Attachment D - Vipassana brief

INTRODUCTION

VCQ freely provides non-sectarian 10-day residential meditation courses for
adults as well as one and two day courses for children and teenagers. The
techniques are taught progressively and are referred to as an art of living that
can be applied in everyday life. Vipassana is a logical and pragmatic
technique of observing the reality of mind-matter phenomena as it naturally
occurs, allowing the practitioner to tap into a reservoir of calm during the
busyness of daily life.

There is no religious conversion, guru or sectarianism involved; rather, it is a
technique that provides self-dependence and equanimity leading to a
happy and productive life, beneficial to everyone.

Participants come from all age groups, walks of life, nationalities and religious
persuasions.

As a voluntary organisation, the Centre is administered by a Trust comprising
people who have previously sat a course. Neither the teacher, assistant
teachers volunteers receive any form of remuneration, with all donations
being sourced from students who have completed a ten day course and
would like to provide the opportunity for future participants to benefit.



HISTORY

The original site was purchased in 1989 and is constantly improved and
maintained to enhance native features; including plantings of over 400
native trees along the southern easement, as well as many hundreds of
native plantings on the inner grounds. The aim being to provide a conducive,
peaceful environment and a beautiful natural setting.

Many of the generational wild kangaroos that regularly visit the Centre know
it as a place of refuge and frequently congregate amid the gardens and
lawns to rest and graze. The naturally forested 20 acres to the east of the
Centre, along with native stands on the north and south of the Centre have
been fenced and preserved for safe and habitat for native animals.

1993

In 1993, the provision of accommodation for 52 students (including volunteer
kitchen servers, course managers and 2 conducting assistant teachers) was
approved (Ref: TPC No 2252, dated 20/7/1993). This included:

       ·   a commercial kitchen and dining hall with office facilities
           underneath

       ·   meditation hall

       ·   2 ablution blocks