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An introduction to Anapana meditation

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.

Courses are specially adapted for children and teenagers to learn Anapana meditation. Before applying for a course, please read Code Of Behaviour.

Aims of the course

Anapana is a simple technique that helps students calm and concentrate the mind. Regular practice of the technique gives many other benefits:

• Improved concentration and memory
• Increased awareness and alertness of mind
• More self-confidence
• Greater capacity to work and study
• Increased goodwill for others

Teachers of the course

S.N. Goenka was 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. Specially trained Children Course Teachers oversee the courses assisted by other meditator volunteers all of whom are correctly certified to work with children.

Course finances

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. Any donation should only be what the giver may comfortably afford.

Course Content and Schedule

Please refer to the table below for details regarding the content and schedule of the One-Day Course for Children and Teens. Check-in times and course schedules may be adjusted as appropriate according to the conditions at each venue.

Time                    Course Content

10:20–10:35        Check-in & Course Introduction
10:35–10:50        Code of Discipline, Course Guidelines & Introduction to the Venue
10:50–11:25        Anapana
11:25–11:40        Snack & Break
11:40–12:30        Meditation 1, Checking, Small-Group Interaction and Sharing
12:30–13:30        Lunch & Rest
13:30–14:10        Meditation 2 & Story Sharing
14:10–14:25        Active / Quiet Activities
14:25–15:15        Meditation 3, Checking, Overall Review
15:15–15:30        Active / Quiet Activities
15:30–16:00        Final Discourse & Metta
16:00                    End of Course
 

Introduction to S. N. Goenka

S. N. Goenka is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful lay teachers of meditation. He began teaching Vipassana courses in India in 1969, and ten years later started spreading the practice of Vipassana around the world. Over the past 30 years, he conducted hundreds of ten-day Vipassana courses and trained more than 700 assistant teachers, who have conducted thousands of courses in over 90 countries.

Today, there are more than 200 Vipassana meditation centers worldwide. Many of these centers also regularly offer Anapana meditation courses for children and teenagers. Although Goenka was highly respected, he had no followers. He always emphasized that to become one’s own master, one must rely on oneself. It was in this spirit that he taught all his students—adults, children, and teenagers alike.