19 entry requirements have been lifted.
Masking is optional. We recommend those immuno-compromised and seniors to wear one, as Covid is still circulating among the population.
Out of consideration for everyone, please do not come if you are feeling sick.
Local meditators who wish to come to the center should contact the Office beforehand.
All ten-day courses begin on the evening of the first day and end on the early morning of the last day.
See Comments for any special instructions for events in this section.
Registration opens for all courses around 7:05 a.m. Pacific Time
Students may apply to sit only one 10 Day course at a time, even if the other course is in another state or Canada, or is a waitlisted enrollment.
CHECK SPAM/JUNK MAIL to ensure you do not miss important time-sensitive email communications.
A non-center course will be held in Occidental, CA December 18-29, 2023. Registration opens September 18th. To apply, click here
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 20 - Oct 01 | 10-Day | In Progress | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Apply | Oct 01 - Oct 08 | Service Period | Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students |
| Apply | Oct 08 - Oct 29 |
20-Day
English / Burmese |
New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Female Server - Wait List Male Server - Open | North Fork |
For old students The course is offered in both English & Burmese. Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Oct 29 - Nov 01 | Service Period | Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students To help on variety of tasks, maintenance, landscaping, and deep cleaning. Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Nov 01 - Nov 12 | 10-Day | Women - Long Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Open | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
| Apply | Nov 12 - Nov 17 | Service Period | Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students To help on variety of tasks, maintenance, landscaping, and deep cleaning. Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Nov 17 - Nov 26 | Satipatthana Sutta | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Nov 26 - Nov 29 | Service Period | Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students To help on variety of tasks, maintenance, landscaping, and deep cleaning. Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Nov 29 - Dec 10 | 10-Day | Women - Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Open | North Fork |
Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Dec 10 - Dec 13 | Service Period | Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students To help on variety of tasks, maintenance, landscaping, and deep cleaning. Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Dec 13 - Dec 24 | Special 10-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | Dec 24 - Dec 27 | Service Period | Servers - Open | North Fork |
For old students To help on variety of tasks, maintenance, landscaping, and deep cleaning. Servers Needed Please see top of the page for COVID-19 protocols. |
| Apply | December 27, 2023 - January 07, 2024 | 10-Day | Women - Long Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Open | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 07 - Jan 11 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Oct 07 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Jan 11 - Feb 11 | 30-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 08 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Feb 11 - Feb 14 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Nov 11 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Feb 14 - Feb 25 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Nov 14 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Feb 25 - Feb 28 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Nov 25 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Feb 28 - Mar 10 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Nov 28 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Mar 10 - Mar 13 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Dec 10 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Mar 13 - Mar 17 | 3-Day | Applications accepted starting Dec 13 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Mar 17 - Apr 03 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Dec 17 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Mar 23 - Mar 24 | Annual Board of Trustees Retreat | Applications accepted starting Dec 23 | North Fork |
For old students Servers needed To register, please send an email to [email protected] |
|
| Apr 03 - May 19 | 45-Day | Applications accepted starting Jan 03 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| May 19 - May 29 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Feb 19 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed This service period coincides with the annual Assistant Teacher workshop from 5/22 - 5/27. Part time service is welcome. |
|
| May 29 - Jun 09 |
10-Day
English / Vietnamese |
Applications accepted starting Feb 29 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Jun 09 - Jun 12 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Mar 09 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Jun 12 - Jun 23 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Mar 12 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Jun 23 - Jun 28 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Mar 23 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Jun 28 - Jul 07 | Satipatthana Sutta | Applications accepted starting Mar 28 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Jul 07 - Jul 10 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Apr 07 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Jul 10 - Jul 21 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 10 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Jul 21 - Jul 24 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Apr 21 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Jul 24 - Aug 04 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Apr 24 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Aug 04 - Aug 07 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting May 04 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Aug 07 - Aug 18 |
10-Day
English / Punjabi |
Applications accepted starting May 07 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Aug 18 - Aug 21 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting May 18 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Aug 21 - Sep 01 |
10-Day
English / Khmer |
Applications accepted starting May 21 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Sep 01 - Sep 11 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Jun 01 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Sep 11 - Sep 22 |
10-Day
English / Burmese |
Applications accepted starting Jun 11 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Sep 22 - Sep 29 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Jun 19 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Sep 29 - Oct 20 | 20-Day | Applications accepted starting Jun 29 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Oct 20 - Oct 23 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Jul 20 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Oct 23 - Nov 03 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jul 23 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Nov 03 - Nov 08 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Aug 03 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Nov 08 - Nov 17 | Satipatthana Sutta | Applications accepted starting Aug 08 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Nov 17 - Nov 20 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Aug 17 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Nov 20 - Dec 01 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Aug 20 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| Dec 01 - Dec 04 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Sep 01 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Dec 04 - Dec 15 | Special 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 04 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Dec 15 - Dec 18 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Sep 15 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
|
| Dec 18 - Dec 29 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 18 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
|
| December 29, 2024 - January 01, 2025 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Sep 29 | North Fork |
For old students Servers Needed |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 - Jan 12 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 01 | North Fork |
Servers Needed |
The online application form encrypts your information before it is sent from your computer to our application server. However, it may not be totally secure even though encryption is used. If you are concerned about the possibility of security risks of your confidential information while it is on the Internet, do not use this form and instead download an application. Print and complete it. Then please send the form to the course organizers. By faxing or posting your application form it may delay the registration process by one to two weeks.
