Our Story

Muggles at Triratna community gathering in a peaceful garden setting

How It All Began

Muggles at Triratna was born in 2016 from a simple yet profound question: "How can we bridge ancient wisdom with modern life to create meaningful personal transformation?" It began with three friends—Elena, Andrei, and Mihai—who had all independently discovered how mindfulness practices transformed their lives during challenging periods.

They started meeting regularly in Elena's small apartment in Cluj-Napoca, sharing techniques and supporting each other's growth. Word spread, and soon their living room gatherings grew to ten people, then twenty. By 2018, they had established their first small center, converting a former art studio into a meditation space.

The name "Muggles at Triratna" reflects our playful approach to serious transformation. "Muggles"—borrowed from fiction—represents ordinary people discovering their extraordinary potential, while "Triratna" honors the three jewels of Buddhism: awareness, wisdom, and community. While we draw inspiration from various wisdom traditions, we remain non-denominational and focused on practical tools for growth.

Through economic uncertainties and the global challenges of recent years, we've grown steadily, establishing partnerships with psychologists, neuroscientists, and traditional practitioners. Today, we serve thousands across Romania through our centers, digital platforms, and community initiatives, all while remaining true to our founding vision: transformation accessible to all.

Founders of Muggles at Triratna in early days

Mission & Values

Our Mission

To create accessible pathways to personal transformation through integrating mindfulness practices, contemporary psychology, and community support, enabling individuals to discover their authentic selves and live with greater purpose, compassion, and joy.

Our Core Values

Authenticity

We believe transformation must be genuine and personalized. We encourage honest self-exploration and create spaces where people can show up as they truly are, without pretense or performance.

Integration

We embrace both ancient wisdom and modern science, honoring contemplative traditions while incorporating evidence-based approaches. We believe in applying insights across all dimensions of life.

Accessibility

We are committed to making transformative practices available to people of all backgrounds, abilities, and economic circumstances, adapting our approaches to meet diverse needs.

Community

We recognize that meaningful change flourishes in supportive relationships. We create environments where connection, accountability, and mutual inspiration naturally emerge.

Group meditation session in modern space

Meet Our Team

The heart of our organization is our passionate, diverse team. Each member brings unique expertise and lived experience to our mission of fostering transformation.

Portrait of Elena Popescu

Elena Popescu

Founder & Lead Facilitator

With over 15 years of meditation practice and a background in clinical psychology, Elena brings both scientific rigor and heartfelt compassion to her work. She has trained extensively in mindfulness-based interventions and traditional contemplative approaches across Asia and Europe.

Elena leads our advanced programs and teacher training, helping practitioners deepen their practice and develop the skills to guide others.

Portrait of Andrei Ionescu

Andrei Ionescu

Co-Founder & Research Director

Andrei bridges contemplative practice with neuroscience research. With a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience and personal experience of how meditation transformed his relationship with anxiety, he designs our evidence-based programs and collaborates with academic partners.

His passion for making complex concepts accessible shines through our science-informed approach to personal development.

Portrait of Mihai Dumitrescu

Mihai Dumitrescu

Co-Founder & Community Director

Mihai's background in community organizing and social innovation guides our approach to building supportive environments for transformation. His journey from corporate burnout to mindful leadership gives him unique insight into the challenges of integrating practice with everyday life.

He oversees our community programs, partnerships, and accessibility initiatives, ensuring our work reaches diverse populations across Romania.

Portrait of Ioana Vasilescu

Ioana Vasilescu

Digital Experience Director

Ioana joined us in 2020, bringing her expertise in digital product design and online learning. With a background in UX design and personal experience with mindfulness transforming her creative process, she leads our digital initiatives and online programs.

Her passion lies in creating immersive, accessible digital experiences that translate the depth of in-person practice to virtual formats, expanding our reach to underserved communities.

Transformation Stories

"After 15 years in corporate leadership, I was successful but exhausted and disconnected. The Mindful Leadership program at Muggles at Triratna didn't just help me manage stress—it transformed how I understand success and leadership altogether. I now lead from authenticity rather than anxiety, and my team has flourished as a result. This journey has been the most valuable investment in both my professional growth and personal wellbeing."

Portrait of Cristian Georgescu

Cristian Georgescu

CEO, Tech Innovations Romania

"When I first came to Muggles at Triratna, I was recovering from burnout and questioning my path as an artist. The Creative Mindfulness program gave me tools not just for stress relief, but for connecting deeply with my creative source. The community became a second family, supporting me through both artistic blocks and breakthroughs. Three years later, I've developed a sustainable practice that nourishes both my art and my wellbeing—something I never thought possible."

Portrait of Nicoleta Stanescu

Nicoleta Stanescu

Visual Artist & Educator

"As a medical professional, I was initially skeptical about mindfulness practices. However, facing rising rates of physician burnout in our hospital, I decided to try the Healthcare Professionals program at Muggles at Triratna. The evidence-based approach and practical integration strategies won me over. We've now implemented these practices across our department, resulting in measurable improvements in staff wellbeing and patient satisfaction. Their work bridges science and practice beautifully."

Portrait of Dr. Alexandru Popa

Dr. Alexandru Popa

Head of Internal Medicine, Cluj County Hospital

Begin Your Transformation Journey

Ready to explore how mindfulness and self-development can transform your life? We offer a range of programs for individuals at all stages of their journey—from curious beginners to experienced practitioners.

Our approach integrates evidence-based techniques, supportive community, and practical application to everyday challenges. Connect with us to learn more about our offerings and find the right path for your unique journey.

Person experiencing breakthrough moment in coaching session