S N. Goenka

S. N. Goenka (1924–2013) was a renowned Indian teacher of Vipassana meditation. Born to an Indian family in Burma, he learned Vipassana from Sayagyi U Ba Khin and began teaching in India in 1969. Goenka's teachings emphasized a non-sectarian, universal, and scientific approach to liberation, attracting people from diverse backgrounds globally. He established numerous non-commercial Vipassana meditation centers worldwide, offering 10-day residential programs supported solely by donations. For his distinguished service, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. His works include explorations of Buddhist history and philosophy, such as "Why was the Sakyan Republic Destroyed?" and various collections of teachings like "Come, People of the World (Couplets)".