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Privacy Policy

 

 

LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 2020

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OVERVIEW

At The Vipassana Centre your privacy is very important to us. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information to or with third parties without your explicit consent. Please read this privacy policy to learn more about what types of information we gather about you, how we use it, and how to correct or change it.

 

SCOPE OF POLICY

This privacy policy applies to our websites, blogs, mobile sites, and applications, including the www.thevipassanacentre.org website, and the mobile versions thereof. It does not apply to other companies’ or organizations’ web sites to which we link. You should carefully review the privacy policies of those web sites in order to determine how your personal information is treated by such third parties.

 

INFORMATION GATHERED FROM ALL VISITORS

Aggregate Data:
We gather certain generic information with respect to all visitors’ use of our web sites, such as the number of unique visitors, the frequency with which they visit, and the areas on the web sites that they favour. We only use this type of data in aggregate, that is we look at the data on a collective basis, in summary form, rather than on an individual basis. This data helps us to provide services and features that most likely meet your needs, and to customize our web sites to make your experience easier and more enjoyable. We may also provide statistical “ratings” about how our customers collectively use our web sites to advertisers, sponsors, and other companies with which we do business. These statistical ratings do not contain any personally identifiable information about you or any of our users.

We may automatically track certain information about you based upon your behaviour on our sites. We use this information to do internal research on our users’ demographics, interests, and behaviour to better understand, protect and serve our users. This information is compiled and analysed on an aggregated basis.

Cookies:
We use a technology nicknamed “cookies” on our web sites. Cookies are pieces of information or data sent to your browser from a web server and stored on your computer’s hard drive for record-keeping purposes. Cookies may be set upon your browser during site visits to save your site customization preferences and to save your passwords so you do not have to re-enter passwords upon each site visit. Cookies help you navigate our web sites, and help us customize our web sites to provide personal service. We also use cookies to track user sessions and to gather site usage statistics.

IP Addresses:
We collect and analyse traffic on our web sites by keeping track of the IP addresses of our visitors. IP addresses are unique numeric identifiers that are assigned to each computer browser accessing the Internet. An IP address, by itself, cannot identify you personally. However, when combined with other information provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), your IP address can be used to identify the computer originating a message.

Applications:
We collect generic information through applications, including mobile applications or widgets.

Surveys:
From time to time, we may conduct surveys or solicit your feedback. These surveys are used to gather information to improve our sites and provide a more meaningful experience for our users. We may also use the information to alert you to offers and products in which you have expressed an interest.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

The Vipassana Centre reserves the right to communicate with you from time to time about important administrative, policy, legal, credit card, and billing matters, which will affect your use of our thevipassanacentre.org web site, including any alleged violations of the applicable web site Terms and Conditions. You may automatically receive the following e-mails unless you choose to not receive them by contacting us with the contact details on our website and asking to unsubscribe from them: (i) to contact you for feedback and surveys; or (ii) to send you relevant company or service-related information.

 

USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION GATHERED FROM USERS

If you elect to post a comment or leave a reply on our site or blog, you will be required to provide us with certain personal information, including your name and e-mail address (this required information is subject to change from time to time).

There may also be opportunities for you to provide us with additional information regarding your preferences and interests, and we may also use this information to make recommendations to you. This information, however, is not required and is completely optional on your part.

In general, we will only use the information you provide to us for the purpose for which such information was provided, such as communications, billing and processing your account. We may also track your use of thevipassanacentre.org web site to deliver to you information about The Vipassana Centre and our promotions. You may opt-out of receiving future mailings from us by contacting us with the contact details on our website and requesting to opt-out.  We also use information for trend analysis, pattern detection, and site administration. Your personal information may also be disclosed to a third party in the event of any merger, sale, joint venture, reorganization assignment, transfer or disposition of all or any portion of our business, assets or stock.

Your information may be disclosed by you, on blogs, message boards and other services to which you are able to post information and materials. You should be aware that any information you disclose through these services will become public information, and may be available to the general public.

Your information provided to us on our web site and blog may also be disclosed to your friends associated with your social media accounts, other users, and to your social media account provider, in connection with your social sharing activities. You authorize us to share your information with your social media account provider.

 

DISCLOSURE EXCEPTIONS

Notwithstanding the above policies, we reserve the right to disclose your personal information to appropriate third parties if we are required to do so by law: (i) to comply with legal process such as a search warrant, subpoena, or court order; (ii) to protect The Vipassana Centre rights and property; (iii) to investigate reports of users sending material using a false e-mail address or users sending harassing, threatening, or abusive messages; (iv) to protect against misuse or unauthorized use of our web sites and/or the The Vipassana Centre service; or (v) during emergencies, such as when we believe someone’s physical safety is at risk.

