Best experience. Best program. A little bit outdated facilities but other than that it's fine.

The California Vipassana Center is a beautiful place. 10 days of silence, long sits is challenging every day. Came out renewed, truly happy, with real equanimity that lingers. Simple vegetarian meals. Excellent instruction. All provided for free. Very worthwhile. May all experience true peace, true happiness. read more

Five hours on the road from LA, and here we are. Drove with a friend in her car--she's the one who inspired me to take on this journey. Room, service, food, meditation hall everything is so beautiful! Extremely nice stuff! Loved the silence, felt like our souls danced instead of the tongues dancing not always kind and good things to one another. For someone as active as me, it's a challenge to sit still while my brain keeps itching to dive into problem-solving and goal-setting. But I adapted. During my walk, I saw a deer! It was such a magical moment--we walked together for a bit, with him leading the way and me following. Thankfully, he didn't attack me (I was close), but I think he felt good energy from me. On another note, I'm fully embracing the vegan diet here, and my body is loving it. I wasn't eating meat before except for chicken, but now I don't even feel the need to buy chicken anymore. Grateful for the experience from the bottom of my heart read more

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I did the 10 day meditation retreat nearly 10 years ago now. It was difficult and it changed my life for the better. I've continued meditating in the vipassana style on and off since the course and still find it beneficial read more

Amazing facility here away from the hustle and bustle, but still quite accessible. Although you will have to hand in your phone during the course, there is cell reception in case you need to use navigation. In June 2021, the weather fluctuated quite a bit, starting with a heat wave advisory warning, progressing to a cold front, and ending with moderate weather. I brought clothing ranging from sweats and a puffer jacket to wide-legged pants and light, quick-dry t-shirts. The Burmese-style pagoda was the main draw of this location, which differentiates it from the other Northern California center. The old students get assigned a cell around the beginning of the course and the new students get assigned a cell around halfway through. That was where some of my best work was done -- alone and in complete silence. The pagoda also had plenty of cushions, shawls, and seats with backrests, which you aren't allowed bring back to your room. You aren't allowed to use alarm clocks with beepers in the pagoda, but you can hear the gong ring. The accommodations were basic yet thoughtful and well-maintained. I stayed in room 16D, which was a new building on the farthest corner of the campus, facing the course boundary of the forest. It was about an 8-10 minute walk from my room to the dining hall, and 5 minutes to the Dhamma meditation hall. I enjoyed sitting on the shaded porch in the afternoons and gazing at the sky or the trees. The room contained a night stand, alarm clock, bed and a pillow, drawers and coat rack, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, chair, wood/cork bath mat, insect removal cup (no killing bugs), and tissues (for all the tears you'll shed... ;)). The room also had an air conditioner/heater. I would suggest bringing ear plugs if you'll be staying in a room with multiple people. There were also abundant supplies including toiletries, alarm clocks, bedding (sheets/blankets/pillow cases), towels, batteries, bug spray, flashlights/lanterns, laundry detergent, and extra face masks. Of course it's best to bring your own, but it's good to know they've got your back in case you've forgotten anything. The Dhamma hall for group sittings was very well-stocked with bean bag cushions, shawls, and blankets. Each person gets an assigned base cushion with seat cushion on top, and you are free to add bean bags as needed support. There were also seats with backrests should you require one. Otherwise, if you need to sit upright, you may lean against the wall or even sit in a chair. It was very accessible to all. The hall is temperature controlled, but can get a little chilly, which is when a shawl comes in handy. On the women's side, there's a beautiful walking path around a pond, so be sure not to miss it! There was lots of interesting wildlife, including lizards, squirrels, birds, and I even saw an orange cat. Like camping in the woods, definitely expect insects such as spiders, flies, ants, beetles, mosquitos, etc. The location is quite dusty, so if you wear open-toed shoes, expect to wash your feet quite often. I also brought sneakers, which was better for longer-distance walks to the dining hall or on the walking path. For the meditation sessions, it's better to wear shoes you can easily slip on and off. The dining hall was well-stocked with basics every meal such as filtered water, hot water, tea, instant coffee, creamer, milk, sauces/spices, and ice. It's a good idea to bring your own water bottle, because the dining hall is only open 3 times a day, and I don't think the tap water in the rooms was that clean. They don't recommend keeping food in your room as they may attract bugs. There are also modern restroom facilities in the dining hall and by the Dhamma meditation hall. Honestly, leave your worries behind and don't hesitate to sign up the first opportunity you have. Whatever worries you bring, you can leave them behind at the meditation center :) The best part of the retreat comes in the last 3-4 days, so be sure to power through to the trough of disillusionment to reap the benefits! You're in good hands. read more

