Dhamma Manda, also known as the Northern California Vipassana Center, means
"the essence 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.
Dhamma Manda is located in the Cobb mountain area of Lake County, California,
nestled among seventeen acres of mature pine, fir, and oak trees and is
approximately a two and a half hour drive from San Francisco; one and a half
hours from Santa Rosa; and two and a half hours from Sacramento.
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 non-sectarian remedy for
universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living. Vipassana
is the process of self-purification by self-observation. The technique 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. Additionally you may be
interested in our answers to commonly asked
questions.
Vipassana Courses
To learn Vipassana Meditation, one needs to develop one's own experience during
a residential ten-day course. Dhamma Manda is currently undergoing renovations,
but once construction is completed then ten-day courses will be offered at
Dhamma Manda every month, for new and returning students. Three-day and one-day
courses will also be given for returning students from time to time, as well as
programs for children. Please check back periodically for updates on when we
will be offering courses.