To access the Old Student Regional Site please click http://www.mahavana.dhamma.org/os. A user name and password will be required to access these pages.
Questions may be addressed to Email: [email protected]
All courses are run solely on a donation basis. All expenses are met by donations from those who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the same opportunity. Neither the Teacher nor the assistant teachers receive remuneration; they and those who serve the courses volunteer their time. Thus Vipassana is offered free from commercialisation.
Old students are those who have completed a 10-day Vipassana Meditation course with S.N. Goenka or his Assistant Teachers. Old students have the opportunity to provide Dhamma Service at the courses listed.
Bilingual courses are courses which are taught in two languages. All students will hear daily meditation instructions in both languages. The evening discourses will be heard separately.
Meditation courses are held at both center and non-center locations. Meditation centers are dedicated facilities where courses are held regularly throughout the year. Before meditation centers were established in this tradition, all courses were held at temporary sites, such as campgrounds, religious retreat centers, churches and the like. Today, in regions where centers have not yet been established by local students of Vipassana who live in the area, 10 Day meditation courses are held at non-center course sites.
10-day Courses are an introductory course to Vipassana Meditation where the technique is taught step-by-step each day. The courses begin after a 2 - 4 pm registration period and orientation, followed by 10 full days of meditation, and end the morning of the 11th day by 7:30 am.
Old Student Short Courses (1-3 days) are for any student who has completed the 10-day course with S.N. Goenka and his assistant teachers. All old students are welcome to apply to attend these courses, including those where it has been some time since their last course.
Old Student Programs are similar to Service Periods where there is time to work on a variety of Centre maintenance, construction, household and gardening projects, but have a more full and structured program, an opportunity to meet with assistant teachers, and possibly committee and trust meetings. All Old Students are welcome to participate. The daily program will include three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods and in the evening there will be tapes played of special discourses and talks that S.N. Goenka has given to Old Students.
Satipatthana Sutta Courses have the same timetable and discipline as 10-day courses. The difference is that in the taped evening discourses the Satipatthana Sutta is carefully examined. This is the principal text in which the technique of Vipassana is systematically explained. These courses are open to serious old students who have sat (not including courses served) at least three 10-day courses, have not been practising any other meditation techniques since last 10-day course, have been practising this technique of Vipassana for at least one year, and who are trying to maintain their meditation practice and the five precepts in their daily lives, at the very minimum from the time of applying to the course.
Service Periods have been set aside to work on a variety of Centre maintenance, construction, household and gardening projects. All Old Students are welcome to participate. The daily program will include three group sittings with morning and afternoon work periods. On selected evenings, there will be tapes played of special discourses and talks that S.N. Goenka has given to Old Students.
Special 10-day Courses are open only to serious Old Students committed to this technique who have completed a minimum of five 10-day courses, one Satipatthana Sutta course, given Dhamma Service at least one 10-day course, and have been practicing regularly for at least two years.
20-day Courses are open only to serious Old Students committed to this technique who have completed a minimum of five 10-day courses , one Satipatthana Sutta course, given Dhamma Service at least one 10-day course, and have been practicing regularly for at least two years.
30-day Courses are open only to serious Old Students committed to this technique who have completed a minimum of six 10-day courses (one since their first 20-day course), one 20-day course, one Satipatthana Sutta course, and have been practicing regularly for at least two years.
45-day Courses are open only to persons involved in Dhamma Service and Assistant Teachers who have completed a minimum of seven 10-day courses (one since their first 30-day course), two 30-day courses, one Satipatthana Sutta course, and have been practicing regularly for at least three years.
Applications must be submitted well in advance as processing may take some time. Students who speak neither English nor one of the other announced course languages may apply for the course, however acceptance into the course will depend on the availability of required course materials, suitable translators and permission of the teacher conducting the course.
