Goenka tradition · USA & Canada
Dhamma Dhara
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, USA
Flagship centerFounded
1982
Capacity
200 students
Tradition
Goenka tradition
Languages
English, Spanish
About this center
First Vipassana Meditation Center in North America. Set on 100+ wooded acres in western Massachusetts. Hosts continuous 10-day courses plus regular long courses (20-day, 30-day, 45-day, 60-day) — among the most active long-course schedules in the Goenka network. Strong volunteer community.
How to reach
- Nearest airport
- Boston (BOS) — 200 km
- Nearest railway
- Amtrak Springfield — 60 km
- Climate
- New England — cold winter, warm summer
- Best season
- April to November
Before you apply
US flagship — books out months in advance for popular dates. Winter courses possible but require warm gear. NRI-friendly with strong Indian-American sangha.
New to Vipassana? Read the full guide before applying — the 10-day course expects you to know what you are committing to.
Apply for a course
Applications go directly to Dhamma Dhara. Darshya does not handle bookings — the center reviews each applicant personally. The course itself is donation-based (no fee).