Summary

Date	27 October–2 November 2025
Teachers	Václav
Venue	Chata Luna, Slovakia (near Púchov)
Cena	56€ / night

This course will be taught by Václav Šmilauer − see about us.

May I come?

On this retreat of the Vipassana meditation, we welcome both beginners and those with prior meditation experience, irrespective of religion, gender or age (16+). Vipassana is a Buddhist contemplation method; however, one does not need to be Buddhist (or have knowledge of Buddhism) to fully benefit from the meditation; in fact most course participants are not.

This meditation style can be challenging. Please contact us if are unsure whether it is suitable for you.

Course

All participants are given detailed introduction into meditation at the beginning of the course.

The course is organized around directing attention inwards as much as possible. Participants sleep 6 hours a day, breakfast is served usually 7am, lunch at noon. The rest of the time is dedicated to the practice with short breaks between “rounds” (walking+sitting meditation). The course is conducted in silence (and off-line). Whatever happens during the day can be discussed with the teacher at daily individual meetings; however, teachers are available 24/7 if needed. The teachers might adjust the regime individually if necessary (e.g.due to medical conditions).

Participants follow traditional 8 precepts which support meditation by eliminating distractions and make it easier to share space with others: no killing, stealing, sexual activities, lying, intoxicants, eating after lunch, entertainment (reading, writing, singing, music, yoga, phone, internet, …) & cosmetics, luxury.

Food is vegetarian; snacks are served in the evening (youghurt, fruit juice, piece of cheese). Water, teas and coffee is available all day round.

Participants can be contacted by their families in case of emergency through organizers.

Venue

Chata Luna  is located in a beautiful part of Javorniky, close to the Czech-Slovak borders in the village of Dešná.

The rooms are shared (two people of the same sex; or about 4 in larger attic space, suitable for sleeping).

Cost

Accommodation and food cost 335€ (it is possible to transfer reservation deposit of 120€ first and remaining 215€ about 2 weeks before the course starts).

If the accommodation price is prohibitive for you, you are welcome to contact us and we will try to offer you something you can afford.

Teaching itself is on a donation basis (dāna), following the tradition that meditation should be accessible to anyone. Donations can be given in cash at the place, or by transfer.

What to bring

• loose comfortable white/light clothes (by tradition) or neutral colors, covering shoulders and knees;
• warm socks for inside; also take warm clothes (like jumpers, long sleeve shirts, shawl, …);
• slippers;
• toiletries (toothpaste, shower gel);
• (alarm clock/timer we will have enough to borrow; note that using phones is not possible);
• optionally your favourite tea/coffee, cushion, blanket;
• flask (thermos) for hot water (for colder weather);
• course fee (minus deposit) in cash, or send it in advance by bank transfer;
• cash for donation for teachers after the course; bank transfer is also possible;
• any medication you take or might need.

 

How to register

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions before you make decision. The registration procedure is easy:

1. Fill in the registration form.
2. Transfer the entire fee of 335€ (or deposit of 120€); payment details are at the end of the registration form.
3. We will get in touch with you to confirm you place.