In the heart of the Province of Córdoba, Argentina, lies Dhamma Viriya, a serene Vipassana meditation center nestled near Capilla del Monte. Its journey began in 2001 when the first Vipassana courses were conducted in rented facilities, but the seed for a dedicated center was planted much later in 2016, when a group of old students, committed to the Dhamma, took a leap of faith. They purchased a 108-hectare property, 22 hectares of which were generously donated to establish what would become the second official Vipassana center in Argentina.
The opening of Dhamma Viriya was a source of inspiration for the growing Vipassana community in Argentina. The center welcomed its first 10-day course on March 22, 2017, with 26 students. Through the volition of old students and support from VCF, the center quickly expanded to accommodate 50 students by February 2018. Each course was a testament to the dedication of volunteers and the simplicity of selfless service that Vipassana upholds.
However, growth often brings new challenges. While Dhamma Viriya flourished, hosting a wide range of courses, from regular 10-day to long 20- and 30-day courses, the teachers who guided students through their meditation journeys continued to face difficulties with accommodations. Teachers had to stay in a small ensuite room located in the male servers’ area of the main house. This space, close to the kitchen and shared with others, lacked the privacy, security, and comfort needed for rest after hours of service.
Recognizing this, the center embarked on a new mission: to build a dedicated house for Assistant Teachers. The goal was clear – to provide a modest yet functional space where teachers could find the peace they needed, not only to serve effectively but also to preserve their own inner balance.
The vision for the house was simple but thoughtful: a small structure with two ensuite bedrooms, allowing accommodation for both male and female teachers. The location was carefully chosen, ensuring the house would be a quiet refuge. The building materials were equally modest but durable – baked bricks and cement, a sheet metal roof with insulation, and pine wood paneling for warmth and simplicity. In keeping with the center’s commitment to sustainability, the house was equipped with a solar water heater, offering a natural, low-impact energy source for teachers.
As the house began to take shape, it became more than just a building. For the teachers, it symbolized a renewed space of service and dedication. With two ensuite rooms, a shared kitchen, and a small covered gallery, the house provided not just comfort but the ability to continue serving meditators with undivided attention.
The completion of this house is a reflection of Dhamma Viriya’s ongoing journey toward growth, sustainability, and community. Every brick laid was a reminder of the collective effort, not just of those at the center and VCF, but of the wider Vipassana community whose donations made this project possible. For those who have walked the path of Dhamma, supporting a space for teachers means supporting the continuity of the teachings themselves.
The impact of this house will go beyond the walls of the structure. As the number of courses continues to grow, and as teachers from around the world come to serve at Dhamma Viriya, they will now have a space that nurtures their own practice. In turn, this nurturing will be reflected in the service they offer students, deepening the experience of everyone who comes to meditate.
This project stands as an inspiring reminder that small, simple changes can lead to profound impacts. In the spirit of Vipassana, where the most significant transformations often come from within, the completion of the Assistant Teacher house at Dhamma Viriya is a step toward supporting both teachers and students on their paths.
The Vipassana Community Foundation is grateful to everyone who contributed to this project. Your generosity has ensured that Dhamma Viriya will continue to flourish, offering a space of calm and introspection for many years to come.
