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.

A wonderful place for a first time diving into the practice of Vipassana. The experience itself is challenging - like going to bootcamp - but rewarding, especially once you finish the retreat. The retreat center has great peaceful energy and such beautiful nature that surrounds (which makes it easier to be without the distractions of phones, books and other forms of entertainment). The accommodation is basic, but that aspect is also part of “the program” - detachment to our preferences. Food is all vegetarian, and very yummy too! The guides/facilitators are kind, helpful and understanding. I appreciated the fact that there was flexibility to leave the retreat early if - for whatever reason - you feel you needed to leave - no guilting or shaming, no questions asked. I did stay until the end and found that the journey did get easier as the days went on (the first two days were the toughest for me). Every day came with new insights and revelations, so I’m glad I stayed committed to the process to experience the full impact of the retreat. ** Disclaimer: As of Dec 2025, for course 1 there is no live interaction with a monk. We listened to the Dhamma talks via voice recording of the German monk Khun Reinhard who retired earlier in the year.

*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.