Introduction to the TechniqueVipassana
is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity,
it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The word Vipassana
means seeing things as they really are. It is the process of self-
purification by self-observation. One begins by observing the natural breath
to concentrate the mind. With a sharpened awareness one proceeds to observe
the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of
impermanence, suffering and egolessness. This truth-realization by direct
experience is the process of purification. The entire path (Dhamma) is a
universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any
organized religion or sectarianism. 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 not: It is
not a rite or ritual based on blind faith. What Vipassana is: It is
a technique that will eradicate suffering. Vipassana
meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals of total liberation and full
enlightenment. Its purpose is never simply to cure physical disease. However,
as a by-product of mental purification, many psychosomatic diseases are
eradicated. in fact, 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 absolutely no question of conversion. The
technique works on the simple basis that 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 profession or faith. Meditation and Self-discipline
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 conductive
atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it. A
student will have to stay for the entire period of the course. The other
rules should also be carefully read and considered. Only those who feel that
they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for
admission. Those not
prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover,
will disturb others who wish to work seriously. A prospective student should
also understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to
leave without finishing the course upon finding the discipline too difficult.
Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, a
student does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave. Persons With Serious Mental
Disorders
People with serious mental disorders have occasionally come to Vipassana courses with the unrealistic expectation that the technique will cure or alleviate their mental problems. Unstable interpersonal relationships and a history of various treatments can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from, or even complete, a ten-day course. Our capacity as a nonprofessional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with these backgrounds. Although Vipassana meditation is beneficial for most people, it is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and we do not recommend it for people with serious psychiatric disorders. The Code of Discipline
The foundation of
the practice is sila --moral conduct. Sila provides
a basis for the development of samadhi --concentration of
mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through panna --the
wisdom of insight. The Precepts All
who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following
five precepts for the duration of the course: 1. To
abstain from killing any living creature; There
are three additional precepts which old students (that is, those who have
completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers) are
expected to follow: 6. To
abstain from eating after midday; Old
students will observe the sixth precept by having only herb tea or fruit
juice at the 5 p.m. break, whereas new student may have tea with milk and
some fruit. The teacher may excuse an old student from observing this precept
for health reasons. The seventh and eighth precept will be observed by all. Acceptance of the Teacher
and the Technique Students
must declare themselves willing to comply fully and for the duration of the
course with the teacher's guidance and instructions; 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. This acceptance should
be one of discrimination and understanding, not blind submission. Only with
an attitude of trust can a student work diligently and thoroughly. Such
confidence in the teacher and the technique is essential for success in
meditation. Other Techniques, Rites,
and Forms of Worship During
the course it is absolutely essential that all forms of prayer, worship, or
religious ceremony--fasting, burning incense, counting beads, reciting
mantras, singing and dancing, etc.--be discontinued. All other meditation
techniques and healing or spiritual practices should also be suspended. This
is not to condemn any other technique or practice, but to give a fair trial
to the technique of Vipassana in its purity. Students
are strongly advised that deliberately mixing other techniques of meditation
with Vipassana will impede and even reverse their progress. Despite repeated
warnings by the teacher, there have been cases in the past where students
have intentionally mixed this technique with a ritual or another practice,
and have done themselves a great disservice. Any doubts or confusion which
may arise should always be clarified by meeting with the teacher. Interviews With the
Teacher Problems
or questions regarding the meditation should be taken only to the teacher for
clarification. The time between 12 noon and 1 p.m. is set aside for private
interviews. Questions may also be asked in public between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m.
in the meditation hall. Interviews
and question times are solely for the purpose of clarifying actual practical
problems concerned with the technique. They are not to be regarded as
opportunities to indulge in philosophical discussions or intellectual
arguments. The unique nature of Vipassana meditation can only be appreciated
by putting it into practice and during the course students should concentrate
exclusively on this task. Noble Silence All
students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until
the morning of the last full day. Noble Silence means silence of body,
speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow student, whether by
gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited. Students
may, however, speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they may approach
the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc.
But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. Students should
cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation. Couples Complete
segregation of men and women is to be maintained. Couples, married or
otherwise, should not contact each other in any way during the course. The
same applies to friends, members of the same family, etc. Physical Contact It is
important that throughout the course there be no physical contact whatsoever
between persons of the same or opposite sex. Yoga and Physical
Exercise Although
physical yoga and other exercises are compatible with Vipassana, they should
be suspended during the course because proper secluded facilities are not
available at the course site. Jogging is also not permitted. Students may
exercise during rest periods by walking in the 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; this also
applies to tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and all other sedatives. Those
taking medicines or drugs on a doctor's prescription should notify the
teacher. Tobacco For
the health and comfort of all students, smoking, chewing tobacco, and taking
snuff are not permitted at the course. Food It is
not possible to satisfy the special food preferences and requirements of all
the meditators. Students are therefore kindly requested to make do with the
simple vegetarian meals provided. the course management endeavors to prepare
a balanced, wholesome menu suitable for meditation. If any students have been
prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they should inform the
management at the time of application. Clothing Dress
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 No
washing machines or dryers are available, so students should bring sufficient
clothing. Small items can be hand-washed. Bathing and laundry may be done
only in the break periods and not during meditation hours. Outside Contacts Students
must remain within the course boundaries throughout the course. They may
leave only with the specific consent of the teacher. No outside
communications is allowed before the course ends. This includes letters,
phone calls and visitors. In case of an emergency, a friend or relative may
contact the management. Music, Reading and
Writing The
playing of musical instruments, radios, etc. is not permitted. No reading or
writing materials 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. Tape Recorders and
Cameras These may not be used except with
the express permission of the teacher. Course Finances
According
to the tradition of pure Vipassana, courses are run solely on a donation
basis. Donations are accepted only from old students, that is, those who have
completed at least one course with S.N. Goenka or an assistant teacher. In
this way course are supported by those who have realized for themselves the
benefits of the practice. Wishing to share these benefits with others, one
gives a donation according to one's means and volition. Someone taking a
course for the first time may give a donation at the end of the course or at
any time thereafter. 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 be maintain the continuity of practice. For best
results students are advised to follow it as closely as possible. 4:00 a.m. --------------------Morning
wake-up bell 4:30-6:30 a.m. ---------------Meditate in the hall or your own room 6:30-8:00 a.m. ---------------Breakfast break 8:00-9:00 a.m.---------------GROUP MEDITATION IN THE HALL 9:00-11:00 a.m.--------------Meditate in the hall or your own room 11:00-12:00 noon------------Lunch break 12noon-1:00 p.m.------------Rest and interviews with the teacher 1:00-2:30 p.m.----------------Meditate in the hall or your own room 2:30-3:30 p.m.----------------GROUP MEDITATION IN THE HALL 3:30-5:00 p.m.----------------Meditate in the hall or your own room 5:00-6:00 p.m.----------------Tea break 6:00-7:00 p.m.----------------GROUP MEDITATION IN THE HALL 7:00-8:15 p.m.----------------Teacher's Discourse in the hall 8:15-9:00 p.m.----------------GROUP MEDITATION IN THE HALL 9:00-9:30 p.m.----------------Question time in the hall 9:30 p.m.-----------------------Retire to your own room--Lights out You may register for a course in
Vipassana meditation by completing and submitting a course
application form for a scheduled course at Dhammalaya. |