PRESS RELEASE - MAY 2002

Mr S.N. Goenka - the internationally renowned teacher of meditation - will visit Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands between 8 and 15 August 2002 to speak about the ancient practice of Vipassana meditation, spreading information about this simple, practical way to achieve real peace of mind.

"When we talk of human society, the human being matters most. And when we talk of peace, the mind matters most. So the mind of each individual matters most. Unless there is peace in the mind of the individual, how can there be peace in the society?" said Mr S.N. Goenka in a recent interview.

During this tour, S.N. Goenka, who has addressed both the World Economic Forum, and the Millenium Peace Summit at the UN in New York, will speak in Belgium (Hasselt), Germany (Cologne) and the Netherlands.

S.N. Goenka is widely respected as the foremost lay teacher of Vipassana Meditation. Eighty meditation centres around the world offer instruction under S.N. Goenka's guidance, and meditation courses using his approach have been held in 90 countries. Every year, over 100,000 people attend ten-day meditation retreats under his guidance. Mr Goenka, who is based in India, is currently touring North America and other European countries; he has never before conducted such an extensive visit to the West.

Vipassana means "to see things as they really are". It is the form of meditation practised and taught by the Buddha. Vipassana as taught by S.N. Goenka is a non-sectarian practice open to everyone regardless of background or belief. It is a logical process of mental purification through self-observation.

This visit is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in meditation in its purest and simplest form. The tour is organised by students of S.N. Goenka. One unique aspect of the teachings of S.N. Goenka is that all events and meditation courses, even accommodation and food, are given completely free of charge.

Points of interest about Vipassana meditation

• Vipassana in Dilsen, Belgium - the first course was held in 2000. Since the opening people of all backgrounds and nationalities have attended retreats at the Belgium Vipassana centre near Dilsen.
• Vipassana worldwide - of the 80 permanent meditation centres, seven are located in Europe: in UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Switzerland. Courses are held in 90 countries including mainland China and Iran.
• Non-sectarian technique - hundreds of Catholic priests and nuns, as well as leaders of all the world's major religions come to learn Vipassana meditation without compromising their religious beliefs.
• Vipassana in prisons - Vipassana meditation is taught to both the inmates and wardens in prisons in several countries. In the US courses are held regularly in several prisons, including one high security facility. In India the government have recommended that Vipassana be introduced into all prisons and the country's largest jail contains a permanent Vipassana centre. In the UK one course has been held in Lancaster prison.
• Vipassana and local government - several state governments and business organisations in India give their employees paid leave to attend Vipassana meditation courses as a stress management tool.
• Vipassana and drug addiction - a Swiss government sponsored drug rehabilitation programme uses Vipassana meditation to help overcome addiction.
• Vipassana and the young - short meditation courses for children and young people from the age of 8 are held at centres or in schools and colleges.
  

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