About Dhamma Pakasa
Dhamma Pakasa, which can be translated as “Luster of Truth”, stands on quiet and placid twenty acres next to the Four Lakes Forest Preserve in northern Illinois. Massive and venerable maples — as well as birch, walnut and willow — shelter the center buildings and wide green lawns. The three large flagstone-ringed ponds, which sit in neatly trimmed grass in the center of the property, are refuge to many beings. The clatter of dragonflies, the purling of catbirds, of jays and crows, chickadees, and bushtits, of sparrows, mallards and canada geese are punctuated now and again by the coughing of bullfrogs. Woodchucks, rabbits, green herons, box elder beetles, and families of geese with goslings are frequently seen in the wildflowers at the water’s edge.
The Illinois Vipassana Center has been serving the Midwest since June 2003. The first ten-day course at this location was offered in January 2004 for just twelve students. Courses are offered regularly to anyone who is interested in learning the technique of Vipassana meditation. This center is the newest of six in the the United States, and one of many worldwide where one can learn and practice the technique of Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
Center Facilities
The center accommodates fifty people at one time. The room configurations vary. While we want to make everyone as comfortable as possible, most students will have a private sleeping room that shares a bathroom with at least one other student. There is no guarantee of a private room for all students.
The dorm is a 5-7 minute walk from the meditation hall and the dining hall. Simple and wholesome vegetarian meals are served throughout the course. Those having special dietary needs can generally be accommodated, provided they contact the center well in advance of the course.
More information on course logistics can be found on the How to Apply page. Please also refer to the FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Center has been operating at half capacity. Each student is assigned a private room with attached bath for everyone’s health and safety.
