Dipabhāvan Meditation Center

I just finished the 3-day course, and I am really grateful for this experience. I have been reading some other reviews here, and I noticed that they have improved a lot of things recently. For example, they are less strict about sitting position and attendance. They let you sit in whatever position you want, for example leaning against the wall or using chairs and you are also free to meditate outside the hall if that is more comfortable for you. I also found the rooms and the bedding quite comfortable. They provide mattresses, pillows, and mosquito nets. The bathrooms were also clean. Since I went in January, the weather was also ideal, it was not too hot. There were a few things that I had a hard time with. One was that the bell is very quiet in the women’s dormitory, which made me miss one of the teachings. The second was that some people came together, and I personally found some of them distracting. Since the silence was not strictly monitored, I noticed a few people quietly communicating with each other. With more practice, I probably could have ignored or accepted this more easily.:) Overall, I had a really good time. Pierre explained everything clearly and in an interesting way, and I could feel his empathy and acceptance towards us. I highly recommend the 3-day retreat for those who are unsure or do not have enough time. It’s a great introduction to meditation.

*Full of Gratitude* The first day was honestly tough. I was drowsy—classic coffee withdrawal—and a bit anxious being away from my phone and all the everyday comforts I was used to. Everything felt so simple, maybe too simple. But then something shifted. I realized… I didn’t need coffee anymore. My mind cleared up. The simplicity stopped feeling like a lack, and started to feel like a gift. I could feel the joy in just being. The quiet became comforting. The most important realization for me came through mindfulness: inner peace doesn’t come from what we have, but from how little we actually need. On the last day, when I got my phone back, I laughed—because the world had kept turning just fine without me. My emotions were stirred, then settled. And in the end, all I felt was deep gratitude—for the place, the people, the volunteers, the gentle dog, the playful cat, and all the beautiful smiles that made this experience so warm. If I had to “complain” 😜, it would be this: the food was too good! Sometimes I caught myself daydreaming about it during meditation. And now, outside the center, nothing tastes quite the same. Thank you again, Dipabhāvan. You helped me return to something essential.

7 days silence with basic but healthy food and most importantly great teachings! Accommodation is simple, thin mattress, mosquito net (thankfully!), separated by thin walls but.. This why we are there, to practice not to have a luxury We had morning readings to reflect and stretching, you can't ask for more. Amazing experience which I'm very thankful for, I will be back to practice more 🍀Big thank you to volunteers and teachers 🤍