So I completed my 10 day Meditation retreat right before Thanksgiving this year. I know it's hard to believe especially for people who know me. I mean no talking for 10 days!!! Even I thought this would be impossible but I did make it through and did well. I feel the need to review this location as far as amenities and location as well as to share with my fellow Yelpers a little about the experience. It is a remarkable thing to do and to experience and if you have 10 days to make your life better and to be a happier person then I suggest you do it. I think this is good for just about everyone and I think everyone should do it. I am a pretty happy-go-lucky person and didn't have any of the "suffering or miserableness" that they say this technique can eliminate but being a naturally curious person and always up for a challenge. (No talking, communication, TV, reading, writing, computer, phone, or contact with the outside world for 10 days!) Yes you read that right. I signed up in the summer for a Fall course and never really could wrap my mind around what would happen or how this would even be possible for me personally since I make my living talking and just really never shut up unless I'm sleeping. Well I found it to be very lonely at first, the first 3 days were tough I did get weepy but it was not impossible. I felt as though I was in a really bad movie at times. I mean we are all living together and some people even have roommates and there is no communication happening. 60 women in the dining hall and everyone doing their own thing just hearing the clanking of dishes was sort of surreal. I'm not going to get into too much of what happens or the technique itself but would like to say this location is very nice. It's located off the road a bit and very quiet, your in nature with deer being a daily sight in the mornings on the way to breakfast. I came in the Fall and I would suggest Spring or Fall being the best times to come here. Summer would be rough and too hot for me. The women's side is much more spread out and there is a little bit of walking involved depending on what building your staying in. The suggestions and list of thing they tell you to bring is pretty complete, however I wish I would have brought a watch and a thermos so I could have tea or warm water through out the day. I did bring a water bottle good for hot and cold water made out of glass but a small thermos would keep the water warmer longer and a better option. I was in Building 10 Room J and had a roommate and a bathroom to ourselves (which apparently was very fortunate). We were close to the Dhamma Hall and the Pagoda and there was a 1/4-1/2 mile trip to the dining hall down the hill you make that 3 X a day. They have nice places to walk around on the women side as well - nature walks and just nice places to get away and think on your own if you don't want to sit in your room staring at the wall on your break times. I would suggest getting out there and finding a nice place to call your own and visit it daily. I found a few of these places and they saved my sanity I think, and gave me something to look forward to. The rooms were very nice and clean and all your supplies (paper towels, toilet paper, tissue and cleaning supplies) are provided. The facilities are very nice and the Dhamma Hall were nicely heated especially on the cold evenings and mornings. The food was fabulous! Very nice vegetarian meals and they think of everything every condiment you can think of is available, several different kinds of teas, even vitamin C and cough drops were available on the counter. I really enjoyed my tea with honey at every meal and looked forward to see what they had cooked for us each day. You can really get to know yourself in a place like this, no distractions is just all about you and the servers and teachers are all there for you to have the best experience possible. You go through a wide array of emotions throughout the 10 days and they go from one extreme to the other but you end up leaving a happier and healthier person. Some people feel lighter and just high on life. I came in that way so it was more of a feeling of accomplishment and excitement for me. I recommend this to everyone and anyone if I can do it I know you can. Look into the technique and its benefits and the different locations they are teaching this class and see if its something that is right for you. read more

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I just got back from my first 10-Day course here. I had done other 10-day courses before through other organizations, and I must say that this was FAR superior. I couldn't have asked for anything more, and I had a truly life changing experience. Like mentioned by another reviewer, it is an excellent foundation for a meditation practice once you leave. What made it so great was: - The tight organization. It's strict, but it's fair and orderly. - Clear, very clear instruction. Goenka is a brilliant teacher - Beautiful (as most meditation retreats are, but gotta say it anyway) - Very caring, all volunteer staff, and all donation based organization. They clearly do it for the love. It is tough. You will work hard. But, if you put in the effort, you will see the results... it's that simple. I don't know anything else so effective. Highly Recommended!! EDIT (May 2012): I have since done about 12 more Goenka courses, and a few other courses with other traditions, including a 40-day in India. I still like Goenka courses and will be going back for #13 this summer. Someone asked me about the difference between Goenka courses at different centers, and basically the course is completely the same between centers (India, California, etc.) The course is all on audio and video tape anyway. What is different is the particular campus, with it's arrangement of accommodations, meals, and the culture, etc. The center in North Fork is a particularly large center with lots of walking space. It's quiet, serene, and surrounded in nature. It has some single-room accommodation, but expect to share a room with others if it's your first course. read more

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My first time at the CVC and at North Forks, CA. It is like a 5 stars boot camp meditation center. I love love the CVC & the techniques taught on the audio & video of G.N. Goenka. I will come back to CVC in April again that's how much I love the teaching. I learn so much, These people really goes out of their way to make everything possible & as easy as it can be so that I can deepen my practice. Thank You all!! I just love it so much & I have been to many others retreat center some pay, some no-pay, but this one is the best of all. I can't say enough, if you want to learn & to practice Vipassana meditation, CVC is IT!! At least for me. See the pictures I took after the course at North Forks, CA so you'll know what to expect if it is your first time. read more

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This is an elegantly designed program. I had GREAT experience. I highly recommend it. This is what I wrote on my Facebook: "#LifeHack : #Vipassana - I just came out of 10 days in seclusion. It was intense and wonderful. For 9 of those days, there was no contact with the outside world, no cell phone, no talking, no eye contact with others, no acknowledgement of others; just deep meditation and silence. Meditate, eat, sleep, bathroom breaks, repeat (notice the schedule)....It was incredibly tedious and truly challenging. It was very hard work. During meditation, memories would come at random. I couldn't trace where the memories were coming from since I wasn't conversing with anyone. Some of these memories were experiences from childhood that I completely forgot about; profoundly negative experiences that would dictate what opportunities I would choose or deny myself, who I would or wouldn't date, what I felt I was good at or not good at; all sorts of limitations regardless of objective data; ultimately leaving me with a low experience and opinion of myself AND a shit ton of anxiety and depression (regardless of my naturally cheerful/playful disposition). Interestingly, I didn't even have to choose to let go of these memories, it was as if the bad feelings just dissolved and left my body. And suddenly I felt like I could breath freely. Kind of like the clouds parted and life is sunny again. This is the first time in years that I've felt this profound sense of happiness and a feeling of being at peace with myself. The great thing is that I know life is never going to be perfect; things aren't always going to go as anticipated OR things will happen in ways we aren't prepared for (good and bad), but I feel like it'll be okay no matter what. I feel good about the future even though it's uncertain. :) Thanks for reading and I want to share a saying that I really dig (said at the end of our sittings): May All Beings Be Happy. " ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: UPDATE: A fellow yelper asked for more tips, here is what I wrote her: "Hi, Just try to follow the rules as honorably as possible, suspend your doubts. Leave everything you know in regards of how to approach you problems and just do the course the way it's designed. It's really well designed. And be super gentle and kind with yourself. Do the hard work. It's only 10 days. The 4th day is the real deal. Practical stuff: - I just brought 5 outfits (all sweats) and 1 pajamas set. I didn't care about repeating outfits. No one is paying attention to you. They shouldn't. Everyone's busy meditating with their eyes closed. - bring a water bottle ***just bring your happy self or just come as you are. It truly is "wax on, wax off" and be natural, do not force yourself or the process. ENJOY!!!!!!!!! Loan ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: read more

