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The Meditation Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs the course?

Vipassana Fellowship is an independent organisation of lay Buddhist practitioners. It was established to provide resources and support to meditators based on the authentic teachings of the Pali Canon. Its outlook is firmly within the Buddhist tradition, recognising that spiritual development is based not only on meditation techniques but consistency of approach and an ethical framework.

How did the course come about?

It began in 1997 as an informal daily e-mail that was sent to about 30 participants. The idea was to clearly disseminate the Buddha's teaching on meditation and liberation to those who wished to read it; and particularly for isolated individuals with no access to retreat centres and meditation groups. From the outset there was a commitment to ensuring that the material was always an accurate reflection of the teachings contained within the Pali Canon - the best source for determining what the Buddha actually taught - rather than bending to current spiritual fashions. The response was enthusiastic and the course was soon transformed into a downloadable computer program, with a timed interface presenting new information every day for 10 weeks. Participants were supported by Andrew, and the course was offered to about 250 people each year from many different countries. Since it began, some participants have organised retreats and other events inspired by the approach followed during the course.

What is new about the current version?

The course is now taught from our Online Course Campus. This dedicated interactive web site, accessible from a standard web browser, will be available to registered participants for each session of 90 days. The course includes an audio supplement on CD-Rom with specially recorded material to complement the written text. This includes audio guided meditations. We have a newly recorded audio supplement for January 2008.

How is the course financed?

The course was offered freely for the first five years, and more than 1,000 people participated without charge. Dana was offered by a few participants to help the course continue. In 2002 we began offering additional services and moved to a subscription based arrangement. The subscription is currently at US $125, including the audio supplement, amounts to $1.39 per day for the fully supported course. There are substantial discounts for previous participants and a number of subsidised places will continue to be available for those who genuinely cannot subscribe at the standard rate. There is also a free service for South Asia, known as the Buddhist Homelands scheme.

I have already participated, can I join again?

Yes, there is an open invitation to past participants to sit-in on new versions of the course at a reduced rate. These places are in addition to those allocated to newcomers. Please complete the application form and make sure that you mention when you last took part. Our Parisa scheme is available to provide ongoing access to our developing courses, new monthly material and support.

What are the future plans?

There will be continued development of the online course in response to the feedback given by participants. Related retreats and face-to-face meditation courses will continue to be offered around the world in response to invitations.

Commitment and Approach

What is required from participants?

The main qualities are openness and diligence. The course is not easy; but it will be a fruitful experience if there is a determined effort to apply the techniques and practices as outlined. No one is expected to accept anything simply because it features in the course; but there should be a willingness to give any new method or approach a fair trial before deciding on its merits.

How much time will I need to commit?

We each need to take account of our own circumstances. The minimum commitment is to read the course material each day and to include one meditation sitting (of at least 20-30 minutes) every day. Any benefits of our practice will reflect the amount of effort and commitment that we decide to apply. Beginners are encouraged to incorporate two short sittings of meditation into their day. Experienced meditators will, of course, wish to meditate for longer.

What support is offered?

Personal support and feedback is offered via the course web site. Andrew normally aims to respond to queries from course members within 48 hours (except during specified periods). Questions that are of general interest are displayed in an anonymous way to all course participants. Participants may also choose to provide mutual support and encouragement by using the course discussion board.

Can I combine this course with other spiritual practices?

In order to avoid confusion it is important that clarity of purpose is maintained as far as possible. The course is quite taxing and will certainly provide plenty of 'spiritual work' for the period we have set aside. Some related practices are helpful; others have the potential to distract us from, or dilute, the work we are doing. We must each judge where our best interests lie.

I will be away for several weeks, can I catch up?

Not a good idea. Please wait for a later course if you are likely to be absent for an extended period during this one. We normally offer three 90 day courses each year. The meditation instructions are designed to be absorbed and practised with consistency for the three month period.

Technical Requirements

What form does the course take?

The course is delivered online using our Course Campus website. This is a dedicated interactive learning environment that can be accessed through a standard web browser. It contains instructional texts, images, and other resources - as well as the facility to communicate with the course teacher and your fellow meditators. The audio supplement comes on a CD-Rom and includes guidance on structuring your own meditation sittings as well as an introduction to some traditional chants.

Will I be spending long periods online?

Participants need to connect regularly to the Online Course Campus and be able to receive e-mail for the duration of the course. The aim, though, is to efficiently deliver the meditation instructions and support so that most of your available time can be spent meditating rather than online.

What sort of computer do I need?

The course is now available for the Windows, Apple Mac and Linux platforms. A moderately specified computer with a web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox) is all that is required. Your browser needs to be capable of viewing Macromedia Flash animations using the free plug-in. The screen should be capable of a resolution of 800 x 600 (most are) and javascript should be enabled. The audio files require a soundcard and speakers (or headphones) and a CD-Rom drive is required for the audio supplement.

Is there a version for Apple Mac or Linux?

Yes. In April 2005 we started to deliver our courses using the Online Course Campus. For the first time this makes our courses available to participants using any major operating system. There is no longer the requirement to have a Windows PC.

What is the distribution agreement?

Our courses, software and other materials are copyright and licensed for use only by the registered person for the duration of the course. They may not be redistributed, decompiled or copied. The course is designed only for use in the supported environment offered to registered participants.

I only have computer access at work or a cybercafe...

The course requires regular access and a degree of privacy. It can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer.

What languages are available?

The new course is currently available only in English.

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