Childrens' and Teenagers' Courses


Special courses for children and teenagers are offered in Portugal which are suited for their needs. During the course, students learn the technique of Anapana meditation, which is the first step in the practice of Vipassana.  Anapana is an ancient word which means awareness of the breath. The technique of Anapana requires the training of the mind to observe the natural breath, as it comes in and as it goes out. This exercise is easy to learn, objective and scientific.

If you like to have more information on the courses for children and teenagers, please write to the E-Mail adresse below. You will receive information about the schedule, the application procedure and the organisation of the courses.

e-mail: [email protected]

 

Further Informations

Schedule for next children courses. 

To get to the international children courses homepage, please visit here: www.children.dhamma.org

 

 

 

Anapana-Meditation

The observation of the natural breath is an ideal object for meditation, because it is always available and is not sectarian. There are no rites or rituals involved in the practice of Anapana. It may be practised by 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 good will for others

Besides, Anapana helps children to better understand themselves and the way their minds work. They gain mastery over their impulses and actions and develop an inner strength that allows them to choose right and appropriate actions over wrong and harmful 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 

Students will be asked to arrive by 9am and the course will end by 5pm.

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.

 

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.

 

                                    Time to Breathe - the film!

Time to Breathe is a 12 minute film about an Anapana meditation course for schoolchildren at Dhamma Dipa, the Vipassana meditation centre in Herefordshire. In their own words the 8-11 year olds talk about the fun they have at the centre and how they enjoy and benefit from meditation.

Parents and teachers also comment on the evident benefits the children experience both at home and at school.

Narrated by the meditation teacher responsible for the centre, who is also a local schoolteacher, the film offers an informative insight into the running of the course and the theory behind the practice.

Time to Breathe is a cheery introduction to children’s courses suitable for anyone interested in organising a course or sending their own children or pupils to a course. It is also suitable for children aged 8 and upwards.