Code of Discipline
Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique. Long lost
to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha in
India more than 2500 years ago. The word Vipassana
means seeing things as they really are. It is a process of
self-purification through self-observation. The process
starts with the observation of the natural breath to
concentrate the mind. With this sharpened awareness the
student then learns to observe the changing nature of
body and mind and experiences the universal truths of
impermanence, suffering and the absence of a permanent
self. This truth-realization by direct experience is the
process of purification. The entire path (Dhamma) is a
universal remedy for universal problems. For this reason,
it can be freely practiced by everyone, at any time, in any
place, without conflict due to race, community or religion,
and will prove equally beneficial to one and all.
What Vipassana is
- Vipassana is a technique that will eradicate suffering.
- It is a method of mental purification which allows one to face life's tensions and problems in a calm, balanced way.
- It is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to society.
What Vipassana isn't
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Vipassana is not a rite or ritual based on blind faith.
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It is not an intellectual exercise nor for philosophical
entertainment.
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Its purpose is not to cure disease.
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A Vipassana course is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an
opportunity for socializing.
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Vipassana practice is not an escape from the trials
and tribulations of everyday life.
Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals of
liberation from all suffering, and full enlightenment.
Vipassana eliminates the three causes of all unhappiness:
craving, aversion and ignorance. With continued practice, the
meditation releases the tensions developed in everyday life,
opening the knots tied by the old habit of reacting in an
unbalanced way to pleasant and unpleasant situations.
Although Vipassana was developed as a technique by the
Buddha, its practice is not limited to Buddhists. There is no
question of conversion. All human beings share the same problems and a
technique which can eradicate these problems will have a universal application. People from many religious
denominations have experienced the benefits of Vipassana
meditation and have found no conflict with their faith.
Self Discipline & Commitments
The process of self-purification by introspection is certainly never easy--students have to work very hard at it. By their own efforts students arrive at their own realizations; no one else can do this for them. Therefore, the meditation will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is there for the benefit and protection of the meditators and is an integral part of the meditation practice.
Ten days is certainly a very short time in which to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind and learn how to eradicate the complexes lying there. Continuity of the practice in seclusion is the secret of this technique's success. Rules and regulations have been developed keeping this practical aspect in mind. They are not primarily for the benefit of the teacher or the course management, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organized religion. Rather, they are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years and are both scientific and rational. Abiding by the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.
Students make a commitment to stay for the entire period of
the course. The 10-day course actually spans 12 days when
you include the arrival and departure days.
Students must remain within the course boundaries
throughout the course. The other rules should also be
carefully considered. Only those who feel that they can
honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply
for admission.
Mental Health Issues
People with significant mental health issues have occasionally
come to Vipassana courses with the unrealistic expectation
that the technique will cure or alleviate their mental health
problems. Even when someone's mental health is currently
stable, with or without medication, old symptoms may
resurface during or after the course. Psychological conditions
that have been in remission may reoccur.
Vipassana meditation is not a substitute for medical or
psychiatric treatment, and we do not recommend it for people
with significant mental health issues.
The Code of Discipline
The foundation of the practice is sīla — moral conduct. Sīla
provides a basis for the development of samādhi — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is
achieved through paññā — the wisdom of insight.
The Precepts
All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously
follow five precepts for the duration of the course:
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to abstain from killing any being;
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to abstain from stealing;
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to abstain from all sexual activity;
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to abstain from telling lies;
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to abstain from all intoxicants.
There are three additional precepts which are followed during
the course by old students (those who have completed a
course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers):
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to abstain from eating after midday;
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to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations;
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to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.
Old students observe the sixth precept by only having lemon
water or tea without milk at the 5 p.m break, whereas new students may have tea with milk and some fruit. The teacher may excuse an old student from observing this precept for health reasons.
Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique
Students must declare their willingness to comply fully with
the teacher's guidance and instructions for the duration of the
course; that is, to observe the discipline and to meditate
exactly as the teacher asks, without ignoring any part of the
instructions, nor adding anything to them.
Trust in the teacher and confidence in the technique are
essential for success in meditation.
Other Techniques, Rites, and Forms of Worship
During the course it is essential that all forms of prayer,
worship, or religious ceremony be discontinued. Fasting,
burning incense, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing,
and dancing are also not permitted. All other meditation
techniques, healing and spiritual practices should be
suspended.
Only the
techniques taught during the course should be practiced. This is not to condemn any other technique or practice, but to give a fair trial to the technique of Vipassana in its purity. Teachers are available during the course to answer any questions about the technique.