I have done the 10-day meditation retreat here twice. It is definitely no frills. I don't know that it was life-changing so much, although i spoke with a lot of people on the last day who felt like it was cathartic for them. I was more doing it for the experience. I was worried it was a cult or something, but it wasn't like that all. The religion is sort of Buddhist and involved an hour of watching a recorded video of the founder every night, who (though now deceased) is a good public speaker, and I enjoyed his talks. I didn't feel any pressure at all to change my beliefs, and found it interdenominational: people from many religions, Christianity, Buddhist, Agnostic, and Hindu attended. It is a good place to challenge your mental and physical discipline: sitting without moving or opening your eyes for hour long periods on a pillow or hard bench was the hardest thing for me. It was not physically comfortable and my back felt sore a lot. Well, that and not eating dinner. I was hungry a lot. Okay, and sharing a communal bathroom. I caught up a on a lot of sleep: there were no distractions! If you can't live without your cell phone for 10 days, that is going to be a big problem for you. They are very strict about the rules. Everyone who came to quit a bad habit (weed, tobacco, and so on) ended up going home. The not talking part wasn't a problem. It wasn't as if we were lonely; we were surrounded by people all the time. Everyone I talked to when it was over had the same experience: making up stories about the other people we shared quarters with and wondering about their lives. After 10 days of silence, talking to them and actually learning about them was astounding--it made me realize all the stereotypes, preconceived notions, and baggage we carry about how we view other people and just how wrong we are a lot of the time. Overall, I would recommend doing it once. I learned a lot about how to keep still and let physical, emotional, and psychological things pass. It takes a lot of practice, at least for me, and the rigorous meditation schedule helped me develop discipline. read more

This review is for 'Dhamma Service' at a 3-day course. My first time 'serving' and it was indeed a very good experience. We had a crew of 14 servers (6 women/8 men) and fortunately everyone worked together really well and all took initiative, no slackers here. We had a great kitchen manager and a couple the servers were people who were experienced in cooking in an 'commercial' type of kitchen - we prepared/served meals for total of 84 students. See the photo (attached) of the daily schedule; each day is a VERY full day of working with a single 1 1/2 hour afternoon 'rest' period, the day can be tiring. I'm older (64) but in good physical shape but still the long hours of being on one's feet hit me pretty hard the first couple of days- I'm just not used to that. I'm not sure I'd be up for serving a 10 day course at this site - in addition to the kitchen work there are treks 3X/day up the hill to the meditation hall and a short Metta sitting at 9pm...it's a long day but a very worthwhile experience and opportunity to help others while putting selfless service into practice. Be nice if the servers quarters offered a bit more 'comfy' bed but alas we get the same setup as the meditators, 6 inches of foam padding. Go for this, it's very rewarding and of real value to those sitting the course and yourself! Final note: if you've been to the 29 Palms site (as I have) you'll definitely notice it has a much larger kitchen and servers rooms are quite nice compared to the dated offering at this older site. read more

California Vipassana Center - Dhamma Servers Daily Schedule - Meditation Centers Near Me - North Fork, California

I have sat several 10-day courses both abroad in India and in the US as well as serving a 10-day course. This is a great place to do the inner work. The method of the technique is taught with integrity as it is elsewhere yet what distinguishes this center as opposed to others is that it very much feels like you are in a National Park as it located on the outskirts of Yosemite. For those sitting their first course know that it will be equally challenging and rewarding. When the going gets tough keep trying. Know many people before you have gone through it so you can too with a balance of surrender and perseverance! This center provides a great facility to practice and learn a profound technique that I have found most useful off the cushion into the world in my day to day life. read more

I had a.moment of thought before applying. "I wouldnt be accepted if my name were ethnic" should have trusted instinct..because even in silence the racism I faced was intentional and overt. Being skipped over in line to be called last. The instructor insisted I leave because I have an understanding of Kundilini and the practices "clash". She went through my application after I was accepted inwonder if she has said to anyone else.. I stayed 8/10 days and suffered micro-agression the entire time. You probably dont care because im black but I needed to share. Because it is not a safe place for everyone read more