 

YOUR CONTROL OVER YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

Every communication The Vipassana Centre sends you will contain a clearly worded “Opt-Out” or “Unsubscribe” link allowing you to withdraw your permission for future mailings. Permission changes will be honoured as soon as possible after receipt. Please allow five to seven days for processing. Permission changes will however not affect any information that you provided to us.

 

OTHER MATTERS

Changes to the Privacy Policy:
Modifications to our privacy policy will be reflected first within this area of this web site. If there is a material change in our privacy policy, we will indicate on this site that our policy has changed and provide a link to the new/revised privacy statement.

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Do Not Track Notice Disclosures:
We do not track our users and visitors over time and across third party web sites to provide targeted advertising. Consequently, we do not respond to Do Not Track (DNT) signals. Other third party web sites may keep track of your browsing activities when they provide you with content, which enables them to customize what they present to you on their web sites.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF PRIVACY POLICY

Your use of our web sites, including any dispute concerning privacy, is subject to this privacy policy and the applicable web site Terms and Conditions. BY USING OUR WEB SITES, YOU ARE ACCEPTING THE PRACTICES SET OUT IN THIS PRIVACY POLICY AND THE APPLICABLE WEB SITE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time by posting the changes on this page. Please check the effective date at the top of this page to determine if the policy has been modified since you last reviewed it. Your continued use of any portion of our web sites following posting of the updated privacy policy will constitute your acceptance of the changes.

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THE VIPASSANA CENTRE MEDITATION COURSE PRIVACY POLICY, DISCLOSURES & CONSENTS

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THE VIPASSANA CENTRE cares about your privacy.  As data protection regulations are updated around the world (including the GDPR in the European Union), we continue to make data protection improvements. The information below details how and by whom the data on your application form is handled, as well as requests your consent to that handling in order to proceed with the application.  Please read this page carefully before agreeing to proceed with your application. Contact THE VIPASSANA CENTRE on the following email info@thevipassanacentre.org for any further information. 

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DISCLOSURES

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The information you provide to us will be treated confidentially unless disclosure is required by law. By completing and signing this form, you give your consent to the storage and use of this information by THE VIPASSANA CENTRE course organizers as described in the Privacy Policy.

Details of the processing of your information

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Your application is being received and processed by THE VIPASSANA CENTRE.  The contact information for THE VIPASSANA CENTRE is info@thevipassanacentre.org.  THE VIPASSANA CENTRE is hosting its systems infrastructure with WIX. 

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Purpose of the Processing by THE VIPASSANA CENTRE

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The data in the application form is processed to prepare for and conduct a course and to handle special circumstances and conditions evident in the application form before accepting or not accepting you onto a course.

Rights of the Applicant Pursuant to data protection laws of certain countries

You may have certain rights relating to the data you provide, including the following:

1. The right to request access, rectification and erasure of your data or to object to the processing.

2. The right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority of your country and to obtain further information regarding details of the controller’s and/or processor’s contact information.

3. The right to withdraw your consent.

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Voluntary nature of the data input and consequences of failing to provide data

There is no legal obligation for you to provide any of the information in your application form. You are providing the information voluntarily and in order to register for a Vipassana meditation course.  You have the right to decline to provide THE VIPASSANA CENTRE with this information but in that case, we will not be able to process your application.  This is because the information requested is essential to determine your eligibility for the course.

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CONSENTS

The purpose of this section of the notice is to ensure that you are prepared to consent to processing and use of your data in the manner set out below.

1. I consent to THE VIPASSANA CENTRE handling my data as described in the Disclosures for the purposes of processing my application to register for a Vipassana meditation course.

2. I confirm that I want to proceed with my application and will not hold THE VIPASSANA CENTRE responsible for the loss or misuse of my personal information.

3. I am providing the information requested on the application form voluntarily, with the understanding that I may choose not to enter the information at any time in the process of the application and thereby withdraw the application.

4. I understand that I have the right to withdraw my consent, in which case my application will not be processed further.

 

BY APPLYING TO OUR RETREAT YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT NO DOCUMENTATION OR RECORDINGS FROM THE VIPASSANA CENTRE MAY BE REPRODUCED, TRANSLATED, TRANSMITTED, DISPLAYED, PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST IN WHOLE OR IN PART.

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By applying to our retreat, you further acknowledge and agree that any and all information provided in your application for acceptance into THE VIPASSANA CENTRE meditation course, may be used by THE VIPASSANA CENTRE for their purposes consistent with their Privacy Policies, as amended from time to time.

