Vipassana meditation, as taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin, began to be offered in Brazil in 1994, when the first 10‑day course was held in the state of Minas Gerais. In the following years, until 2001, only a few courses were conducted, always in temporary rented locations and organized by volunteers who wished to make the practice available in the country.

In 2002, a group of old students came together to found the Vipassana Association of Brazil, with the goal of establishing a permanent center. Through loans and donations from students who had already benefited from the technique, the land was purchased where the first Vipassana center in Brazil — and in all of South America — would be built: Dhamma Santi, located in Miguel Pereira, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Following the creation of the center, the community continued to grow, and new centers and temporary course locations emerged in other regions of the country, all following the same principles, the same technique, and the same code of discipline taught by S.N. Goenka.

Centers and Course Locations in Brazil

Vipassana courses in Brazil are offered in dedicated centers and temporary locations across the country. Each location provides a suitable environment for the practice of the technique as taught by S.N. Goenka, following the same principles, discipline, and course structure. For updated information on courses, registration and logistics, please visit the Practical Information page.

Temporary Course Locations

Courses are also held in temporary rented facilities in regions that do not yet have a permanent center. These locations follow the same guidelines and discipline established by S.N. Goenka.

Centers Under Development

New centers are being developed as the Brazilian Vipassana community continues to grow. These projects evolve gradually, supported entirely by volunteer service and donations.