Dhamma Pubbananda Vipassana Meditation Center

This is a relatively new meditation center where Vipassana is taught per S.N.Goenka. While it is smaller in size than some other centers, it is quite close to transportation hubs, such as the Philadelphia airport & train stations. Vipassana in this tradition is taught in a non-commercial way. The courses are paid for by donations made by students that took the course earlier. Donation from students pf one course goes towards future students. The courses are made possible by a number of volunteers and teachers that serve to make the courses happen.
5 7 years ago (26-05-2018)

I was fortunate to take my first 10-day course here in January (2018). All staff were exceedingly kind and considerate in taking care of us throughout the retreat. Ample communication and support opportunities were offered for those who needed them. For example, on a given day any student has the opportunity for: a private interview with the assistant teacher (with a residence manager present), small-group interviews after the some afternoon sits, and open time after the evening dhamma talk to bring any questions to the teacher in the dhamma hall. The residence manager made sure we all understood that their door was open around the clock if any issues with accommodations or personal emergencies came up. I felt deeply cared for and surrounded by support throughout my stay, despite the potentially alienating conditions of a silent meditation retreat. To me that is a beautiful accomplishment on the part of the center and I am very grateful for it. The teachings and practice environment offered here have been so helpful to me, and I hope others will find them beneficial as well!
5 7 years ago (29-04-2018)

I’m considering to go here the second time, most likely for shorter period and to serve; last time the meditation gave me an experience of feeling THE consciousness in my body, and moreover i was able to move it different directions within my body. Granted i was following all instructions and gave my best efforts, sitting throughout the whole meditation times, speaking with teachers, doing the hard work, looking for answers within myself, and not looking for verifications from the outside (and no, it’s not a place for unstable, suicide-prone, depressed, heavily medicated individuals, and vipassana meditation is not a magic pill to swallow). Staff there is great, food is absolutely delicious and vegetarian, meditation really works and helps in achieving whatever goals you came there for. Thank you, Dhamma Delaware ❤️
5 8 years ago (02-02-2018)

Had an incredible experience. Mix of breathing focus, body scanning, and loving-kindness meditation. Free to first timers, their intensive 10-day retreat opened my eyes to the world and benefits of Goenka vipassana. I'm not a religious person, I consider myself an atheist. This is a very secular approach to meditation, though you learn from the hindu tradition. Very facilitating staff. I felt deeply, while outwardly it looked like nothing was happening at all. It was a real trip. I've experimented with many psychedelics, but this trip took the cake in terms of gained enlightenment. Very large campus in the middle of what seems like a suburb. However, when you're there, you feel a million miles away from them. Though at the same time, it's interesting to see people driving/milling about on their daily routine on the other side of the fence, while you're knee deep in a brilliant meditative experience. Book months in advance. Separated women/men retreat. Deeply personal experience. No: talking, eye contact, meat, exercise, sex, substances or touch allowed for the duration of the retreat. I quit smoking cigarettes just before the retreat, and I'm still going strong (6 months later), and I'm also clean and sober since shortly after. If you're thinking about kicking bad habits, this is a great way to start. The cravings were not there for me, though they came back in triggers after the retreat. However, I have to attribute the boost in willpower and the eventual kicking of these habits to the discipline gained from sitting the full 10 days. Also, although it's not the point of this journey, the vegetarian food was INCREDIBLE! I had no idea eating vegetarian could be so accessible. All the food was donated by a farm down the street and prepared by volunteers. I'm definitely going back to volunteer, myself. They are expanding and can use all the help/donations they can get, and they deserve it. I feel like it's the least I could do for this life-changing experience. I recommend this to anyone, though it is very psychologically taxing. Those who experience anxiety/panic attacks or suffer other psych disorders should definitely check in with a therapist before the retreat. I struggle with anxiety, I could see this being too much for me during earlier parts of my life.
5 7 years ago (03-05-2018)

Ten days are spent there were among the most peaceful days of my life in recent years and gave me a way to stop and think over what I am doing in my life. I think everyone should do a 10 day silent retreat at least once. One of the best experiences of my life.
5 7 years ago (11-03-2018)