Non - Residential Courses
सब्बदानम धम्मदानम जिनाति।
सब्बरसम धम्मरसों जिनाति।
सब्बरति धम्मरति जिनाति।
तन्हक्खायों सब्बदुक्खम जिनाति।।
-धम्मपद 354
The gift of the Dhamma excels all gifts.
The taste of the Dhamma excels all tastes.
Delight in the Dhamma excels all delights.
The eradication of Craving (i.e., attainment of arahatship) overcomes all ills (samsara dukkha).
-Dhammapada Verse 354
Non-Residential Courses currently being offered:
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Sr. No |
Course Name |
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In Affiliation or Collaboration With |
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1 |
Course in Progress |
Dept. Of Philosophy, University Of Mumbai |
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2 |
Course in Progress |
Dept. Of Philosophy, University Of Mumbai |
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Online 3 Months Short-term Courses
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3 |
Admission will open in July/August 2026 |
University Of Mumbai |
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4 |
Course in Progress |
University Of Mumbai |
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5 |
Discontinued |
Independent (VRI) |
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6 |
Discontinued |
Independent (VRI) |
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7 |
Admissions will open in 2026 (August/September) |
Independent (VRI) |
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8 |
Admissions open |
Independent (VRI) |
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Courses In Affiliation or Collaboration with University Of Mumbai
A. Online-One-year Diploma Courses
Course 1. Diploma Course in Buddhist Studies – Vipassanā Theory & Practice
Online One-year course conducted by VRI in collaboration with Philosophy Dept., Mumbai University.
Primary objective: The course caters to both- new meditators as well as long-time meditators. This course gives insight into the theoretical aspect of the Teachings of the Buddha. It includes an overview of the practical bases and scientific thought that support the technique of Vipassanā mediation.
Course Duration: 1 academic year (weekly sessions)
Eligibility: Minimum Old SSC or HSC or minimum 12 years of education. Only those are eligible who have done at least one ten-day Course of Vipassanā as taught by S.N. Goenka ji, in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
Tuition Fee: ₹2600 (Indian Students) or ₹9200 (Foreign Nationals)* as per the terms of the University of Mumbai.
Topics Covered: Introduction to Pāli literature. Life and Spiritual Quest of the Buddha. Detailed explanation of Core Teachings of the Buddha. Councils and the role of patrons. Places related to Life of the Buddha, A few Pāli Suttas from Tipiṭaka. Complete understanding of Ānāpāna and Vedanā. The applied aspects of the technique: Management, Mental health, Ayurveda etc. Group-presentations by students are an important part of this course. All sessions are conducted by expert faculty of VRI.
Exam: An online exam would be conducted and a written assignment on a chosen topic has to be submitted at the end of the course, on the passing of which a certificate would be issued by the university.
Course Dates: Aug 23, 2025 – March 28, 2026.
Course Days: Every Saturday
Course Time: 02:00 pm. - 06.00 pm. (IST)
Course Platform: Virtual platform (Zoom)
Status: Course in Progress
Course 2: Advanced Diploma Course in Buddhist Studies – Vipassanā Theory & Practice
Online One-year course conducted by VRI in collaboration with Philosophy Dept., Mumbai University
Primary objective: The course caters to those who have passed Diploma Course in Buddhist Studies – Vipassanā Theory & Practice (Course 3) and wish to go more in depth of the Teachings. Students are encouraged to read from the original words of the Buddha compiled in ‘Tipiṭaka’.
Course Duration: 1 academic year (weekly sessions)
Eligibility: Passing Certificate of Diploma Course in Buddhist Studies – Vipassanā Theory & Practice. Only those are admitted who have passed Diploma Course in Buddhist Studies – Vipassanā Theory & Practice (course-3). Tuition Fee: ₹2600 (Indian Students) or ₹9200 (Foreign Nationals)* as per the terms of the University of Mumbai.
Topics Covered: Detailed explanation of the teachings of the Buddha from the Pāli Suttas. In- depth study of the concepts on which Vipassanā is based and strengthening of the practice can be done. The spread of teachings in other countries. Art and Architecture inspired by the life events of the Buddha. The applied aspects of the technique: physical health, stress-management, inter-personal relationships and world peace etc. Group-presentations by students are an important part of this course. All sessions are conducted by expert faculty of VRI.
