DISCLAIMER

Dhamma Mitra - Global Vipassana Community Platform

Last Updated: January 28, 2026

1. Not an Official Entity (Independent Initiative)

The website https://dhammamitra.org/ ("Dhamma Mitra") is an independent, non-profit community initiative created and maintained voluntarily by "Old Students" of Vipassana Meditation.

No Affiliation: Dhamma Mitra is NOT officially affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with:
  • The Vipassana Research Institute (VRI).
  • Dhamma.org (The official website of the International Vipassana Organization).
  • Any specific Vipassana Meditation Center around the world.

Use of Terminology: Any use of terms such as "Dhamma," "Vipassana," "Sadhak," "Old Student," or references to the teachings of S.N. Goenka are used solely for descriptive purposes to identify the target community (meditators). We do not claim ownership of these teachings.

2. "As Is" Basis (No Warranties)

The information, services, and connections provided on Dhamma Mitra are provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis.

  • We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the operation of the website or the information, content, or materials included on it.
  • We do not guarantee that the website will run without errors, bugs, or interruptions.

3. Verification Disclaimer (Limited Scope)

While we strive to verify users to maintain a trusted community, our verification process is limited in scope:

  • What We Verify: We only verify a user's claim of being an "Old Student" based on the course details they provide (Date, Location, Teacher).
  • What We DO NOT Verify: We DO NOT conduct criminal background checks, police verification, or character assessments of any user.
  • Your Judgment: The "Verified" badge is not a guarantee of a person's safety or character. You are advised to use your own judgment and caution when interacting with any user.

4. Offline Interaction & Safety Disclaimer

Dhamma Mitra acts only as a digital bridge. We are not responsible for what happens offline in the real world.

  • Transport & Stay: If you choose to accept a ride, stay at someone's home, or eat food offered by another sadhak, you do so at your own sole risk.
  • Release of Liability: You hereby release and hold harmless Dhamma Mitra, its developers, admins, and volunteers from any liability regarding accidents, theft, injury, misconduct, or any unfortunate incidents that may occur during offline meetings facilitated through this platform.

5. No Medical or Therapeutic Advice

  • Not a Support Line: This platform is for logistical support (travel/stay) and friendship. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, psychological counseling, or crisis intervention.
  • Technique Questions: We do not provide guidance on the meditation technique. For any questions regarding the practice of Vipassana, sensations, or mental health difficulties, please contact an officially appointed Assistant Teacher (AT) at a designated center.

6. User-Generated Content

  • Opinions: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by users in the "Community Feed" or "Testimonials" belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Dhamma Mitra administration.
  • Accuracy: We do not guarantee the accuracy of information posted by users (e.g., train timings posted by a user, or auto-rickshaw fares). Please verify travel info independently.

7. External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Google Maps, Indian Railways, Dhamma.org). We have no control over the content or practices of these sites and accept no responsibility for them.

8. Financial Disclaimer

  • Free Service: Dhamma Mitra is a free service. If any user asks you for money in exchange for registration or "premium access" to this site, it is a scam. Please report it immediately.
  • Personal Transactions: Any financial transaction between users (e.g., splitting petrol costs for carpooling) is a private matter between those users. Dhamma Mitra is not involved in and is not responsible for any financial disputes.