VIPASSANA COURSES IN MYANMAR PRISONS
Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka,(Pramukh Āeārya) in the tradition of
Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
There are
now 3 permanent vipassana centres for the prisoners in Myanmar.
1.
Dhamma Hita Sukkha Gayha (House
of Dhamma for the benefit and bliss) The first prison Dhamma Centre was
established in 16 July 2008 in Insein Central Prison, Yangon, and named “
Dhamma Hita Sukha Gayha”( House of Dhamma for the benefit and bliss for all).
There have been (15) courses of 10 day vipassana for men and 4 such courses for
the women; and (3) courses of 7 day vipassana for the youth. Total number of students is now 1429 (see table below)
A separate
area is allotted for old Yogi to sit for 1 hour every morning and evening group
sitting once or twice a week.
2.
Dhamma Rakkhita
(Guardian of Dhamma)
The second
vipassana centre is at Thayawaddi Prison in Bago division. The centre was
opened on 15 March 2009 with (420) male students. (see
table). The centre name as Dhamma Rakkhita (Guardian of Dhamma).
Arrangement
were made for group sitting once or twice a week.
3.
Dhamma Vimutti
(Liberation by
Dhamma)
The third
vipassana centre is in Mandalay, was opened on 19 Feb 2010. Two 10day vipassana courses for men and
one such course for women- a total of (207) students attended. (see table)
The total
number of students from the three vippasana centres for the prisoners are (2056) in number.(see
table) .
Arrangement
for group sitting for 1 hour once or twice a week are made in all three centres
for the prisoners.
SATIPATHANNA COURSES
There are plans for Satipathanna
courses in these prisons where there is adequate number of old students
qualified to attend the course.
Number of old Yogi from the prison
staff is now (96) in number. They include Assistant Director; Head of various
sections; In charge and Assistant In charge of the prisons, Sergeants and
Assistant sergeants; and other staff as well.
Budget
The budget for prison vipassana
courses are supported by Trusts of International Dhamma Giri Vipassana by
separate budget heading.
Up to 2009, old Yogi from Dhamma
Giri have sponsored to the courses.
If there are inadequate budget,
International Dhamma Giri Yogi contributed for prison courses in Myanmar.
Vipassana Courses in Myanmar Prisons (Up to Feb 2010)
|
No |
Centre |
Place |
Date |
Course |
Frequency |
Students |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M |
F |
Youth M |
Total |
|
1 |
Dhamma Hita Sukkha |
Insein Yangon |
16-7- 08 |
10 Day |
15 |
988 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
Day |
4 |
|
259 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Youth |
3 |
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1429 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Dhamma Rakkhita |
Tharyawaddi Bago |
15-3-09 |
10 Day |
6 |
420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
Dhamma Vimutti |
Mandalay |
19-2-10 |
10 Day |
2 |
137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 Day |
1 |
|
70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
2056 |
||
