In mid-August 1991, papers were signed by Trustees of the Northwest Vipassana Association completing the purchase of an 8,000 square foot home on forty acres in rural Onalaska, Washington. Two weeks later, Mr. and Mrs. Goenka came to inaugurate the new center, conduct two one-day courses, and provide guidance to the Trustees.
Since that time the Northwest Vipassana Center ~ Dhamma Kuñja, has offered more than 600 ten-day courses serving thousands of individuals, improved and increased accommodations, dining and kitchen, built a large meditation hall, and recently added a pagoda with individual spaces for meditation. And now, the first long course of 30 days is underway.
To mark this 32nd anniversary two special events are planned: On Saturday, August 26, a one-day course for Old Students followed by a tour of the new pagoda, and on Sunday, August 27, an Open House for family, friends and neighbors, between 11am and 4pm.
Pre-registration for the one-day course is required, via the course schedule page. If you wish to stay overnight and attend or serve the Open House on Sunday, please also apply to serve the House & Garden Days and specify which dates you will attend. This will ensure there are enough beds available.
For an indication of how many plan to attend the Open House, and to share with friends and family, an RSVP has been set up using Eventbrite. (The event is free of charge and open to all.) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-house-celebrating-30-years-at-dhamma-kunja-tickets-667936815997
There will be activities for children, tours of the site, refreshments and, for those who wish, an opportunity to take part in a short introduction to Anapana meditation. A retrospective of changes that have taken place over the years will be a highlight.
Old (returning) Students who would like to help out at the Open House on August 27 may sign up for tasks indicated below. Many opportunities are available!
- Setup
- Greeters
- Children’s games/ activity coordinators
- Video showings helper
- Tour guides
- Meals/refreshments/kitchen support
- Clean-up after the event
Please visit signup genius to indicate how you would like to serve.