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
Dhamma Sirī, also known as the Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center, means 'Prosperity of Dhamma' in Pali. Established in 1990, the center sits on 186 acres of land near the end of a quiet rural road, 45 minutes from downtown Dallas, Texas. The Center is also less than four hours from Austin, Houston, and Oklahoma City. Dhamma Sirī holds approximately 25 courses annually serving over 2500 students. Instructions and discourses can be provided in over 40 languages.
How to Apply to Attend or Serve a Course
- Access the application form by clicking Apply for the desired course.
- 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 you must confirm you will be attending in order to secure your place in the course. You will receive an email requesting you to confirm when it is time.
| Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center General Information [email protected] | General Course Registration Voice Mail and Fax: [1] (972) 346-8020 [email protected] | Dhamma Service Registration Voice Mail and Fax: [1] (972) 346-8020 [email protected] |
| Children / Teenager's Course Registration Voice Mail and Fax: [1] (972) 692-3244 [email protected] | Executive Course Registration Voice Mail and Fax: [1] (815) 301-9321 [email protected] | Long Course Registration Fax: [1] (815) 301-9196 [email protected] |
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Although the Center is taking some precautions, there still remains the risk of exposure to COVID-19 while at the Center. If you are at risk of serious illness from Coronavirus, it is advised that you not place yourself at risk by coming to the Center.
VIRUS SAFETY & TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Last updated: May 26, 2024
COVID testing NOT required.
Masking is optional. We recommend those immuno-compromised and seniors wear one as a precaution, as COVID virus is still circulating among the population.
Out of consideration for everyone, please do NOT come if you are feeling sick.
If symptoms arise during the course, center management may ask participants to take COVID tests and wear a mask (both provided by the center).
- Any participant testing COVID positive during the course will be asked to leave
See Comments for any special instructions for events in this section.
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | Jul 26 - Jul 27 | Teen | Closed | Kaufman |
Girls only, age 13 to 17 Approved Old student/parent volunteers for this course may stay at the center for the duration. All other parents are requested to drop off their child on Saturday and pick them up on Sunday. |
| Aug 31 | Children | CANCELLED | Kaufman |
Boys & Girls, age 8 to 12. |
No First-time students. 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day courses are short courses for Old Students only i.e. for those who have already completed a 10-day course previously.
- 1-day course schedule (held at meditation center) is from 9 am - 4 pm, followed by a short clean up.
- 1-day course schedule (held off-site at some other location) is from 8 am - 3 pm, followed by a short clean up.
In either case, please arrive 15 to 30 mins early to complete check-in, set up your cushion and settle in.
- For 2-day and 3-day courses, arrive at the center between 1 and 5 pm for the registration period and the orientation. These courses end by 5 pm on the last day, afer a short clean up.
- Click the 'Apply' link to complete an application. Apply link available at 6:00 AM CST on the "Applications accepted starting" date.
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 24 | 1-Day | Applications accepted starting Jul 25 | Kaufman |
For old students *Part-time attendance welcome* *** New - Please note that no lunch will be provided. Kindly bring your own lunch. |
|
| Apply | Sep 05 - Sep 07 | 2-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Open | Kaufman |
For old students |
| Oct 05 | 1-Day | Applications accepted starting Sep 05 | Kaufman |
For old students *Part-time attendance welcome* |
|
| Dec 21 | 1-Day | Applications accepted starting Nov 14 | Kaufman |
For old students *Part-time attendance welcome* |
You can be considered for multiple waitlist courses with the understanding that acceptance to any one of them constitutes a cancellation of all others.
Click the 'Apply' link to complete an application. Apply link available at 6:00 AM CST on the "Applications accepted starting" date. Courses tend to fill quickly after opening.
Students are expected at the center between 1 and 5 pm for the registration period and the orientation. The course ends the morning of the last day by 7:00 am.