Interviews With the Teacher
The teacher is available to meet students privately between 12 Noon and 1:00 p.m. Questions may also be asked in public between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. in the meditation hall. The interview and question times are for clarifying the technique and for questions arising from the evening discourses.
Noble Silence
Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any
form of communication with fellow students, whether by
gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is not allowed.
All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day, but they may speak with the teacher and management.
Separation of Men and Women
During a Vipassana course, men and women are completely
separated. Couples should not contact each other in any way
during the course. The same applies to friends, members of
the same family, etc.
Physical Contact
Participants should have no physical contact with others while
on site.
Physical Exercise
Exercise programs and any strenuous exercise should be
suspended during the course. Students may exercise during
rest periods by walking in designated areas.
Religious Objects, Rosaries, Crystals, Talismans, etc.
No such items should be brought to the course site. If brought inadvertently they should be deposited with the management for the duration of the course.
Intoxicants and Drugs
No drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants should be brought to
the site. Those taking medicines or drugs, with or without a
doctor's prescription, should provide the details on the
application form.
Tobacco and Nicotine
Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco and
similar substances are not permitted on the course.
Food
It is not possible to satisfy the food preferences and
requirements of all participants. Students are asked to accept
the simple vegetarian meals which provide a balanced,
wholesome diet suitable for meditation. If any students have
been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they
should say so in their application. Fasting is not permitted.
Clothing
Clothing should be simple, modest, and comfortable. Tight,
transparent, revealing, or otherwise striking clothing (such as
shorts, short skirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy
tops) should not be worn. Sunbathing and partial nudity are
not permitted. This is important in order to minimize
distraction to others.
Laundry and Bathing
Washing machines and dryers are not available, so students
should bring sufficient clothing for 10 days. Small items can be
hand-washed. Bathing and laundry may be done only in the
break periods and not during meditation hours.
Outside Communication
No outside communication is allowed before the course ends.
This includes messages, phone calls, and visitors. Mobile
phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be
deposited with management until the course ends. In case of
an emergency, a friend or relative may contact the
management.
Entertainment, Music, Reading and Writing
Playing music, listening to or watching audio, video, news or
entertainment is not permitted.
No reading or writing materials or devices should be brought to
the course. Students should not distract themselves by taking
notes. The restriction on reading and writing is to emphasize
the strictly practical nature of this meditation.
Recording Devices and Cameras
Use of any recording devices or cameras is not permitted
during the course.
Course Finances
In this tradition of Vipassana as taught by S.N. Goenka,
courses are run solely on a donation basis. Donations are
accepted only from those who have completed at least one
10-day course in this tradition. Someone taking the course for
the first time may give a donation at the end of the course.
In this way courses are supported by those who have realized
for themselves the benefits of the practice. Wishing to share
these benefits with others, students may give a donation according
to their means and volition for a future course. Such donations
are the only source of funding for courses in this tradition
around the world. There is no wealthy foundation or individual
sponsoring them. Neither the teachers nor the organizers
receive any kind of payment for their service. Thus, the spread
of Vipassana is carried out with purity of purpose, free from
any commercialism.
Whether a donation is large or small, it should be given with
the wish to help others: 'The course I have taken has been paid
for through the generosity of past students; now let me give
something towards the cost of a future course, so that others
may also benefit by this technique.'
Summary
To clarify the spirit behind the discipline and rules, they may be summarized as follows:
Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone. Take no notice of distractions caused by others.
It may be that a student cannot understand the practical reasons for one or several of the above rules. Rather than allow negativity and doubt to develop, immediate clarification should be sought from the teacher.
It is only by taking a disciplined approach and by making maximum effort that a student can fully grasp the practice and benefit from it. The emphasis during the course is on work. A golden rule is to meditate as if one were alone, with one's mind turned inward, ignoring any inconveniences and distractions that one may encounter.
Finally, students should note that their progress in Vipassana depends solely on their own good qualities and personal development and on five factors: earnest efforts, confidence, sincerity, health and wisdom.
May the above information help you to obtain maximum benefit from your meditation course. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and harmony from your experience of Vipassana.
THE COURSE TIMETABLE
The following timetable for the course has been designed to maintain the continuity of practice. For best results students are advised to follow it as closely as possible.
You may download a copy of the above Code of Discipline
here for review before you apply for a course. You may apply for a Vipassana meditation course by completing and submitting an application for a scheduled course.