I really need to do another course- it's been 9 years!! If you're thinking of doing it for the first time, good for you! Some thoughts: 1. Stick it out. Completely. For me, the first 3-4 days were THE hardest. I just wanted to leave, wanted to leave, wanted to leave, I kept counting the days. By day 5 and 6, I was cruising; I could see why this monastic thing was appealing. You just get up, sit, sit, sit, eat a snack, nap, sit, sit, sit some more, and you're exhausted by 9pm. A very, very simple life. And crazy as it sounds, getting up at 4am was quite wonderful (you don't have to- it's just an option). Something very otherworldly about the sky at 4am. It doesn't feel like night... and you're tired, but also very very calm. 2. Don't be hard on yourself if don't think you're doing it "right." You have up to 14 hrs every day to figure it out. If not this hour, the next; if not the next hour, the one after that. Or maybe tomorrow. Or the next day. Don't worry about it- don't think about how you think you suck. Before you know it, it'll click. 3. Meals. Don't feel you have to stuff yourself just b/c you won't have 3 meals. You won't be expending tons of energy. 4. Cost? It's free. Yup. A student who came before you paid your way. When you're done, you pay whatever amount you choose, so that another student can learn. 5. Name dropping? What's that? Unlike at a meditation center that shall remain nameless (in west Marin, rhymes with "clear it lock"), there's no nervousness about getting the "right" teacher blah blah. Which is SO liberating. It's just about the technique and a chance for you to get really deep into it. Not whether you get So-and-So to touch you head or transmit something to you like the Vulcan Mindmeld, b/c, after all, his teacher was So-and-So-squared. I often find it ironic there's all this talk about trying to understand and maybe extinguish the ego, and by the way you can learn more about that as So-and-So is giving a talk on this topic next week for only $150 so please sign up fast. Please. 6. Funny thing #1. The discourses in the evening. Goenkaji can read your mind. It's uncanny. 7. Funny thing #2. The guy who lived in a tent on Kauai. Who was trying to make eye contact during meals throughout the course (a no-no). 8. Funny thing #3. At the end... well, you'll find out. PS- Goenkaji is big- really big- in Burma, where he was born. Really didn't dawn on me till I saw a big Vipassana pavilion at the Shwedegon Pagoda in Yangon, where they were selling books, raising money, showing progress on the great pagoda in India he was building. read more

The California Vipassana Center (more formally known as "Dhamma Mahavana", or "Great Forest of Buddhist Teachings") is a large meditation center in the woods near Fresno, in central California. It is the place where I did my first intensive meditation retreat (in 1994), and I have sat two more there since then (in 1996 and 2003 - I have also sat about sixty five-to-thirty day retreats with other lineages of Buddhism). The CVC is also the place where many of my friends have done their first (and only) meditation retreats. The CVC is part of a network of over 120 meditation centers around the world founded by Satya Narayan Goenka. Goenka was a wealthy, culturally conservative Burmese businessman of Indian ethnicity who suffered from debilitating headaches until he began a serious meditation practice under esteemed Burmese meditation master Sayagyi U Ba Khin. Soon after that, Goenka dedicated himself to spreading the message of Dharma around the world. It is now estimated that about 100,000 people take a course at one of his centers each year. Like all of S.N. Goenka's worldwide network of meditation centers, the CVC offers constantly-scheduled ten-day meditation intensives. Many of these retreats are perfect for both beginners and advanced students, while a few of them are reserved for senior students only. The context of a retreat there is many hours of sincere, diligent meditation practice, day-after-day. The structure and guidelines are old-school, simple, firm, and clear, and they serve to provide a container in which we can go deep and uproot the deep impurities in our minds. The basic retreat starts with three days of mediating on the respiration around the rings of the nostrils, as a means of focusing our awareness. Next comes seven days of "body sweeping", systematically moving the awareness through the body, as a means of breaking up knots in our awareness and in our body's free flow of energy. The final half day is spent in loving-kindness meditation, cultivating a wish for well being for all. Over video and audio lectures, Goenka explains meditation techniques clearly, both the "what to do" and the "why to do it". Goenka's talks are uplifting, inspiring, clarifying, and occasionally even hilarious. The video tape of his lecture towards the end of each evening is fun and watch-TV-ish; it's a welcome break after an otherwise long, austere, challenging, go-deep-and-burn-off-impurities day of spiritual workout. The accommodations at the center are spartan, basic, and look donated, yet they are clean and comfortable. The volunteer staff work to ensure that food is cooked and needs provided for, so that meditators are freed to concentrate all day. And retreats are, basically, by donation - one pays what one can afford. It all adds up to a positive, heartfelt feeling for retreatants at the center. The area where the center is located is hot in the Summer and cold in the Winter, but the buildings have air conditioning and heating. The food is vegetarian and healthy. Dinner is offered to first time students, but returning meditators are expected to, like Buddhist monks, not eat after the middle of the day. My problems with retreats at the CVC are relatively minor: * Goenka, in video lectures, seems to repeatedly make the sectarian and fundamentalist claim that his lineage of Buddhism is the only true, deep, or actually liberatory spiritual lineage - a claim I disagree with * Many insight meditation retreats offer teachers available for questions and practice reports, which can be especially helpful for beginners and for people on retreat while in emotional turmoil. Goenka retreats have junior teachers available for in-person personal support and questions late at the end of each night's final sitting, a time when most retreatants are more than ready for sleep, and there is usually a line formed of others wanting to ask a question. So, access to these teachers may be less than optimal for some. * The expectation at the CVC is that one will just sit in meditation most of the day, without any of the walking meditation that most other meditation centers also schedule in. I usually try to take sloowwwww walks from my cushion to the bathroom and back, but they also have a volunteer monitor who hustles you back to the hall if you dawdle too much. So, usually, for me at least, I have always had super-creaky, inflamed knees by the end of the ten days of sitting cross-legged (I have old knee injuries) . But, all told, the CVC is a great place to go for a retreat, especially if cost is an issue, and especially if you are looking for something structured, powerful, sincere, and clear. If you are willing to challenge yourself, I imagine you will be richly rewarded by experiences of insight, focus, and liberation. read more