Exam: An online exam would be conducted and a written assignment on a chosen topic has to be submitted at the end of the course, on the passing of which a certificate would be issued by the university.
Course Dates: Aug 23, 2025 – March 28, 2026.
Course Days: Every Saturday
Course Time: 09:00am- 01.00 pm (IST)
Course Platform: Virtual platform (Zoom)
Status: Course in Progress
B.Online -3 Months Short-term Courses
Course 3: Introduction to Vipassanā Meditation (ITVM)
Online short-term course conducted by VRI in affiliation with Mumbai University.
Primary objective: The course caters to the curiosity of those who wish to get introduced to and understand the technique & benefits of Vipassanā meditation as taught by the Buddha and brought back to India by Principal teacher S.N. Goenka ji.
Course Duration: 3-month course (12 weekly sessions of 3 –hours each)
Eligibility: Minimum Old SSC or HSC or minimum 12 years of education. Preference would be given to those who have not done any 10-day Vipassanā course in the tradition of S.N. Goenka ji.
Tuition Fee: No Fee
Topics Covered: Life and Spiritual Quest of Buddha. Introduction to Ānāpāna Meditation & Vipassanā Meditation. Introduction to the Teachings of the Buddha. Applicability of Vipassanā Meditation for Children & Teenagers, for householders, for professionals and Introduction to ten day Vipassanā courses. All sessions are conducted by expert faculty of VRI.
Exam: An online exam would be conducted at the end of the course, on the passing of which a certificate would be issued by the university.
Course Dates: 2025 Course completed, next batch will start in 2026 (around August/September)
Course Days: Every Sunday
Course Time: 10.00 am - 01.00 pm. (IST)
Course Platform: Virtual platform (Zoom)
Status: Admission will Start in Aug-Sep 2026
C. Hybrid – 3 months Abhidhamma in Daily Life (ADL)
Course 4:
A Non-Residential weekly Course in hybrid mode (in class and online). Short-term course conducted by VRI in affiliation with Mumbai University.
Primary objective: The course caters to the curiosity of those who wish to understand the subtler teachings of the Buddha, Abhidhamma, and learn more about this mind-matter phenomenon.
Course Duration: 3-Month Course (12 weekly sessions of 4 – hours each) plus exam after completion of 12 weeks (within 2 weeks after completion of 12 weeks)
Eligibility:
- University requirement: SSC or HSC or minimum 12 years of education.
- VRI requirement: Completed Advance Diploma in Vipassanā conducted by VRI, and completed at-least one Satipaṭṭhāna course in the tradition of S.N. Goenka ji.
OR
Completed at-least one 20 Days Course in the tradition of S.N. Goenka ji.
Tuition Fee: As per our tradition of offering Dhamma only out of pure volition of Bahujana Hitāya, Bahujana Sukhāya, there is no Fee for the Abhidhamma Sessions. Attendees may, however, donate as per their volition, if the Sessions seem beneficial.
Online Donation Link: https://www.vridhamma.org/Donation-to-VRI
VRI does not charge any fee for any of its services. All expenses are met from donations.
Donations made to VRI before the end of financial year in March 2026 are eligible for 100% tax deduction benefits under Section 35 (1) (iii) of the Indian Income Tax Act,1961.
Donation Related Enquires Call - 022-50427500
Donation Related Email: acounts@global pagoda. Org
Topics Covered:
1 Introduction to Abhidhamma concept as found Pali literature
2 Concept of Abhidhamma with respect to Vipassana Meditation
3 Qualities of mind as found in Tipitaka
4 Method adopted to purify the mind in canonical literature
5 Qualities of purified mind in relation with Brahma vihara
6 Application of Abhidhamma in Daily life
Exam: (Online-Exam) An exam would be conducted at the end of the course, on the passing of which a certificate would be issued by the university.
