Questions & answers about registration and organizational matters

Before calling, you may find answers to frequently asked questions either in the text below or in Questions  and  Answers section.

Please note that likewise many queries will be answered in the re-confirmation letter – please read the information provided there carefully.

 

How can I apply for the course? Do I have to meet any requirements to be accepted?

 

All the applicants have to apply on a course online by filling the application form which is available on our website www.dhamma.org/en/schedules/schpallava, once the registration is opened. The applicants have to apply personally. Help with using the computer is fine but all the questions should be answered by an applicant.  On the website, you can find the schedule of the courses that are to be held yearly, together with the start and end dates. You can also find the dates on which the registration is open, which is three months before the commencement of the course, starting from the last months of 2019 onward. The detailed instructions how to apply are provided when you click “How to apply” here: www.dhamma.org/en/schedules/schpallava

This is the only way to apply. E-mails, telephone calls, text messages from people who are interested in participating in a 10-day Vipassana meditation course are not considered as applications. 

Anyone may apply for the course after reading carefully all the information on the website, including Code of Discipline. Forms are consulted by the teacher who may ask for some additional information which can help to qualify the applicant for the course.

All course participants are kindly requested to show their ID at the registration table.

 

What is the duration of the course? The website provides the information that the course for new and old students takes 10 days, while from the given dates it appears that it is longer.

 

The course starts on the so-called Day 0. The students are requested to arrive at 5.00 pm the latest. This afternoon is intended for the registration on site, accommodation and orientation talk. Around 8.00 pm, the students go to the meditation hall for the first meditation session during which the initial instructions are given. For the next nine days the students meditate according to the given timetable. The exception is Day 10, when the timetable is different. The course ends on Day 11 in the morning.

 

Is it possible for a disabled person, who is in a wheelchair, to take part in the course?

 

Yes, the centre is adapted to host such students. If there is a need, we assign one server to help such a person.

 

The places for the course fill up very quickly. If the course is closed, can I sign up for a waiting list?

 

If you see the information “new women – closed” or “new men – closed”, it means that for the given category there are no places on both main and the waiting lists. On the waiting list we only accept a limited number of applicants so that they have a real chance of getting a place. We re-open the registration only if we have so many cancellations that all applicants from the waiting list are accepted.

 

What does the term “working period” mean? Who can take part in it?

 

From time to time longer or shorter working periods are organized in the centre. This time is intended for the thorough cleaning of the centre, gardening, minor repairs and other project to improve the centre. Only old students, meaning those who have completed at least one 10-day Vipassana course, may attend. During the working period a strict daily timetable is applied, similarly like on the course. Each day the students attend three one-hour meditation sessions. For the working periods the students have to apply in the same way as for the courses.

 

Is it possible to keep the vegan diet during the course and receive gluten free and lactose free food?

 

At Dhamma Pallava simple vegetarian food is offered. Eggs and products containing them are not used at all in the center. Prepared dishes do not contain lactose nor gluten. In exceptional situations, a specific meal is appropriately labelled. Dairy products like butter, cheese and yogurt are served separately. For products containing gluten like bread, alternatives such as rice wafers are available. At mealtimes, you can choose from a variety of well-thought-out dishes that should meet different nutritional requirements.

Needs for special diets due to medical conditions have to be clarified during the application process and are only possible to a limited extent. Dhamma Pallava cannot ensure completely gluten-free products for celiac students.

 

What is it and what does the 'sit & serve period' mean? Who can take part in it?

 

After each course there is an in-between-period during which a time of sitting and serving takes place. Such a period is very important in the operation of the center and preparation for the next course. It is a time intended for the cleaning, laundry, gardening, repairs and other variety of tasks, activities and projects to improve and organize the center. A daily schedule provides time for three group meditations, time to help, carry out tasks and time to rest. Every evening the day ends with a joint Metta practice and occasionally with an inspirational session.

Only old students, meaning those who have completed at least one 10-day Vipassana course, may take part in sit & serve periods. The registration procedure is the same as for the courses. Old students participating in a course are welcome to arrive a few days earlier or stay afterwords, while sharing this information during the process of registration for the course.

 

There is often information on the website that the course is closed for applicants, but it is open for “Dhamma servers”. What does this term mean? Who can apply for a course as “Dhamma server”?

 

“Dhamma server” means a person who works as a volunteer on the course. His or her responsibilities comprise in general taking care of the proper running of the course e.g. preparing meals for the students, providing assistance to the conducting teacher, helping students in living matters. Only old students can apply to provide Dhamma service, meaning those who have completed at least one 10-day Vipassana course within the last 24 months, and who have not been practicing other techniques since the last course.

 

I am not able to sit cross-legged for a long time because I feel strong pain in my back and legs. Can I meditate on a chair?

 

If a student needs a chair or a ‘back rest’ for medical issues, this may be provided from the start of the course. It needs to be explained in the application form.

In other cases, the conducting teacher will discuss together with the student the need for a chair or other seating equipment/arrangement.

 

During the course the students have to keep the silence. But what if I get sick, for example, or if I need to clarify some doubts about the practice?

 

The students are not allowed to communicate with the other participants. However, they can communicate with the course management in respect of organizational matters. If you have questions about the technique, you can always meet the teacher. Such interviews take place every day from 12.00 to 1 p.m.

 

What should I bring for the course?

 

The applicants receive a detailed list what to bring, and what not to bring, in the confirmation letter. Additionally, we send a reminder e-mail just before the course. First of all, you have to bring your identity card, meditation cushion and also clothing for the entire duration of the course (only small hand washing is allowed), toiletries, bedding (pillowcase, duvet cover and sheet), two pairs of indoor shoes (one to wear in the dining room and one in your own accommodation). Do not bring books, talismans, your own food, sleeping bags, furs and leather clothes. The laptops and smartphones have to be deposited with the management. Smartphones cannot be used as alarm clocks.


How to get to the centre by public transport? I have only found a connection to Turek but I cannot find any train or bus connection to Dziadowice.

 

On Day 0 we organize paid transport from Turek and Malanów to Dziadowice three times a day. The detailed information is provided on our website www.pallava.dhamma.org/en/how-to-get-to-the-course/

 

Is the centre going to organize the paid shuttle taxi to Turek and Malanów on Day 11?

 

On Day 11 we do not organize such transport because usually it is possible to share a ride with the motorized course participants. On Day 10 the centre management prepare the lists of students offering the joint journey to those going in the same direction. If it happens that someone does not find transport to Turek or Malanów, he or she can contact the centre management in the morning of Day 11 and they will help to arrange a taxi. The cost of the taxi to Turek is around 60 PLN. (12-15 €)

 

I do not have a meditation cushion and I am going to buy it online. Can I send it directly to the centre in Dziadowice.

 

We regret it, but it is not possible to receive parcels sent to the center.

 

I want to help before or during the course, but I need to use the Internet/ phone/ computer during this time

 

Internet / phones / laptops / smartwatches cannot be used at the center.

Matters related to work, studies, workshops and other activities must be completed before arriving at the center.

 

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If you don’t find an answer to your question, you can contact us:

By email: [email protected]

By phone, every day, from Monday to Saturday:

  • For course registration: (+48) 505 830 915 – from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

  • For questions to the centre directly: (+48) 504 340 425 – from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

  • On the starting day of the course, both the numbers will be available from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.