Are Vipassana courses really free? How much should I donate?

Yes. Courses in the Goenka tradition are completely free, including food and accommodation. The centres run entirely on donations, and only people who have completed at least one course may donate, so your stay was paid for by someone before you.

There is no expected amount. People give what they can afford and what feels right, often thinking about what it would cost to cover the next student's stay. Many also give their time by coming back to serve on a later course.

Other places that cost little or nothing:

• Sri Ramanasramam: rooms and meals are free for approved guests, though only some requests are accepted.
• Tushita runs on donations with suggested minimums for some courses.
• Om Shanti Retreat Centre: Brahma Kumaris courses are generally free.