Preparing for Your Course

Please find below the information for those who have been accepted for a meditation course at Dhamma Karuṇā

If you have any further questions regarding the courses, please do not hesitate to email the Registrar or by calling (403) 908-0346

• Confirm Registration
• Code of Discipline
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Bedding
• Meditation Cushions
• Other Articles
• Arrival and Departure Times
• Cancellation Instructions

 

Confirm Registration

If you have not reconfirmed by the 14th Day (two weeks) before your course starts, your space may be given to someone on the Waiting List.

There are sometimes waitlists for courses. To ensure your spot in a course and to help with planning for the course, we ask that you reconfirm your registration (by phone or email) 3-4 weeks before the course begins.

Although you may have received confirmation from the registration office, we understand that circumstances may change. You are asked to reconfirm your registration, with your transportation details, so that the Center knows when to expect you. Whether you are still able to attend or not, we ask that you let us know. If you are unable to attend, someone else on the waiting list may be able to utilize that spot.

You may e-mail your re-confirmation to registration@karuna.dhamma.org -or you may call: (403) 908-0346

 

Code of Discipline

If you have not already done so, please read the Code of Discipline.

This document contains important information about the content, structure, and rules of the course. By submitting your application, you have agreed to follow the CODE OF DISCIPLINE during this course.

 

Clothing

No shorts, tank tops, tights or revealing clothing.

Tights or leggings should be worn only under a knee-length top or shirt. Please read the CODE OF DISCIPLINE carefully and note the rules regarding clothing.

Please anticipate your individual needs in this environment. The rooms and the meditation hall are climate-controlled by central heat and air conditioning. Many people like a sweater, shawl or light blanket in the meditation hall. As outdoor shoes are not worn in the meditation hall, dining hall or residential quarters, it is advisable to bring shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Bring sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay. Although automated laundry facilities are not available, facilities are available for hand wash and line dry.

 

Toiletries

No perfumed or scented creams, powders, shaving lotions, etc.

Bring all items necessary for personal hygiene such as:

• Towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Bath soap
• Shampoo / conditioner
• Shaving/Sanitary supplies
• Bedding

A single bed with a mattress is provided. Please bring sheets, pillow, and blanket, but not a sleeping bag.

 

Meditation Cushions

For the meditation hall a cotton meditation cushion is provided. Meditation benches are also available. You may bring your own meditation cushions if you desire. Please request a chair if you need one on the first day of the course after your arrival.

 

Other Articles

Please do not bring unnecessary valuables or jewelry. Also, please do not bring food items, books, radios, computers, tape players, writing materials, journals, or religious objects.

All cell phones, palm pilots, pagers and other communication devices will need to be checked in with the management on the first day. Checked items will be returned when the course is over.

It is advisable to bring a simple wrist watch (not a smart watch) and/or a non-ticking alarm clock. You may want to bring a flashlight and a small umbrella. Bring walking shoes if you want to do any walking exercise during the course.

 

Arrival and Departure Times

Please arrive between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM for the registration period on the day the course begins.  A light meal will be served at 5:00 PM and orientation will follow at 6.00 PM.  If your arrival will be delayed past 4:00 PM on the day the course begins please contact the Meditation Center (the phone number is given in your acceptance letter).  If you have not arrived by 6:00 PM, and we haven’t heard from you, we will assume you are not coming.  Students will return home at the end of the course between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM after a short clean up period

The 1-day courses will end at approximately 4:30 PM, after a short clean up.

All new students, as well as returning students taking a full course, are expected to remain until the very end of the course.

 

Cancellation Instructions

It takes a tremendous amount of planning and expense to organize each of our 10-day residential courses. The courses at the Alberta Vipassana Meditation Center are usually between 30 and 50 students and are run strictly on a donation basis. These courses are the only events at the facility; so it is essential to know the exact number of participants for each course.

If for any reason you will not be able to attend, it is essential for you to cancel, even if it is the day of the course. You many cancel your attendance by sending an e-mail message to registration@karuna.dhamma.org or by calling the Registrar at: (403) 908-0346