FAQ

Before calling, you may find answers to frequently asked questions either in the text below or in Questions and Answers About the Technique of Vipassana Meditation in the section below. 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 meals?  

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.

Why is the course ten days long?

Actually, the ten-day course is the minimum; it provides an essential introduction and foundation to the technique. To develop in the practice is a lifetime job. Experience over generations has shown that if Vipassana is taught in periods of less than ten days, the student does not get a sufficient experiential grasp of the technique. Traditionally, Vipassana was taught in retreats lasting seven weeks. With the dawning of the 20th century, the teachers of this tradition began to experiment with shorter times to suit the quickening pace of life. They tried thirty days, two weeks, ten days, down to seven days–and they found that less than ten days is not enough time for the mind to settle down and work deeply with the mind-body phenomenon.

How many hours a day will I be meditating?

The day begins at 4:00 a.m. with a wakeup bell and continues until 9:00 p.m. There are about ten hours of meditation throughout the day, interspersed with regular breaks and rest periods. Every evening at 7:00 p.m. there is a videotaped lecture by the Teacher, S.N. Goenka, which provides a context for meditators to understand their experience of the day. This schedule has proved workable and beneficial for hundreds of thousands of people for decades.

What language is used in the course?

The teaching is given through recordings of S.N. Goenka, speaking in English or Hindi, together with a translation into a local language. Tape translations exist in most of the major languages of the world, including English. If the teachers conducting a course do not speak the local language fluently, interpreters will be there to help. Language is usually no barrier for someone who wants to join a course.

How much does the course cost?

Each student who attends a Vipassana course is given this gift by a previous student. There is no charge for either the teaching, or for room and board. All Vipassana courses worldwide are run on a strictly voluntary donation basis. At the end of your course, if you have benefited from the experience, you are welcome to donate for the coming course, according to your volition and your means.

How much are teachers paid to conduct courses?

Teachers receive no payment, donations or other material benefit. They are required to have their own private means of support. This rule means that some of them may have less time for teaching, but it protects students from exploitation and it guards against commercialism. In this tradition, teachers give Vipassana purely as a service to others. All they get is the satisfaction of seeing people’s happiness at the end of ten days.

I can’t sit cross legged. Can I meditate?

Certainly. Chairs are provided for those unable to sit comfortably on the floor because of age or a physical problem.

I’m on a special diet. Can I bring my own food?

Students who come to courses can choose from the food provided in the center, and are asked to refrain from bringing food from home. Most people find the choice is ample and they enjoy the simple vegetarian diet. If your doctor has prescribed a special diet, let us know in advance and we will see whether we can provide what you need. If the diet is too specialized or might interfere with meditation, we might have to ask you to wait until you can be more flexible.

Can pregnant women attend courses? Are there any special arrangements or instructions for them?

Pregnant women may certainly attend, and many women come specifically during pregnancy to take advantage of the opportunity to work deeply and in silence during this special time. We ask pregnant women to ensure they are confident that their pregnancy is stable before applying. We provide the extra food they need and ask them to work in a relaxed way.

Why is a course conducted in silence?

All students attending the course observe “noble silence” — that is, silence of body, speech and mind. They agree to refrain from communicating with their co-meditators. However, students are free to contact the management about their material needs, and to speak with the instructor. Silence is observed for the first nine full days. On the tenth day, speech is resumed as a way of re-establishing the normal pattern of daily life. Continuity of practice is the secret of success in this course; silence is an essential component in maintaining this continuity.

Can I be confident that I am capable of doing the course?

Most participants successfully complete the course. You will need to be able to follow instructions and participate in a group setting for ten days. The course does require hard, serious work but if you are in reasonable physical and mental health and willing to make a sincere effort, the course will be manageable.

Do I have to stay for the entire course?

Yes. Note that the course spans 12 calendar days including the day you arrive and the day you leave.

Is there anyone who should not participate in a course because of a physical condition?

If you have questions about whether your physical condition or limitations would make it difficult to participate, please write to the email address in the Contact information for the Centre responsible for the course you are interested in.

I’m going through a difficult period in my life. Is it the right time for me to attend a course?

This depends upon what you are going through. After carefully reading the Introduction to the Technique and Code of Discipline, please consider if you feel ready to participate in such an intensive program at this time. If so, you are welcome to apply describing your circumstances and what you have been experiencing. We will then advise you further during the application process.

Is Vipassana intended to cure physical or mental illness?

No. Vipassana is not a cure for illness, but it can help to reduce the mental suffering that may accompany it. With the technique of Vipassana, meditators learn how to reduce negative habit patterns of the mind and cope better with their reactions to life events, including physical and mental difficulties and illness. Vipassana meditation is not a treatment or therapy; the teachers and volunteers are not medical, psychological, or counselling practitioners, nor caregivers.

How about depression, anxiety, panic or PTSD? Can Vipassana cure these?

If your experience of depression, anxiety, panic or PTSD is overwhelming, with a significant impact on your daily life, the best thing may be to work with a health professional. The purpose of Vipassana is not to cure illness but to reduce negative mental habit patterns.

Can Vipassana make people mentally unbalanced?

Although most people report improvements in their mental well-being after participating in a course, reaction patterns one may have experienced in the past could resurface. Previously unknown mental reaction patterns may also arise, potentially resulting in uncomfortable thoughts and sensations. Participants must be in good physical and mental health to be able to use the practice to work with these. It is important for you to let us know your mental health history when you apply for a course.

I have a history of significant mental health issues. Is this course likely to be suitable for me?

Even if your mental health is currently stable, with or without medication, old symptoms may resurface during or after the course. Psychological conditions that have been in remission may reoccur. If this were to happen during the course you may not be able to benefit from it. For this reason, in some cases we do not recommend a Vipassana course for people with a history of significant mental health conditions.

Do I have to be a Buddhist to practice Vipassana?

People from many religions and no religion have found the meditation course helpful and beneficial. Vipassana is an art of living, a way of life. While it is the essence of what the Buddha taught, it is not a religion; rather, it is the cultivation of human values leading to a life which is good for oneself and good for others.