ABOUT VIPASSANA
Inclusivity at Dhamma Sela
A space of compassion, openness, and equality for all meditators
Our Commitment
Diversity
The Rocky Mountain Vipassana Center, Dhamma Sela, welcomes everyone to our courses. We embrace and respect diversity of everyone, including all colors, identities, genders, religions, backgrounds, and cultures.
Despite our unique lives and lived experiences, when we come to a Vipassana course we are united by a common purpose: to discover the way to self-transformation through self-observation.
Non-Sectarian Program
Although this teaching comes from Gotama the Buddha, it is presented in a non-sectarian format. The Buddha was not interested in converting people. He had found the Path to the end of suffering and his only interest was to share this with others.
It is the same today. The cause of suffering lies within each of us, and we only need to look inside to find its solution. This works for anyone regardless of their origins or traditions. And that is what you will learn here.
Languages
On every course we have many students whose native language is not English. Course materials are available in almost 50 languages.
Gender Diversity
People of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome to our courses.
The campuses at all the meditation centers in this tradition are separated into a men's side and a women's side. This structure is designed to reduce the tension that derives for the majority from the mixing of genders.
We recognize this doesn't work for everyone and that sometimes members of the queer, trans, gender-nonconforming, and intersex community may not feel comfortable on either side of the campus. If being in a space with binary gender separation is a concern for you, please let us know when you apply to the course so that we can try to arrange a space for you that is as safe and undistracting as possible while you meditate.
You can let us know how you identify in the section of the application where we ask, "Anything you wish to add to the above information?" We will contact you and collaborate together on a plan that works for you. Your private information is kept confidential for the teacher of the course and for accommodation arrangements only.
Physical Health Needs
Some applicants may have a special requirement due to a health issue, a physical limitation, pregnancy or a dietary restriction. We are prepared to accept most people with special requests, but we need to know the extent of someone's requirements before they arrive. Quite often someone may ask for back support or a chair to meditate in.
We are happy to provide whatever you need to meditate comfortably. Sometimes people ask for a private space because of personal needs. If you feel you need privacy for any reason please tell us in the application where we ask, "Anything you wish to add to the above information?" We will contact you and work out a plan.