The chanting begins and I'm eying my quick escape. No one will know... everyone has their eyes closed... Somehow between the hardest ten-days of my life, I stopped eying that door. Stopped thinking about my getaway and well, did what I came to do. Through zero sweat, but a lot (and, I mean A LOT) of tears, I'm definitely stepping more in the "right direction". This isn't a spa. This isn't a fun camp. You'll leave here needing another vacation. This is a kick you in the head variety, that will benefit you greatly in the long run. Will it hurt? Of course. But, what great lessons are learned about yourself without a little (or a lot of) pain? Ultimately, commit to yourself these 10 days. Just stick it out and you'll find yourself with the utmost respect for... you guessed it, yourself. What a novel idea! And, Ladies... whatever you do... bring the most conservative and warm clothes (even in June!). I brought mid-calf pants from Indonesia and when I sat, rose to knee-length and that was still a no-no. Spaghetti straps are a gasp-out-loud-you-will-be-forced-to-change situation and if you think you can cover it with a cardigan, plan to never take that cardigan off. Bring lots of layers and long scarves to cover your bum from any tight yoga pants you might be strutting. While you're working on cravings... know that dessert isn't served every day. I'm still convinced it was a mind game. Okay, okay... I'm still a work in progress! read more

Conversations like this happen all the time when I tell people I'm going to a Meditation "Retreat". "Ohhhh, so you're going on vacation...it must be nice! Have Fun" "You're just going to relax for 10 days and feel good about yourself? Totally unfair!" "I hate you, I wish I could pamper myself and clear my head for 10 days" WRONG!!! This meditation retreat will kick your ass, it is boot camp for the mind. Meditation is about observing endless pain and suffering (oh those wonderful sensations). It is not easy, fuzzy-feel good about your "self" meditation. This is examine your deepest habits of craving and attachments, and try to train your mind to break them so you become a better person eventually. Friends ask me, "How hard can it be? Meditation does sound that hard, just close your eyes and relax." If you want a taste of how real Meditation works in the Buddhist sense of the word, try focusing on your breathing without having any mental distractions, while not trying to focus on any pain that will arise for 1 hour (Oh yeah, don't move or change your position...keep your body perfectly still). That's basically what we did 10 hours a day. The energy at the end is so great and positive, you feel great after working through the pain and suffering. read more

I was a 10-days student there in 2015 and I will tell you that is the best experiences I ever had. For anyone that wanted to sign up for a retreat please sign up for 10-days retreat and not 3-days or any less than 10-days. The reasons is it will be very hard and stressful for most people in the first few days and most people will think they are having a bad experiences already and wanted to leave early. But great and life-changing experiences will come later around the 5th or 6th day or so. Patience is very important! You don't want to miss out the great things when you are impatience and leave early, not just that you will have a wrong impression that the retreat is not working and might give them a bad reviews online. When I was there I didn't really feel as great until the few last days which were the best days of my life. I'm really glad that I stayed to the end otherwise I would miss out the greatest experiences in my life! So trust me guys, if you feel bad or not enjoying for the first few days just remember that just hold on for a little while and your life will be greatly awarded. read more

California Vipassana Center - Meditation Centers Near Me - North Fork, California

I did my first 10 day Vipassana course here 7 years ago. I will do my second in a couple months. This place is serious meditation business. Complete silence is adhered to (I found that part easy - refreshing, even). You can't read, or write, or listen to anything (outside of meditation instructions that are given). You will meditate approximately 11 hours a day. As in, 11 hours a day sitting on your ass on your cushion. Your first meditation period of the day starts at 4:30 am. I'm trying to impress upon you the fact that this is meditation boot camp, and not for the feint of heart or half-dedicated. It's "training" for the brain, not airy fairy land (understatement!) You have to want to make it through, since about day 4, you pretty much feel like you're in hell and the gates were locked behind you. All that said, there was a lot of rich texture to my experience that ran the gamut from hellish to blissful. Like life. Going through this process provides a brilliant foundation for a meditation practice when you return home, if you desire. When I came home, I had no choice BUT to meditate. It's not an easy 10 days (understating, again) but is, IMHO, absolutely worth it. It's not so much the 10 days themselves that are so critical, but what you do with the foundation you've hopefully laid when you return home. read more

You're in safe hands. Goenka knows meditation! The course is situated on lovely land. It's all on a donation basis and funds from anyone who has not completed a 10-day course are not accepted. Vipassana is a technique, NOT a religion. The teacher may speak of things Buddhist because Buddhism is where the technique originated. But you can believe in any religion and get benefit from the technique without changing your religion, or your secularism. You do not worship anything here. You are there to learn a technique and that's all you do for 10 days. Really. Well, you eat too. And sleep. But that's pretty much it. It is a life changing experience, especially if continued. I highly recommend going to an established center on your first course. Which you can find here: http://www.dhamma.org/en/bycountry/na/ Nothing wrong with other courses (I've been to a Vipassana gypsy camp in Colorado and Florida and still received the benefit. It's just more comfortable/organized at established centers and for your first course that may help you focus on your lesson instead of other things- like makeshift walls flapping in the breeze, or Rocky Mountain storms chilling the bejeezus out of you). But if that's your only choice and you want to go, do it. Dress in layers. *note: if you start the course, finish it, even though, like most other people you WILL want to quit- it's worth it! read more

