Centres of Vipassana meditation are not clubs designed for the enjoyment of their members. They are not temples in which to perform religious ceremonies. They are not places for socializing. They are not communes where members of a sect can live in isolation from the outside world, according to their own peculiar rules. Centres are instead schools that teach one subject: Dhamma, the art of living". - S. N. Goenka
About the Centre
Dhamma Vatika, meaning Orchard of Dhamma, is nestled amidst a verdant orchard spread over 10 cres with 2000+ fully grown mature trees. Fruits like Coconut, Chikoo, Mango, Banana, Papaya, Lemon, Avocado and other trees and plants like Teak, Jaipur, Adulsa, Tulsi, and many other herbal and medicinal trees are already flowering. In addition to their pleasing effect and refreshing quality, these lofty trees help in maintaining a pleasant weather throughout the year.
The Centre provides a serene atmosphere for meditation away from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located approx. 3.5 km from Palghar Railway Station. Palghar is situated 100 km to the North of Mumbai, and is a major station on the Western Railway, well connected with the Mumbai Suburban Railway and express trains. It is a large industrial & agricultural town and the headquarters of the newly created Palghar District.
Surrounding of the Centre
History
In 1978, the Maharashtra Govt. awarded a 10-acre plot of land, where the Centre is currently situated, to a veteran of the Indian Air Force for his gallantry. After attending a Vipassana course and experiencing the benefits of the Technique, he expressed his volition to facilitate use of the said land for the purpose of Vipassana meditation, to enable more and more people to experience the benefits of this technique.
In 2012, Dhamma played its part and the first public Vipassana Group Sitting was held on this site on 19th December. Subsequently, local meditators formed the Palghar Vipassana Trust to manage the operations of holding regular Vipassana courses on the site.
From April 2014 onwards, regular 1-Day, 3-Day and 10-Day single gender courses started being held at the site, by temporary renovation of existing structures, with a capacity of 20 students per course. Over the past 5 years more than two thousand students have participated in these courses.
To help in manifesting noble wish of this Indian Air Force veteran, many Vipassana meditators came forward to contribute, not only money, but also time, hard work, efforts and skills. They had only one intention- to benefit as many people as possible, with the help of this wonderful technique. With the selfless service of these countless Vipassana meditators, this non-centre initiative became a formal Vipassana Centre in 2019.
Future Plans
The Palghar Vipassana Trust is planning to build a full fledged Meditation Centre with a capacity of over 100 students.
The Trust will implement a phase-wise master plan with infrastructure including independent student accommodations, AT rooms & staff quarters, meditation Halls & multiple Mini meditation Halls, a Cell Pagoda, Dining Halls & Kitchen, Course & Centre Offices, an Information Centre, Storage areas, Rainwater Harvesting Tank.
These plans are designed keeping in mind the plenty of open space at the Centre. No cut-off time period has been decided. Whenever Trust have sufficient donation, plans will be materialized.
Aerial view of Dhamma Vatika