Medium of Instruction: Only Hindi
Course Dates: 7th December 2025 to 15th March 2026
Course Days: Every Sunday
Course Time: 1.00 - 5.00 pm (IST)
Venue: (Hybrid) Auditorium 2, Global Pagoda Campus, Mumbai & Online Zoom Platform
Admission Process Stages: Admission Closed
Status: Course in Progress
VRI Internal courses
Pāli language courses
Online Pāli - Hindi Certificate Course - Discontinued
VRI no longer offers online Pāli courses. It now offers residential Pāli courses. Details of all courses are available at https://www.vridhamma.org/Pali-Study-Programs
For details and information visit Pali Learning portal of VRI:
https://palilearning.vridhamma.org/
Online Pāli - English Certificate Course - Discontinued
VRI no longer offers online Pāli courses. It now offers residential Pāli courses. Details of all courses are available at https://www.vridhamma.org/Pali-Study-Programs
For details and information visit Pali Learning portal of VRI:
https://palilearning.vridhamma.org/
Online Sutta courses
Morning Chanting Online Sessions – Hindi
VRI is pleased to announce Online Sutta Sessions in English for the benefit of Long Course students.
Objective of VRI: To enhance awareness of theory (Pariyatti), which will ultimately assist the meditator in meditation practice (Paṭipatti).
Language: Hindi
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least two 30-day Vipassana Meditation Courses conducted by Pujya Goenkaji or an Assistant Teacher appointed by him.
Course Dates:
Schedule:
• Every Friday at 10:00 AM (IST) – Access to one Sutta will be provided.
• Every Thursday at 10:00 PM (IST) – Access to that Sutta will be closed.
During this period, you may watch or listen to the session at your convenience.
(There are a total of 9 sessions; therefore, the course will continue for approximately three months.)
Application Form:
Please click on the link below and fill out the application form for registration:
Important Note while filling the form: Please log in using a Gmail account.
Fees: As per our tradition of offering Dhamma only out of pure volition of Bahujana Hitāya, Bahujana Sukhāya, there is no Fee for these Sessions. Attendees may, however, donate as per their volition, if the Sessions seem beneficial.
Online Donation Link: https://www.vridhamma.org/Donation-to-VRI
VRI does not charge any fee for any of its services. All expenses are met from donations.
Donations made to VRI before the end of financial year in March 2026 are eligible for 100% tax deduction benefits under Section 35 (1) (iii) of the Indian Income Tax Act,1961.
Donation Related Enquires Call - 022-50427500
Donation Related Email: acounts@global pagoda. Org
Status: 2025 Course completed, next batch will start in 2026 (around August/September)
Enquiry:
For any queries, please send a message on WhatsApp to the VRI Office Mobile Number: +91 96192 34126
Or email us at: pali@vridhamma.org
Morning Chanting Online Sessions – English
VRI is pleased to announce Online Sutta Sessions in English for the benefit of Long Course students.
Objective of VRI: To enhance awareness of theory (Pariyatti), which will ultimately assist the meditator in meditation practice (Paṭipatti).
Language: English
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least two 30-day Vipassana Meditation Courses conducted by Pujya Goenkaji or an Assistant Teacher appointed by him.
Course Dates: 20th February to 17th April 2026
Schedule:
• Every Friday at 10:00 AM (IST) – Access to one Sutta will be provided.
• Every Thursday at 10:00 PM (IST) – Access to that Sutta will be closed.
During this period, you may watch or listen to the session at your convenience.
(There are a total of 9 sessions; therefore, the course will continue for approximately three months.)
Application Form:
Please click on the link below and fill out the application form for registration:
https://forms.gle/EpZSVcNBzpw9BSRN9
Important Note while filling the form: Please log in using a Gmail account.
Fees: As per our tradition of offering Dhamma only out of pure volition of Bahujana Hitāya, Bahujana Sukhāya, there is no Fee for these Sessions. Attendees may, however, donate as per their volition, if the Sessions seem beneficial.
Online Donation Link: https://www.vridhamma.org/Donation-to-VRI
VRI does not charge any fee for any of its services. All expenses are met from donations.
Donations made to VRI before the end of financial year in March 2026 are eligible for 100% tax deduction benefits under Section 35 (1) (iii) of the Indian Income Tax Act,1961.
Donation Related Enquires Call - 022-50427500
Donation Related Email: acounts@global pagoda. Org
Status: Admission open till February 2026
Courses Related Enquiry:
For any queries, please send a message on WhatsApp to the VRI Office Mobile Number: +91 96192 34126
Or email us at: pali@vridhamma.org