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | Jul 21 - Jul 25 | Service Period | In Progress | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
| Apply | Jul 28 - Jul 30 | Service Period | Servers - Open | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
| Apply | Jul 30 - Aug 10 | 10-Day | Women - Closed Men - Wait List Servers - Women - Closed Servers - Men - Wait List | Kaufman |
Thank you! We have enough servers. |
| Aug 10 |
Trust Meeting |
Open | Kaufman |
For old students To attend virtually, please contact registration by email - [email protected] (Agenda - Group Sit at 9:00am (Recommended that those attending the meeting also attend the sit) & Trust Meeting 10:20 - 11:45 am CST). |
|
| Apply | Aug 10 - Aug 13 | Service Period | Servers - Open | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
| Apply | Aug 13 - Aug 24 | 10-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Short Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Women - Wait List Servers - Men - Open | Kaufman |
*** Need 2 Male Servers *** :) |
| Apply | Aug 24 - Aug 30 | Service Period | Servers - Open | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
| Apply | Sep 01 - Sep 05 | Service Period | Servers - Open | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time are welcome to apply! |
| Apply | Sep 07 - Sep 14 | Service Period | Servers - Open | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
| Apply | Sep 15 - Sep 21 |
America's Acariya Meeting |
New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Women - Wait List Servers - Men - Open | Kaufman |
For old students Old Students are invited to volunteer to support this special session! Each year a different center hosts the annual meeting of the Teachers in the Americas. This will be 5 full days of of working sessions for the Teachers. There will be evening programs, social time, interviews,and of course morning chanting and 3 group sittings each day. |
| Sep 21 |
Trust Meeting |
Open | Kaufman |
For old students To attend virtually, please contact registration by email - [email protected] (Agenda - Group Sit at 9:00am (Recommended that those attending the meeting also attend the sit) & Trust Meeting 10:20 - 11:45 am CST). |
|
| Apply | Sep 21 - Sep 24 | Service Period | Servers - Open | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
| Apply | Sep 24 - Oct 05 |
10-Day
English / Mandarin |
Women - Wait List Men - Wait List Servers - Open | Kaufman |
This is a bilingual course and priority is given to Mandarin speakers. |
| Oct 05 - Oct 08 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Jul 25 | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
|
| Oct 08 - Oct 19 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Jul 25 | Kaufman | ||
| Oct 19 |
Trust Meeting |
Open | Kaufman |
For old students To attend virtually, please contact registration by email - [email protected] (Agenda - Group Sit at 9:00am (Recommended that those attending the meeting also attend the sit) & Trust Meeting 10:20 - 11:45 am CST). |
|
| Oct 19 - Oct 22 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Jul 25 | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
|
| Apply | Oct 22 - Nov 22 | 30-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Open | Kaufman |
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements |
| Apply | Oct 22 - Dec 07 | 45-Day | New Women - Closed Old Women - Open New Men - Closed Old Men - Open Servers - Open | Kaufman |
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements |
| Nov 09 |
Trust Meeting |
Open | Dallas |
For old students DFW area (address TBD). To attend virtually, please contact registration by email - [email protected] (Agenda - Group Sit at 9:00am (Recommended that those attending the meeting also attend the sit) & Trust Meeting 10:20 - 11:45 am CST). |
|
| Dec 07 |
Trust Meeting |
Open | Kaufman |
For old students To attend virtually, please contact registration by email - [email protected] (Agenda - Group Sit at 9:00am (Recommended that those attending the meeting also attend the sit) & Trust Meeting 10:20 - 11:45 am CST). |
|
| Dec 07 - Dec 10 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Sep 26 | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
|
| Dec 10 - Dec 21 |
10-Day
English / Persian (Farsi) |
Applications accepted starting Sep 26 | Kaufman | ||
| Dec 21 - Dec 24 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Oct 10 | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
|
| December 24, 2025 - January 04, 2026 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 10 | Kaufman |
| Attend / Serve | Dates | Course Type | Status | Location | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 04 - Jan 07 | Service Period | Applications accepted starting Oct 24 | Kaufman |
For old students Service Period is a period of time set aside to perform maintenance tasks throughout the center and get everything ready for the upcoming course. Most of the work will be indoor but please let us know if you want to work outdoor. Part-time servers are welcome to apply! |
|
| Jan 07 - Jan 18 | 10-Day | Applications accepted starting Oct 24 | Kaufman |
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://siri.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.
Children's Courses are open for all children aged 8-12 years old who wish to learn to meditate. Their parents/guardians do not have to be meditators.
Teenagers' Anapana Courses are available for teens in different age ranges from 13-18 years old. Their parents/guardians do not have to be Vipassana meditators.
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements
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 Course Qualification Requirements
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.
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 apply. 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.
Old Student Course Qualification Requirements
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.
