2. The Purpose:
The purpose of SI is to create
(1) A donation based
meditation-retreat center
for practitioners of the
Satipatthana Vipassana
lineage of Thai Buddhism
(2) A research environment
where serious scientific
studies focused on the
transformative effect of
Buddhist mindfulness on
human physical and mental
well-being can be performed.
3. The Vision:
To be recognized as one of the foremost Satipatthana
Vipassana retreat centers in the U.S.A offering a rigorous
authentic experience for the serious practitioner as well as a
center for advanced scientific research
A state of the art, thoughtfully designed facility with great
attention to detail that embodies the latest thinking in green
building and sustainability harmoniously placed in the Virginia
countryside within 90 miles of Washington, DC
4. The Practice:
Satipatthana Vipassana is the name for
the Buddhist meditation practice that
focusses on knowing ultimate reality.
Unlike the practice of Samatha it is not
focused on achieving serenity.
At SI the retreatant will spend 10 or more
days in silent semi-isolation under the
watchful eye of an experienced monk
who will guide the practitioner through
mindfulness exercises designed to break
down the inherent limitations of an ego
centered life.
5. The Benefits:
Increased mental focus
Better cognitive skills and creative thinking
Increased immunity to disease
Sense of emotional well being
Freedom from addictions
Reduced blood pressure
Many others…..
6. The Market:
According to the Pew Research Center 22.5%
of Americans are unaffiliated with any church.
The young especially are searching for a
meaningful alternative to traditional religious
practice that yields tangible results.
Serious meditation retreat centers as
distinguished from “strip mall” yoga studios
are booked to capacity far in advance. The DC
area does not currently have such a retreat
center although it is one of the world’s major
intellectual and cultural cities.
7. Next Steps:
SI has incorporated as a VA NFP and is in
the process of getting tax exempt status
from the IRS.
We are seeking funding for property and
construction of the center. Several possible
properties have been identified.
We are in discussions with an international
team of distinguished monks to serve as
faculty.
