An Introduction to Anapana
An Introduction to Meditation
Courses for 8 – 18 year olds are held at the Vipassana meditation
centre, Dhamma Dipa, and at rented venues in the UK. The courses
are generally residential and held over two days, but one-day
courses are also offered.
During the course, students learn the technique of Anapana
meditation, which is the first step in the practice of Vipassana.
Vipassana was the technique taught by the Buddha but contains
nothing of a sectarian or religious nature. It is acceptable to
people of any background.
The aim of the course is to let young people experience the benefits of meditation. Regular practice of Anapana gives many benefits, including:
- Improved concentration and memory
- Increased awareness and alertness of mind
- More self-confidence
- Greater capacity to work and study
- Increased goodwill for others
Anapana is the observation of natural, normal respiration as it enters or leaves the nostrils. It is a simple technique that helps calm and concentrate the mind.
In addition, Anapana helps children to better understand themselves and how their minds work. They gain mastery over their impulses and actions and develop an inner strength that helps them choose right and appropriate actions over wrong actions. It provides them with a tool to deal with agitation, and the fears, anxieties and pressures of childhood and adolescence.
The Structure of the Course
Residential courses begin on the evening of the first day and end at midday on the last day. One-day courses normally run from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
The children adhere to a moral conduct for the duration of the course, to provide a strong foundation for their meditation. They listen to tape or video recordings of instructions and short talks given by the teacher, S.N. Goenka. The day consists of half-hour sessions of meditation, interspersed with creative and physical activities.
A Children’s Course Teacher conducts the meditation sessions and gives individual guidance or explanations as necessary.
Other course helpers are on hand to supervise the children, look after their material needs and organise activities.
S.N Goenka is recognised as one of the world’s foremost teachers of meditation. He began conducting Vipassana courses in India in 1969 and in 1979 began teaching in other countries. Since then he has conducted hundreds of ten-day courses, and appointed more than 800 assistant teachers who are conducting Vipassana courses in centres and rented venues worldwide. The programme of Anapana courses for children has been running since 1986 and thousands of children in India and around the world have participated
In keeping with the Vipassana tradition, all courses are run solely on a donation basis, and are therefore free of charge. All expenses are met by donations from those who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of the meditation for themselves, wish to give others the same opportunity. In this spirit, children and parents may give a donation at the end of the course if they wish
