This time, Alex and Miriam Young from Canada, who have been guests in Moorhusen for several years and have taught the basic course there every year, are planning a course in their own house in Lieberose near Cottbus/Berlin. For many years, the couple have wanted to create a place for meditation there and, as a first step, to organize a meditation course in their inherited house. This was blessed for this purpose by the venerable Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo a few years ago as part of a trip to Germany.
Until then, some construction work still needs to be done and things need to be clarified. Accommodation is expected to be in a nearby guesthouse because it will not be possible to sleep in the house at that time. A course will take place there from November 15th to 30th, 2025. You can take a whole basic course (15 days) or participate for a shorter period of time (at least 5 days). The meditation course takes place on a donation basis (Dana). Since accommodation and meals are provided separately, they are subject to a fee. We are still in the process of clarifying the exact conditions for this. You can already register with reservations and will receive the exact information on the costs as soon as we know more.
I am very grateful to Alex and Miriam for coming to Moorhusen for many years and would like to support them as much as I can with this project close to their hearts. We could really use another experienced meditator to support the course on site, as I will probably only be able to be there for a few days. It is still a long way off, but sometimes it is good if ideas can mature a little longer.
In order to make the house "course-ready", various construction work will be carried out on the interior this year (masonry work, heating, etc.). According to a rough estimate by the architect, Alex and Miriam will have to invest at least €30,000 for this. In 2025 or 2026, Alex and Miriam would like to set up a non-profit GmbH to further expand the house for the purpose of Vipassana meditation and to hold courses. If you would like to support this financially, you can send a "donation pledge" by email to info@buddhavipassana.ca (preferably in English). You promise to pay a certain amount X as a donation to the gGmbh as soon as it is founded.
Registration for the course => philipvipassana@gmail.com
House in Lieberose
The course is taught by the teachers Alex and Miriam Young from Toronto, Canada. The course is suitable for experienced as well as seriously interested newbies and beginners. For beginners, the course starts on the first day with 10 minutes of walking meditation, 10 minutes of sitting meditation, then a break, then the next round and so on. Every day - if possible - 5 minutes are added and a maximum of 1 hour walking and 1 hour sitting. The lessons take place in daily individual discussions between the teacher and the meditator, so that your experiences and experiences are addressed individually.
Miriam Young completed her basic course in insight meditation in 2002 with Edward Kooij in Hamilton, Canada and continued practicing with Edward as her teacher.
She was later temporarily ordained as a Buddhist Nun (Maechee) in the Theravada tradition by Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo from 2002 until 2004. During this time she began the meditation teacher training under Thanat and Kate Chindaporn and later also trained with Sandra Luz Cibrian.
In 2013 she was appointed by Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo to teach insight meditation based on the four foundations of mindfulness. In 2018, Miriam was presented with the Benefactor of Buddhism award by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand for her teaching of insight meditation in Canada.
She teaches meditation in English mostly in Toronto, Canada and from time to time at Chomtong Temple and International Meditation Centre in Chiangmai, Thailand. She lives in Toronto with her husband, Alex, and works as a registered nurse.
Alex Young first began practicing insight meditation in Hamilton, Canada in 2001 and continued practicing with Edward Kooij as his first teacher.
He began teacher training under the guidance of Thanat and Kate Chindaporn in 2006 and later also with Sandra Luz Cibrian. In 2013 he was appointed by Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo to teach insight meditation based on the four foundations of mindfulness. He was later recognized for his teaching of insight meditation in Canada by the Governor of Chiang Mai province. 2022 he receive a country-wide Benefactor of Buddhism Award from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.
He teaches meditation in English and in French mostly in Toronto, Canada and from time to time at Chomtong Temple and International Meditation Centre in Chiangmai, Thailand. He lives in Toronto with his wife, Miriam, and works to support First Nations businesses.
The course takes place in “Noble Silence”.
The food is vegetarian. All participants should strive to observe the eight Buddhist precepts during their stay. Working meditation is also distributed (maximum one hour per day), i.e. you help with kitchen work (peeling vegetables, etc.) and housework.
8 Buddhist precepts:
- Do not kill and do not harm any living being
- do not steal or take what was not given
- no sexual acts
- do not lie
- no mentally clouding substances (alcohol, drugs)
- no solid food after 12 noon
- no entertainment (singing, dancing, reading, writing, cell phone, etc.)
- no lush comfortable beds
Requirements for participants:
The course is suitable for both newbies, beginners and experienced.
Vipassana meditation is carried out according to the tradition of the venerable Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo, a highly respected meditation teacher and abbot of the “Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong” monastery in Thailand, who passed away in December 2019 at the age of 96. It is an intensive form of the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition. Attention is practiced by participants observing the four basics of mindfulness: body, feelings, mind and mental objects during alternating periods of walking and sitting or daily activities. The course includes some rituals from Buddhism, such as recitations and bows to the Buddha at the opening ceremony and before reporting. However, no religious affiliation is necessary to practice Vipassana meditation and it is up to each individual whether they want to take part in the rituals or simply watch. During the course, participants wear white clothing, as is customary in monasteries in Thailand. Please bring “monastic” white clothing, i.e. not tight-fitting and not low-cut.
daily routine
Get up at 4:00 a.m., breakfast at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 11:00 a.m., yoghurt dish at 6:00 p.m., go to bed at 10:00 p.m. 1 hour of working meditation per day, lessons with the teacher. The remaining time is intended for meditation with 20-30 minute breaks between meditation rounds.
How much does participation cost?
Participation in the practical and teaching offerings in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of “Dana” (= generosity, willingness to give) is free of charge. There are no fees for teaching and no donation recommendations are made. Following the old rule, teaching should be freely available to everyone regardless of financial background. People who have experienced the benefits of meditation practice and would like to maintain the offerings in the future can make a donation according to their own desire and ability. The courses, events and offers are therefore a gift from other meditators, previous participants and general supporters. A donation box will be set up.
DANA
“Dana” means gift and generosity. It involves supporting those who unselfishly and openly give their time and knowledge to teach the path of calm, insight and compassionate action. Dana is a form of thanksgiving: a spontaneous, grateful offering that arises from appreciation for what has been received. Such generosity cannot be forced. It simply opens as the tree of mindfulness blossoms and finally bears fruit.
Disclaimer
The meditation teacher and the organizers assume no liability unless there is intent, gross negligence or injury to body, health or life. Participation is always at your own risk.
The courses offered are not therapeutic events and do not replace professional care for mentally and physically ill people. In the case of serious physical or mental illnesses, the consent of the doctor or therapist is necessary. We cannot be held liable for personal items and valuables.
What do you need to bring with you?
Alarm clock, digital timer (no cell phone if available), comfortable white clothing, slippers, towels, bed linen, cash for 'Dana', flowers for the altar/opening ceremony with white or light flower color.
Registration
Philip Popp
Email: philipvipassana@gmail.com
