Preserving the Pagoda of the Sole European Long Course Centre

Dhamma Padhāna is the first purpose-built Vipassana long-course centre outside India. The European Long Course Centre opened in March 2010 in the United Kingdom, on land near Dhamma Dīpa. Named by S. N. Goenka, Dhamma Padhāna means "Foremost in Dhamma".

The centre welcomes old students from Europe and around the world, offering a unique environment where they can deepen their meditation practice. Approximately 14 courses are offered each year, including Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta courses, special 10-day courses and long courses of 20, 30, 45 and 60 days.

Following the 60-day course held in early 2026, the centre is moving towards offering a 60-day course every other year, with the next scheduled for early 2028.

45-day courses will be offered alternating between summer and autumn/early spring every year.

The Pagoda and its roof repairs

At the heart of Dhamma Padhāna lies the Pagoda, with 106 individual meditation cells. Each cell offers a quiet, private space for meditation, continuously supplied with fresh, warm air. The building is exceptionally well insulated, providing an environment for undisturbed meditation, particularly valuable during long courses.

Unfortunately, the Pagoda roof structure has failed and requires major repairs. This work is urgent, as water is entering the roof structure. The repairs are essential to protect the building and preserve the centre's meditation facilities.

The cost of the roof repairs is currently estimated at over $1,33 million, with the aim of beginning work in spring 2027.

Completing the Pagoda

Once the roof has been repaired, the Pagoda can also receive its long-awaited zedi, the bell-shaped spire inspired by the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. This form was used by Sayagyi U Ba Khin, the teacher of S. N. Goenka, when he built a meditation pagoda for his students in the 1950s.

The fibreglass zedi, along with its decorative elements, including the hti (the traditional Myanmar-style ornamental umbrella that crowns the spire) and the crystal that will sit at its summit, were made in Myanmar and shipped to Dhamma Padhāna in 2018. These elements are awaiting installation and will mark the final completion of the Pagoda.

Supporting the continuation of long courses

The roof repairs will be carefully planned around the centre's course programme. The 45-day course in summer 2027, the 60-day course in early 2028 and the 45-day course in autumn 2028 are all expected to take place as scheduled.

MAKE A DONATION

Preserving the Pagoda will help ensure that students can continue to benefit from its quiet meditation atmosphere and that Dhamma Padhāna can continue offering long courses to meditators from Europe and around the world.

How dāna can help

Dāna will help support the essential work needed to preserve the Pagoda, including:

• Developing a durable, long-term solution to the decay of the roof's top surface;

• Architectural design, technical investigations and preparation for construction;

• Repairing the failed external render on the walls abutting the roof;

• Thus, safeguarding the 106 individual meditation cells for future courses.

With the support of old students, this important facility can be preserved for generations to come.

Directing your dāna

The Vipassana Community Foundation (VCF) serves as a bridge, helping old students direct dāna to Dhamma projects such as this one when direct giving isn't possible or practical. VCF does not decide where funds go. Dāna flows only when an old student chooses to direct it, and giving through VCF complements giving to the center directly. Anyone with the volition to support is welcome to participate, and no offering is too small to be meaningful.

Danā directed through VCF is eligible for U.S. tax relief on charitable giving.

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If you have any problems or questions with your donation you can reach us at donations@vcf.dhamma.org

*Note that VCF can also receive dana in the forms of: cash, check, wire transfer, crypto currency, securities, or other complex donations. Feel free to reach out to us if you would prefer to donate via one of these alternative methods. Also, VCF allocates 2% of any international donations to the admin fund to help cover any operational & legal costs related to international giving.