Taking my first 10 day Vipassana retreat at the North Fork, CA center was the most important thing I ever did in my entire life. Every subsequent retreat was the same. That such a thing is free in this world is preposterous, yet there it is! Waiting for you to take up the glorious opportunity and go! And the food is so good! read more

I just came back from the retreat less than a week ago. It's been five days and I believe I am sufficiently reintegrated back in society and putting the technique to practice to write a proper review - which I feel so compelled to write that this is my first review on Yelp. First off, the teaching has been very effective in making progress towards a positive change in my life. I will only cover the logistics to make your preparation and make the most out of your experience. I will save the core teaching for you to experience. Noble silence - Easier than it sounds. Enjoy it. Much easier than I thought to be silent. Only after a day I got used to not talking, looking, or otherwise interacting with people. Eating becomes an event to cherish. Time alone becomes a time reflect to enjoy. I believe everyone got used to it by day 2. On day 10, noble silence is lifted. I actually had a little anxiety coming out of that - feeling the social pressure of talking with others. The anxiety was unfounded since all other fellow students were so friendly and ready to share their experience. In fact, some told me they also had anxiety coming out of silence. That's what this course does: it takes your ego and shell away, allowing you to really connect with others. Accommodation - New and/or young students ready to share a room/bunk. For the male students, there are four buildings: 20, 21, 22, and 24. 20 and 24 are older, well-used trailer homes with partitions. Each partitioned space may be single, double (two beds), or bunk. They remind me of hostels. 21 and 22 are very new single room buildings. Old students (students who enrolled in the course before) and older students (age wise) tend to be assigned the newer rooms in 21 and 22. While new and younger students tend to get the older, hostel style beds in 20 and 21. I am 36 and new and got a bunk bed in 24. I requested to switch to a single room if possible since I am a light sleeper. The management was very friendly and told me all the single rooms are full. On day four, someone left the course and management informed me a room in 22 - and I moved in. Food - It really is good not to eat that much. Vegetarian food all around. Not one day I craved meat. Breakfast is at 6.30. Lunch at 11.00. As a new student I am allowed to have fruits and tea at 5.00. I realize by day 2 eating and sitting for meditation for a long time don't go well together. Your stomach reacts with noises and aches that impact your meditation. Day 3 I decided to follow what old students would do and not eat fruits at 5.00. I did not suffer hunger at all and had better evening meditation sessions and sleep from it. As others have said, the food is delicious. Each student is responsible for scrubbing their own plates before the server staff take them back for deeper cleaning. On the 10th day, management asks students to help clean the kitchen and dining hall. I did for the kitchen and it felt great to do what little I could to "give bacK" to the server staff. Clothes/packing list - Pack like you are going camping/running/biking/hiking I am an avid hiker and have a good collection of outdoor clothing. This includes loose, dry-fit, polyester, wool, and down clothing. I went in Feb 2014 - an unusually warm winter with some days in the high 60s with evenings in the 30s. We also had few days of considerable rain. While you do not spend a lot of time outside, you will have to walk outdoors between different buildings. I also enjoy the trails at the center during break and my clothes allowed me to be outside comfortably. There is no laundry service and you do your own laundry. Outdoor clothing materials allow very quick dry time. They are also very comfortable for meditating. No need to invest in new clothes just for this retreat. But if you already have performance clothing, bring them. Secularism - Buddha the man. Not Buddha the religious figure The teaching puts the responsibility of liberation and happiness in the hands of every individual. By looking into ourselves, we find the source of our misery and a place to stop it. Blind faith and devotion to any god, goddess, religion do not work, according to the teaching. In fact, Buddha himself did not seek out to form a new sect or religion. He was a man who found liberation in mindfulness and taught thousands the technique. I find the secularism refreshing and liberating. But those who are deeply devoted to their religion may find the repeated renouncing of "blind devotion" disrespectful. If you happen to be someone like this, just note this is a teaching of the technique that puts the responsibility of attaining happiness if your own hands. Cushions, back rests, chairs - Keep experimenting Take some time to experiment. You will be sitting more than 10 hours a day. There are plenty of cushions of different sizes, back rests, and even chairs. Tell management if you do not see them and they will be happy to help. Much Metta read more

I was a very casual meditator before going to my first (and currently only) 10 day course. I have a friend who's been 10 times so I was a little familiar with what went on here and was very excited to go. I did a fair amount of prior research, and for me I found that very beneficial. I think for others it's probably more beneficial to do no research and just sign up and go. It depends on your personality type--I don't like surprises. It was a really amazing experience. On day 9 I thought, "this has been great, but who would ever do this twice?" and by day 10 I was already thinking, "when can I sign up and come back again? I need more of this!" Well, I will be going back in just a couple of months. I just signed up for course #2! I can't wait. read more

i spent some of the best days of my life here. the food is awesome, the rooms are nice, the discourses are hilarious and full of wisdom... there is a lake in the women's side and it is beautiful in the winter when it is covered with snow... best of all, it is free! the meditation is very hard work, but i feel very clean and happy after every 10-days. it helps me become the much better person that i wanna be. i still cannot believe that something so incredible exist for free and i am soooo very, very grateful... read more

