header image
Issue 16 ~ August 2013

In this Issue


Dhamma Pakasa Seeks Center Manager

A position will be opening for Center Manager in December, with training beginning November 1, 2013. The general role of a center manager is to organize the maintenance of the center and support servers through the processes of course service. This can take the form of administrative support or hands-on instruction. In this varied and constantly changing role, it is always the goal of managers to apply the principles of the practice and be a role model for newer servers in approaching problems with ingenuity and energy and above all, equanimity. It is important that candidates for center manager be well established in their practice and have experience in serving several courses.

The Trust would like potential center managers to make a commitment of six months to a year. In some cases, center managers may be allowed to extend their service for up to one more additional year. Duties will involve close coordination with the Trust Committees about the day-to-day operation of the center and needed improvements. It will be helpful if prospective center managers have their own transportation for off-duty periods. Serious meditators have found that service given in the center manager role quickly deepens their practice, preparing them for longer courses, and provides a thorough understanding of how centers and trusts operate.

If you are interested in applying or learning more, please contact either the Managers at [email protected]  or Lucia Meijer at [email protected]


Visitors Learn About Dhamma Pakasa at 10th Anniversary Open House

Geese
 

Dhamma Pakasa celebrated its 10th Anniversary Open House on May 11th from 12-4 pm. The event was a great success with over 90 visitors in attendance. Guests were served delicious food, guided through a tour of the grounds, viewed Goenkaji�s introductory talk on video, and participated in a question and answer period led by an Assistant Teacher. The day was served by at least 15 old students who groomed the grounds, served in the kitchen, led tours, and served as greeters. Guests enjoyed greetings from four goslings, born at Dhamma Pakasa a week before the Open House.

One visitor wrote: �Thanks for a wonderful Open House session. Right from the start, as soon as we parked our car, we got a warm welcome�Your volunteers were super nice. Goenkaji's video was very inspiring�[and] the food was so delicious. My son and my wife also enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and your warm hospitality.

Thanks for this great facility and service you provide.�


Updates from 2013 Work Periods

chimney removal

Dhamma Pakasa has hosted three work periods over the past four months.  Servers came from around the Midwest to plant, weed, cut grass, deep clean, launder and continue renovations in the dhamma hall.  Special projects included preparation for the 10th Anniversary Open House, as well as removing the Dhamma Hall chimney and rearranging walls and doorways as part of the male break room expansion project.  Maintenance, grounds work, renovations and deep cleaning are on-going rewarding service projects at Dhamma Pakasa.  Old students are invited to participate in the next work period Oct 7-13 (apply here).   Or contact management if you have availability to offer service between courses

[email protected]


Teen and Children's Courses

Teen course

Dhamma Pakasa hosted this season�s first courses for youth over Memorial Day Weekend and on July 14th. The May teen's courses were served by 18 old students supporting 11 teen girls and boys in their practice of Anapana. The July course welcomed 16 children ages 8 � 12, supported by 15 servers. Ten youth were returning to deepen their practice of Anapana, 17 students came for their first taste of dhamma. Enthusiasm was strong. Several teen students asked for longer courses in the future. Activities between meditation sessions included journaling, drawing, sewing meditation cushions, nature hikes, volleyball and juggling. A few quotes from student feedback forms include:

�The most rewarding part of my experience was that I could actually sit down and get in touch with myself and my mind.�
�It will help me control my anger.�
�I think it will help me avoid becoming overwhelmed which is very big and amazing for me.�
�I have learned so much about myself through this.�

Upcoming Children�s Course: September 1st, Ages 8 � 15. Apply Here



New Dhamma Center in Wisconsin

Early this summer, the Minnesota Vipassana Association purchased property to open a new center called Dhamma Vissudhi. The new center is located in Menomonie, Wisconsin -  just 60 minutes from the Twin Cities (Saint Paul-Minneapolis) and 2.5 hours north of Madison.  The site currently accommodates 50 students.   The first 10 day course has been completed and follows 27 years of non-center courses hosted by the Minnesota Vipassana Association.  For more information on course scheduling or how you can help serve the new center, contact: [email protected]



Reflections on Long Term Service 


From the day I arrived for my course at Dhamma Pakasa I felt drawn to the special atmosphere at the center and driven to engage in the activities there.  Becoming increasingly involved over time, I was heartened to see how each and every person, from the overseeing Teachers of the region to the newest old students (like me) embraced the spirit of selfless service.  As each of us contributes to the best of our ability, we create something truly admirable; we devote ourselves to giving others the opportunity for a life-changing experience.  In the process, we are changed. Following my course, I returned to the center as often as I was able, ultimately deciding to stay there as a long term server.  Each day of service contained gems of inspiration, insight and encouragement, but there were also enough tasks to elicit genuine fatigue.  This experience is commonly called �an opportunity to practice�; by facing the things we find difficult, we put our meditation to practical use.  Over time, the challenges of long term service proved to be the most effective tools for strengthening the part of my mind that observes, while subduing the part that reacts.  Though it sounds simple, doing so required great discipline, evoked intense experiences and yielded profound results.

