Dhamma Visuddhi
One of 16 centers in North America where the technique of Vipassana meditation is taught and practiced, Dhamma Visuddhi is situated on 15 acres of forested property on the bluffs overlooking the Red Cedar river and the town of Menomonie, Wisconsin. The site is within the city limits, and yet very quiet and secluded. Dhamma Visuddhi, a name that means ‘Purity of Dhamma’, is a little more than one hour east of the Minneapolis/ Saint Paul airport in a traditional dairy farming area of western Wisconsin, and is easily reached by regularly scheduled public transportation.
The Mansion
Built in the 19th century, the mansion is the visual centerpiece of the campus. It houses the kitchen and dining halls along with some student accommodations.
The Meditation Hall
Originally built as a conference center, this structure functions efficiently and comfortably as the Meditation Hall, complete with separate entrances for men and women.
Student Accommodations
Students will find comfortable dorm style accommodations in several buildings on campus. There are separate residences for men and women all with shared rooms and some with bunk beds. The center can accommodate up to 45 students per course.
Gender and Accommodations
People of all gender identities are welcome to our courses.
The campuses at all the meditation centers in this tradition are separated into male and female sides. This extends to the residential accommodations, the walking areas, the dining rooms, and the meditation hall. This structure is designed to reduce distractions that could arise from the mixing of genders. We recognize this doesn’t work for everyone and that sometimes people in the LGBTQ community may not feel comfortable on either side of the compound or having to identify as male or female.
At Dhamma Visuddhi, all accommodations are dorm style – shared with communal bathrooms – therefore students in this situation may be referred to a course at a larger facility.
If the gender binary separation is a concern for you, please let us know beforehand. You can let us know about your concerns by writing something on the application where we ask, “Anything you wish to add to the above information?” We will contact you and together decide if the Wisconsin facility will work for you. Your private information shall only be used for accommodation arrangement and will be kept confidential.