3.5 Stars out of 5 What a journey! I can only speak from my personal experience and to be honest, the first five days for me was like a living hell.. so much anger, crying, sadness, etc. I was so mad they had so many rules. The hardest thing for me was eating fruit for dinner, lack of sleep (because of knots and pain from hours of meditation) and being told I was to stay in the hall during meditation, even if my bladder was about to implode from needing to go to the bathroom. However, I feel my mind has become so much stronger. I have had certain OCD habits and surprisingly, I've been able to stay away from the habits I have not been able to overcome, even with prescribed medication. My biggest takeaway though was appreciation for life, such as laughter, joy and human connection. I found peace within myself that I didn't find before. Very grateful for this center! read more

I'm not sure I can add anything that the other reviews didn't already say very well but I wanted to just add another review that says - EVERYONE should do this at least once in their life. It exceeded my expectations and I had all of the same reactions as the other reviewers -- I was counting the days to get out on day one (in fact, for hours I was rehearsing in my head my speech to the management on why I needed to leave) but by day 7 I felt like the Jack Bauer of the meditation world. The life is simple, the food is delicious and the pace and clarity of your life for ten days is a gift. If you're even considering it, do it. i signed up in April and then chickened out. I'm glad I did it this time, and like some of the other reviewers, I'm sure I'll do it again. Mette, read more

Although I benefited from the 10 day course, I feel the environment at California Vipassana Center did not seem as supportive as other retreat centers (spirit rock). The video broadcasts from leader Goenka seemed sexist, at least to my western eyes/mind. Goenka sat and gave instructions and teachings while a woman sat silently by his side (something replicated at the retreat center). For the price it can't be beat. If you can afford the cost of other centers, I would consider it. read more

This is such a great experience! I actually wrote a big blog entry about it: http://projectfresh.com/blog/voyage-into-vipassana/ I've been back several times since - both as a sitter AND a server. Very grateful for stumbling on this fantastic experience... read more

Greatly exceeded my expectations. I wish I had done this twenty years ago. This is simply the most effective way to know yourself I have encountered. Like five years of therapy. What I can add is: everyone involved is volunteering their time for your benefit, the teachers, the people that serve your food. It's all paid for by former students that want you to have this gift. What more do you need to know? Just do it. I and other graduates are paying your way. As to the reviewer, the hypnotist with zero friends and 14 one star reviews (out of 22): Vipassana does not guarantee to cure mental illness. read more

I have been going there last 3 years and very thankful for finding this practice. Highly recommend! If you decide to go, here are 2 tips that might be helpful to you: - the spots fill out fast. therefore, sign up as soon as the registration opens up. I prefer cooler season retreats due to less bugs and heat. - leave your perfumes and scented products at home, please. read more

I had no idea what to expect before this ten day silent meditation retreat, and I couldn't find a ton of information about the process. So I'll do my best to describe the process from a naive, honest perspective with the hope of benefiting someone who's considering doing this, but needs more info. I was really stressed as my job as an architect, unexpectedly I quit one day and decided to go on this retreat almost completely out of the blue. I guess somewhere deep down I just wanted a way to deal with stress. I didn't know anything about meditation or buddhism and was just hoping to not talk for ten days and chill out. I drove 4 hrs from san francisco to get to north fork and drove up a long dusty driveway to get to the entry gate to the campus. There was a happy volunteer at the top of the driveway that asked me if it was my first time here and told me where to park. After parking I followed the signs for registration and found myself in a large cafeteria-style room with a bunch of tables and chairs and some people mulling around waiting to be checked in. I wanted to say hello to the other people in the room but I wasn't sure if I was supposed to talk. I silently waited in line behind a few equally awkward feeling silent men for a few minutes waiting to be checked in by two older men warmly telling people what rooms they were in. They also gave us a pamphlet with a map of the campus as well as the 10 rules of the retreat. The notable rules included no talking, no writing, no jogging/exercising, and no leaving the small campus. I was placed in a sort of renovated trailer with 9-10 other 20 something guys, (the whole campus of about 15 buildings is gender segregated). After some awkward, short introductions with the other guys we had two silent hours to kill before 'orientation' in the 'group hall'. The trailer that we were in was about 20' x 10'. A bunch of bunk beds on one side with 'rooms' on the other side. My room had a curtain as a door, with a twin mattress atop a plywood frame. There were 4 rooms in the space, separated by 7' high thin walls. I could hear coughs, sniffles, and blanket rustling during the 2 hours we waited for the orientation. We were instructed to bring our own alarm clocks, so I was constantly checking the clock to see how much time I had left before the 8pm orientation. I walked up to the group hall with the 50 or so other men that were dispersed around the 4 other buildings, and our names were called one by one by the resident teachers assistant. He told us to take a pillow and place it down on our assigned numbered spot, and to stay quiet when inside the meditation hall. The vestibule to the group hall was outfitted with a bunch of blankets and pillows, as well as various meditation parerphaniala like zen benches and back supports. When I got inside and sat in my assigned spot, I could see that the group hall was symmetrical with the women's entrance on one side and the men's on the other. There was a wide separation between the men and the women, with two teachers in the front of the room facing the group. A woman teacher facing the women's side, and a man teacher facing the men's side. I had never meditated before, so I didn't know how I was supposed to sit. My only knowledge was the different images I'd seen of monks and gurus sitting cross-legged with their pointer fingers touching their thumbs, resting on their knees. That first night I was really skeptical, I wasn't sure if it was some kind of a cult, and I was uncomfortable. Once everyone got settled, before anyone spoke, 2 large monitors came on with SN Goenka's face filling out the whole frame. The video was clearly filmed in the late 80's or early 90's. He spoke very slowly and the gist of the first lecture was, work hard these ten days, and tomorrow you'll spend the day focusing on your breathing. I was expecting some more prespcriptive instruction about how I should focus on my breathing, but it didn't come. When it was over, around 9:30. the male teacher told the group that 'that's all for tonight'. We all got up and went back to our rooms for the night. I'd been provided a schedule that included a 4:30-6:30 group meditation in the group hall. I had set up my alarm for 4:25, allowing my 5 minutes to walk up to the group hall. I went to sleep and was awoken by one of my roommates alarms that had gone off at 4:05. I couldn't go back to sleep, and during those 20 minutes before I had to get out of bed I questioned what I was doing at a meditation retreat in the first place. I was thinking that it would be so easy to just take my still-packed bag down to my car and drive home. At 4:25am it was still pitch black, so I had to use the flashlight that they had told me to bring. It was so early and I was really disoriented with no idea of what to expect. Im out of characters! I loved it after ten days. read more

