What information do I have to provide in order to register for a course?
- First name
- Family name / Surname
- Gender
- Age
- Country of birth
- Country where you live (country of residence)
- Where from will you come to the course
- Mobile or landline phone number
What happens to my personal data?
We only use the personal data provided to enroll in the course. We will only send you information on setting up new courses at the email address. More about privacy policy, read here.
When do I have to arrive at the course?
The date indicated as the first day of the course is, in fact, the day on which students arrive at the center. For example, if a course is taking place between 15th and 25th of March, students arrive on 15th of March. On that day, you must arrive in Brad, Hunedoara County, by 11 AM.
When does the course end?
The course ends on the morning of the last day (for example, for 15th to 25th of March, the last day is 25th of March) around 8.30 AM.
Where do we meet?
Please come to the parking near the Central Bus Station, which is in Brad town center.
How do I get from Brad to Dumbrava and how do I leave the center at the end of the course?
You get from Brad to Dumbrava by bus or by the car in which you come. You walk from the Dumbrava bus stop to the center, but we will transport your luggage to the center with our own vehicle.
On leaving, we help transport the luggage to the bus station, where there is a bus to Brad at 12 o’clock.
What do I need to bring?
Your ID. Regarding luggage, it is preferable to bring a rucksack or an easily transportable bag – avoid suitcases. Please bring comfortable clothing (tracksuits etc.) and footwear, suitable for the season when the course takes place, enough for 10 days, toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, towel etc.). If rainy weather is forecasted, please bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, and Wellington boots. Taking into account that the center is in the mountains, we recommend you also bring a sleeping bag.
Please do not bring electronic devices, books and notepads, or any other object which might distract your attention from meditation.
May I bring my pet (dog, cat etc.)?
No. We have our own animals in the community and do not have special housing for outside animals.
Can I check my phone and e-mail messages during the course?
No. The ten-day period must be completely dedicated to meditation and any contact with the outside world would harm the process of introspection.
What is the accommodation like?
During the course you will have a monk-like experience. You will stay in simple, countryside housing and sleep in wooden bunk beds. Every bed has three blankets. During the winter, the houses are heated by wood stoves. A hot shower is possible every two days.
How do I prepare for the course?
Do not do anything special; be sincere, determined and conscious that once you begin to meditate, you will set off a beneficial process of internal transformation.
If I have a mild cold, can I come to the course?
If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, please postpone to another course. You will not be able to pay attention to your breathing, and you will bother the others and make them ill. Please, however, let us know that you are not coming, so as to free up your place.
How will I meditate?
In the meditation hall, you will keep the same place for the period of the course. You will choose the most comfortable position possible, and you will sit with your back straight and your legs as close to your body as possible.
How much does the course cost?
Courses are for free, you will only pay for transport to and from Dumbrava. You can make a donation at the end of the course, from which students at future courses may benefit, only if you are happy with the teaching received.
Can I stay for a while at the center after the course?
Yes, once you have completed a meditation course, you are welcome to stay with us as long as you like, respecting our community’s discipline.
May I pay a visit to the center when there is no course being held?
Yes, if you have already completed a Vipassana meditation course.
Who can take part in a short, 3 to 5-day course?
Only those who have already completed a long, 10-day course, have meditated consistently from that moment and who have not practiced other meditation techniques (including other types of Vipassana), therapies or healing techniques after their last course.
If I have already taken part in a Vipassana meditation course at another center, can I take part in a short course?
Even if you have taken part in another course, we invite you first to take part in a 10-day course at our center.