I faced so many challenges and opportunities for growth over the course of my service, gaining confidence and wisdom with each lesson.  However, a few months into my service, I encountered what seemed to be a paradox.  Like many others, I came to Dhamma Pakasa determined to repay my debt of gratitude for the teachings I received, yet the longer I stayed, the greater the accumulation of benefits I acquired.  Ultimately, I accepted the fact that I can never �repay my debt.�  I realized that gratitude is the powerful motivation necessary to continue serving even though I have returned to the householder�s life.

I have been humbled by the generosity, dedication, perseverance and benevolence of my fellow servers.  I dedicate part of my daily Metta practice to all those who came before me, creating and sustaining the Path and the very center where I was so fortunate to serve.  This is one of the many gifts of a Dhamma center; engaging in self-reflection, resisting the urge to react and accepting the reality of what is, we amplify one another�s progress on the Path.  By striving to do our best, we bring out the best in others and as a result, we are all energized.

The impact of giving service continues to strengthen my practice long after leaving the center.  Seeking to integrate that experience with my life as a householder, I see there are many ways to continue supporting the center.  As old students, we can serve by going to the center.   We serve by participating in committee work.  We serve by talking with friends and family about this wonderful opportunity we all have to free ourselves from negativities, and live happy lives.  Most importantly, we serve by maintaining our daily practice.




Click here to access the
newsletter online

username : oldstudent  
password : behappy
pond
 
Words of Inspiration
The purpose of Dhamma Service

What is the purpose of Dhamma service? Certainly not to receive board and lodging, nor to pass the time in a comfortable environment, nor to escape from the responsibilities of daily life. Dhamma workers know this well. Such persons have practiced Vipassana and realized by direct experience the benefits it offers. They have seen the selfless service of the teachers, management and Dhamma workers-service that enabled them to taste the incomparable flavor of Dhamma. They have begun to take steps on the Noble Path, and naturally have started to develop the rare quality of gratitude,the wish to repay their debt for all that they have received.Read more.


Group Sittings
Find a group sitting near you.
username : oldstudent  
password : behappy


Chicago One Day Sittings
Find a one day sitting
Chicago, IL:  Sept. 29
To register or serve email:  [email protected]


NEW! Madison
Three Hour Sittings

Held monthly. For more information email:
[email protected]


Upcoming Work Period Oct 7-13 
Apply to serve.


International Vipassana Newsletter

The International Vipassana  Newsletter is now available online username : oldstudent
password : behappy


Resources and Links

Dhamma Pakasa Website
Give Dana/Donation
Guidelines for Practice
Pariyatti Website Audio and Books



Upcoming Events & Special Courses
Click here for the course schedule
username : oldstudent  
password : behappy



Grounds Committee Servers Needed

The Grounds Committee has a serious need for volunteers to assist with the beautification and upkeep of  Dhamma Pakasa�s 20 acre campus.  It is not necessary to have previous experience working with plants and tools as other volunteers will be present to offer instruction and oversight.  This is a challenging and fulfilling opportunity to see the seeds of your service bear fruit as one develops paramis and learns new skills throughout the different seasons.  Some of the Grounds areas of responsibility include the following:

�    Cleaning and clearing the land: mowing, raking of leaves, weed whacking,  etc
�    Flower beds: weed, prune, cultivate, feed, thin
�    Walking paths: weed, repair
�    Driveways: weed, repair, clean, resurface
�    Parking lot: weed, repair, clean, resurface
�    Seasonal tasks: Including winterizing and snow removal
�    Grounds equipment and tools: Cleaning, maintaining and storing
Please email  us at [email protected] to find out more information.  We look forward to serving with you.




service


service


gardeningserver


goslings

Below: Lucky ducks! Ten (one day old) ducklings were found trapped in a sewer in Rockford and hand raised off-center for two months. Seven ducks are shown here fully grown and were released on Dhamma Pakasa grounds on July 28th 2013.


ducklings

michaelandducks

    MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY!
Illinois Vipassana Meditation Center, Dhamma Pakasa

10076 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063
Phone: 1-815 489-0420 Fax 1-360-283-7068
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.pakasa.dhamma.org


This notice is sent to old students of Vipassana as taught by S.N. Goenka in the North American Old Student Contact Database. You may also receive occasional messages from centers and newsletters via this database. If you don't wish to be contacted by us please click here: [email protected]?subject=remove