Out of my ten days i completed five and realized i needed to give my body and being a rest. I didn't know how powerful Vipassana meditation really is. The teachers were so helpful and friendly and supportive. I will be back someday yet already i am feeling the effects of this beneficial process. I hope everyone can try it someday! Oh and by the way, did i mention it was free? The center thrives on the donations of the students. Just amazing! read more

I am SO thankful for the Northern CA Vipassana Center and almost a month later I still feel like a different person. We were provided with room, board, and meals for the 10-day course through the gift of students that came before us and we could give whatever we could at the end of the course. Everyone there was a volunteer and you could certainly feel the love through meals, teacher support, and management. I'm looking forward to clearing my schedule to come back as either a volunteer or to complete another course. read more

Please don't go! As a Hypnotherapist and intuitive I can tell you that my experience there leads me to believe that there are clever and purposeful mind control techniques used at this Center. As well as the "prison" type mentally. The founder actually jokes about this in a video he made 12 years before his passing. If you value your sanity and your soul please stay away! Don't believe me? Talk to some of the local towns people. They tell stories of "escapees" having to hike out with only the clothes on their backs and people wondering the streets and hardly able to function after leaving there. I went, like a fool, and once I realized that I'd been put in a trance, it took me three days and nights to de-hypnotize myself and leave. read more

Sitting a 10-day meditation course at this beautiful center is one of the best experiences of my life. Make the time and go!!!

"Start with a calm and peaceful mind". Oh god what did I get myself into by signing up for this program i thought as I heard mr. goenka chanting. So I came here on the recommendation of a relative who had completed several 10-day courses. Upon entering the location I brought in my bags and then ate dinner with the meditators before the course began. This program literally deprives you of everything exercise, sleep, food (food was tasty but only allowed two meals a day). Now you maybe thinking why on G-d's name would I be giving this place a five start review. The Bed's were pretty comfortable, I got to wear sweats all day every day. But I got to practice meditating for 10 days and although I was having a lot of difficulty with the technique (not being able to clear my mind, trouble concentrating) the instructor was very kind and the technique really does work! Would I come back to the center? Absolutely not! I don't think the course was set up in the best way possible and I had difficulty adjusting. But I would recommend the technique to anyone and everyone. "May all beings be happy, be peaceful" read more

You could spend 10 years in intensive therapies getting no place, or commit to 10 days of a Vipassana retreat and dissolve deep seated patterns that have been holding you back. Do it, you deserve it. read more

I'm grateful for time I spent here. Just came back from 10 day silent retreat from July 8 ~ July 19, 2015. Truly exceptional and well designed meditation program. Greatly exceeded my expectations. Thank you, thank you, thank you! read more

If you want to change your life and yourself for the better, this is the place to start. Despite all the difficulties it is one thing in life worth doing. You will be on the journey towards liberation and you will see things as they are, not as you want it to be no accuses! It will save you a lot of pain and suffering in your life. The difficulties: not talking, not reading, not writing, being away for 10 days from your cell phone, the internet, TV etc. and no interaction with people however you can talk to the assistant teacher and course manager if you need to ask a question or have any needs that has to be addressed. I LOVE silent so, to me it was a vacation from chit chatting and interacting with people. Another difficulty is sitting in meditation without moving however worth the effort, you will get great benefit out of it, your mind will come down, be quiet and it will carry on after you finish the course. You will get yummy vegetarian meals, and you will be taking care of very well. Accommodation is very comfortable and the landscape is beautiful, near Yosemite in a mountain setting. There is no charge for the course and everything from the teaching to the accommodations; food etc. is depending on donations. So please do not forget to contribute. I was told, it cost the center $250 to support a single student. They will not ask you for money but it is my hope students will support the center as much as the center supports them so, if you can please leave at list the cost of the course to support future students and the center. Thank you. Please do not be discouraged, do it and you will be surprise how easier and enjoyable it can be-:)) also keep in mind not everyone is ready to go through this experience and only you can decide if you are ready. Best. read more

I took the course many years ago. If there is one thing I learnt from this experience (and this comes after a few years of careful contemplation),sometimes one has to do a stupid thing to realise one has a weak spot, or doent realise how much one has, before giving it away to some sadistic organisation. Luckily for me, I am not pursuing this form of spiritual enlightenment anymore. My advise, there are many forms of spiritual paths and practices out there. If you arn't a masochist in some form or degree, don't do this to yourself. If you are a hard rock band singer or player, or like psychidelics or need someform of hard core punishment sadistically disguised in the clothing of medittaion and a sweet looking retreat, go for it. And dont be stupid enough to come out reporting how nice it was.That takes the cake. read more