Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was rediscovered by Gotama Buddha more than 2500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art Of Living. For those who are not familiar with Vipassana Meditation, an Introduction to Vipassana by Mr. Goenka is available.
The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants learn the basics of the method, and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results.
All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to also benefit.
Worldwide there are now over 130 Meditation Centers. Also in Switzerland a Vipassana Center was set up in 1999, in Mont-Soleil in the Bernese Jura mountains.
After reviewing the Code of Discipline for the courses in Vipassana Meditation and checking the schedule of courses in your area, you may then make an Application for a course at that location.
In 1986 the Swiss Vipassana Association was founded. Ever since 2 to 3 Vipassana Meditation Courses were given every year in rented places. Many Swiss Students also attended classes in foreign centers, for example in the neighbouring France, Germany or other countries.
The Swiss Vipassana Association is a nonprofit organization, exempt of taxes and has its seat in Zurich. All old Students can participate at the Trust meetings meetings which take place about every other month at the Meditation Center. Once a year there’s a General Assembly.
In 1999 the Vipassana Association Switzerland could buy a former children’s holiday home in Mont-Soleil near St. Imier and transform it into an own Center. It was bought for CHF 420’000.- and was paid with donations and interestfree loans from old students and a mortgage.
“Dhamma Sumeru” means “The heavenly mountain of Dhamma” in Pali, the ancient Indian language that was spoken at the time of Buddha.
After purchasing the house, many renovation works had to be done. Whatever possible is done by volunteers, like for instance the cooking, teaching or cleaning work, in and around the house. All the costs are covered by donations.
In the center there’s room for 55 persons. The first 10 days course took place in April 2000 and was fully booked. In the second year (2001) eight courseswill be held, later there will be more courses as far as the demand exists.
EMail: info@sumeru.dhamma.org
Website: www.sumeru.dhamma.org
