Dhamma Sineru

Vipassana in the serene Sikkim mountains.

India Upper Samdong Goenka (S.N. Goenka) donation

Perched in the picturesque East Sikkim, Dhamma Sineru, whose name evokes the mythical Sumeru mountain, offers a serene escape for those seeking to explore Vipassana meditation. Spanning approximately five acres, this center provides a dedicated space for practice, featuring a main Dhamma hall capable of hosting up to 120 meditators. The facility is thoughtfully designed with separate mini Dhamma halls for men and women, ensuring a comfortable and focused environment. Accommodation is available for a total of 48 individuals, with options for twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms or dormitory style lodging. Dhamma Sineru is a place where ancient wisdom meets tranquil natural beauty, providing a conducive setting for deep introspection and self-discovery.

Highlights

Separate mini Dhamma halls for males and females
Capacity for 120 meditators in the main hall
Twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms available
Courses offered in Hindi, English, and Nepali

Good for

beginnersexperienced meditatorssilent retreatsnature lovers

Setting

Dhamma Sineru is set in the scenic Upper Samdong region of East Sikkim, spread across five acres of land. The location offers a peaceful and natural environment, ideal for focused meditation practice away from the distractions of daily life. The surrounding landscape contributes to a sense of calm and introspection.

The practice

Dhamma Sineru teaches Vipassana, an ancient Indian meditation technique focused on seeing things as they truly are. It's presented as an 'Art of Living,' aiming to alleviate universal suffering. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of observing sensations and the mind, cultivating self-awareness through silent practice.

A typical day

While specific daily schedules vary by course, a typical day at Dhamma Sineru involves a structured routine of silent meditation sittings, short breaks, and simple vegetarian meals. The emphasis is on deep, continuous practice, with guidance provided to support meditators throughout their journey.

Accommodation

The center can accommodate up to 48 meditators. Options include twin-sharing rooms equipped with attached bathrooms for 12 males and 12 females, as well as separate dormitories for 12 males and 12 females. This setup provides a range of choices to suit different preferences while maintaining a communal retreat experience.

What to bring

Given the temperate climate of Sikkim, pack layers of comfortable clothing suitable for both warmer days and cooler evenings, especially during the cooler months. Bring personal toiletries and any necessary medications. Modest attire is recommended for meditation practice.

Website www.sineru.dhamma.org

Email [email protected]

Address Gyanalakha, Upper Samdong,East Sikkim 737107India

Course Types

10-day

How to get there

Dhamma Sineru is located in Gyanalakha, Upper Samdong, East Sikkim. Detailed travel instructions are usually provided upon course acceptance, but generally involve reaching Sikkim and then arranging local transport to the center.

Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (76 km)

The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is approximately 76 km from Dhamma Sineru. From the airport, you would typically arrange for a taxi or other private transport to reach the center.

Nearest city: Siliguri

Languages

HindiEnglishNepali

How to book

For information on booking a course, please visit the center's website at http://www.sineru.dhamma.org.

Pricing

Courses at Dhamma Sineru are run by donation. There is no set fee, allowing participants to contribute what they can afford.

Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.

Visit Dhamma Sineru website

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Dec, Jan, Nov

Avoid: May, Aug, Sep

East Sikkim experiences a moderate climate, with an annual average temperature of 17.8°C. The warmest months are July, June, and August, while January, February, and December are the coolest. The driest periods are December, January, and November, with May, August, and September being the wettest.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What are the accommodation options at Dhamma Sineru?

Dhamma Sineru offers accommodation for up to 48 meditators. This includes twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms for 12 males and 12 females, and separate dormitory facilities for another 12 males and 12 females.

What languages are the courses taught in?

Courses at Dhamma Sineru are typically offered in Hindi, English, and Nepali, making the teachings accessible to a diverse group of meditators.

Is Dhamma Sineru suitable for first-time meditators?

Yes, Dhamma Sineru welcomes first-time meditators. The Vipassana technique taught here is presented as an 'Art of Living' and is suitable for those new to meditation, with introductory resources available.

How large is the meditation hall?

The main Dhamma hall at Dhamma Sineru has a capacity to accommodate 120 meditators, providing ample space for group sittings.

How are the courses funded?

Dhamma Sineru runs by donation, meaning there is no fixed fee for courses. This allows the teachings to be accessible to all, with participants contributing according to their means and generosity.