Overview
The architecture of the center has been laid out in Burmese style in honor of Myanmar, a country that has preserved the practice of Vipassana. The dome of Pagoda mimics the Shwedagon Pagoda or Golden Pagoda in Myanmar. The world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars with a height of approximately 29 meters (concerning the height of the building that is 96.12 meters) was built within the periphery of Pagoda in Mumbai. Mr. S. N. Goenka practices meditation and teaching of Budhha in the massive inner dome of Pagoda that can inhabit about 8000 people.
The pioneering values ascertained by Pagoda and its members revolve around Gautama Budhha’s universal teachings of eradication of suffering, and to educate whoever visits, about the sacrifices and life of Budhha, perpetrate his teachings and provide a spiritually liberating environment with relaxing spaces for meditation.
In order to make their sessions renowned worldwide, Pagoda has scheduled ten days of Vipassana meditation courses, free of cost that are held at the meditation center. The guest houses constructed inside the campus make for a homely and comfortable stay for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Around the meditation center is a statue of Budhha carved out of a single stone of white marble and painted over to give it a more lifelike appearance. Budhha is seated on a rectangular platform about three feet high that showcases four scenes from Budhha’s life – Birth, Enlightenment, setting the wheel of dhamma in motion, and death of Budhha.
1. Admire the architecture – The Burmese style architecture of Pagoda has left many architects and photographers in awe. With Arabian waters overlooking in its backdrop, the dome’s elegant and prosaic structure with a golden coating is what attracts many tourists to it.
2. Learn about the life and teaching of Lord Budhha – Dedicated to enlightenment, dhamma, and life of Lord Budhha, Pagoda serves its purpose for the same by advancing free lessons about the teachings of Budhha about gratitude and eradication of suffering. There is a library and museum built within the monument complex that serves the same purpose.
3. Spiritually enlighten yourself with meditation – The Dhammaratana Meditation Center built within the complex offers a ten-day meditation course free of cost. You can stay at the complex in rooms built for the same purpose. There are also one-day courses available for those with a jam-packed schedule.