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LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

7.1 THE VIPASSANA CENTRE AND THE THIRD PARTY PROVIDERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF USING, MODIFYING, CONTRIBUTING, COPYING, DISTRIBUTING OR ACCESSING THE SITE OR THE MATERIALS, AS WELL AS FOR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF THE INABILITY TO USE THE SITE OR THE MATERIALS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE VIPASSANA CENTRE OR THIRD PARTY PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, HOWEVER ARISING, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE SITE OR THE MATERIALS MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE SITE, EVEN IF THE VIPASSANA CENTRE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THE VIPASSANA CENTRE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE DEFAMATORY, OFFENSIVE, OR ILLEGAL CONDUCT OF ANY THIRD PARTY AND THAT THE RISK OF HARM OR DAMAGE FROM THE FOREGOING RESTS ENTIRELY WITH YOU. AS A USER OF THE SITE, YOUR SOLE REMEDY FOR DISSATISFACTION WITH THE SITE AND/OR THE MATERIALS IS TO STOP USING THE SITE. THE FOREGOING LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL APPLY TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED IN THE APPLICABLE JURISDICTION.

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It is your responsibility to inform the instructor of limitations before the course begins.  You assume full responsibility for any and all damages, which may incur through participation. Meditation is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment.

Meditation is not recommended and is not safe under certain medical conditions. By using the Site, attending courses in person or via Zoom or other media, you affirm that you are fit to participate in such a program. In addition, you will make the teacher aware of any medical conditions or physical limitations before class. If you are pregnant, become pregnant or you are post-natal or post-surgical, your use of the Site and participation in class confirms that you have your doctor’s approval to participate. You also affirm that you are responsible to decide whether to practice meditation and participation is at your own risk. You agree to irrevocably release and waive any claims that you have now or may have hereafter against The Vipassana Centre, its owners, officers, employees, and instructors.

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If The Vipassana Centre considers that you are not fit to participate in the course (e.g. if you experience any panic attacks, vomit, hyper ventilate, pass out or display any other symptoms which is concerning to The Vipassana Centre) then for your own safety, you accept that you may not continue with the course.

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You further agree that The Vipassana Centre may take and make use of photos and/or videos of you during courses and events for promotional purposes without payment or any other consideration unless or until you revoke this authorization in writing.

You have read, fully understood and agree to the terms of this Agreement and Release of Waiver of Liability. By using the Site, booking and participating in its courses, you are entering into this agreement voluntarily and recognize this complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Please note kindly that all donations are non refundable.

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INDEMNITY

You hereby agree to defend, indemnify and hold The Vipassana Centre and the Third Party Providers harmless from, and you covenant not to sue The Vipassana Centre or the Third Party Providers for any claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including, without limitation, lawyers’ fees) arising from or related to (a) your negligence, error, omission or willful misconduct, (b) your breach of any terms of this Agreement, or (c) your use of the Site or the Materials.

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YOU AND THE VIPASSANA CENTRE AGREE THAT ANY CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SITE MUST COMMENCE WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES, IT BEING THE EXPRESS INTENT OF THE PARTIES TO LIMIT THE TIME PERIOD DURING WHICH A PARTY MAY BRING A CLAIM. OTHERWISE, SUCH CAUSE OF ACTION IS PERMANENTLY BARRED.

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The retreat is non residential (you arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon each day) and it is funded entirely by donation.  However, in order to avoid people not turning up without giving due notice and losing the space someone else could have benefitted from we kindly ask you to pay a deposit of £195 which will be returned to you by bank transfer at the end of the retreat.  To enable us to return your deposit, please kindly email us your bank details.  If the retreat doesn't take place for any reason, for example due to Covid, your deposit will be refunded in full. However, if you cancel or if you don't complete the course, your deposit will not be refunded or transferred to a future retreat to avoid people not turning up without giving due notice and losing the space which someone else could have benefitted from.

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Please kindly note that if we do not receive your deposit within 7 days, your place will no longer be available and will be offered to another applicant.

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The entire course must be attended.  This is to ensure that you have enough time to learn the full technique, that you do not miss important instructions and to avoid disruption to other participants and to the teacher.  If you do not attend any part of it, you will not be permitted to continue on the course.

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B꙱y appying to the meditation retreat, you are confirming that you have read, agree with and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and the other terms of submission of the application form.

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Questions or Comments:

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If you have any questions or comments about this Agreement or the Site, please contact The Vipassana Centre with the contact details that are on our website.