TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Dhamma Mitra - Global Vipassana Community Platform

Last Updated: January 28, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the website https://dhammamitra.org/ (hereinafter referred to as "the Platform"), you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use this Platform.

2. Nature of the Platform

Dhamma Mitra is a non-profit, volunteer-driven community initiative.

  • Facilitator Only: We act solely as a bridge connecting Vipassana meditators ("Sadhaks"). We do not own, operate, or provide transportation, accommodation, or food services directly.
  • Voluntary Service (Seva): Any help offered by users (transport, stay, guidance) is completely voluntary, based on the principle of Dana (Selfless Giving). No user is an employee or agent of Dhamma Mitra.
  • Free of Cost: The Platform does not charge any fees for registration or connection. Users are strictly prohibited from demanding money for services meant to be Seva.

3. Eligibility and Account Registration

To use the core features of the Platform, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be an "Old Student" of Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka (having completed at least one 10-day course).
  • Provide accurate, truthful, and current information during the registration and verification process.

Verification: You acknowledge that we may ask for details regarding your last course (Center, Date, Teacher) to verify your identity. Providing false information will lead to immediate account termination.

4. User Conduct and Responsibilities

As a member of this Sangha, you agree to uphold the principles of Sila (Morality) and Right Speech on the Platform. You agree NOT to:

  • Use the Platform for dating, matrimonial purposes, or soliciting romantic relationships.
  • Use the Platform for commercial activities, multi-level marketing (MLM), or selling products/services.
  • Harass, abuse, or harm another user through messages or posts.
  • Scrape, collect, or share the contact details of other users for marketing databases.
  • Post false, misleading, or defamatory content in the "Community Feed" or "Testimonials."

5. Offline Interactions & Safety Disclaimer (CRITICAL)

Dhamma Mitra facilitates connections, but we cannot guarantee the safety, behavior, or suitability of any user offline.

  • User Responsibility: You are solely responsible for your interactions with other users. You must use your judgment and caution when meeting someone offline, accepting a ride, or staying at someone's place.
  • No Background Checks: While we verify "Dhamma details" (course completion), we do not conduct criminal background checks or police verifications of users.
  • Release of Liability: You agree to release Dhamma Mitra, its founders, developers, and volunteers from any claims, demands, or damages arising out of disputes, accidents, injuries, or losses suffered during offline interactions facilitated by this Platform.

6. Content Ownership and Rights

  • User Content: You retain ownership of the photos and texts (Posts, Seva Logs) you upload. However, you grant Dhamma Mitra a license to display and share this content within the Platform.
  • Platform Rights: All branding, code, design, and the name "Dhamma Mitra" are the intellectual property of the platform administrators.

7. Termination of Service

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account immediately, without prior notice, if:

  • You violate these Terms or the Community Guidelines.
  • You are found to be using the Platform for commercial or non-Dhamma purposes.
  • We receive credible complaints regarding misconduct or breach of Sila.

8. Disclaimer of Affiliation

Dhamma Mitra is an independent initiative started by meditators. We are NOT officially affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the Vipassana Research Institute (VRI), Dhamma.org, or any of its global centers. All Dhamma-related terminology is used solely for community identification purposes.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Dhamma Mitra shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including without limitation, loss of data, loss of goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from your access to or use of the Platform.

10. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Durg, Chhattisgarh.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

12. Contact Information

For any legal concerns or questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at:

help@dhammamitra.org