Code of Discipline

Introduction to the Technique

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 observation of the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With this sharpened awareness, the student 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 realization of truth through direct experience is the process of purification. The entire path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems. For this reason, it can be practiced freely by everyone, at any time, in any place, without conflict due to race, community, or religion, and can be equally beneficial to all.

What Vipassana is

• Vipassana is a technique that eradicates suffering.
• It is a method of mental purification that allows one to face life's tensions and problems in a calm, balanced way.
• It is an art of living that can be used to make positive contributions to society.

What Vipassana is not

• Vipassana is not a rite or ritual based on blind faith.
• It is not an intellectual exercise or philosophical entertainment.
• Its purpose is not to cure disease.
• A Vipassana course is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
• Vipassana practice is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals: 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 tensions developed in everyday life by 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. The technique works on the simple basis that all human beings share the same problems, and a technique that eradicates these problems has universal application.

People from many religious traditions have experienced the benefits of Vipassana meditation and found no conflict with their faith.

Commitments

The process of self-purification by introspection is never easy. Students must work very hard. Through their own efforts they arrive at their own realizations; no one else can do this for them. Therefore, the meditation suits only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is for the benefit and protection of meditators and is an integral part of the practice.

Ten days is a very short time to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind and learn how to eradicate the complexes lying there. Continuity of practice in seclusion is the secret of this technique's success.

Rules and regulations have been developed with this practical aspect in mind. They are not for the teacher's or management's benefit, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy, or blind faith. They are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over many years and are scientific and rational. Abiding by the rules creates a conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.

Students commit to staying for the entire period of the course. The 10-day course spans 12 days including arrival and departure days.

Students must remain within course boundaries throughout the course. The other rules must also be considered carefully. Only those who feel they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply.

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 mental health problems.

Even when someone's mental health is stable, with or without medication, old symptoms may resurface during or after the course. Conditions that have been in remission may reoccur.

Vipassana meditation is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment, and it is not recommended for people with significant mental health issues.

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 follow five precepts for the duration of the course:

• to abstain from killing any being;
• to abstain from stealing;
• to abstain from all sexual activity;
• to abstain from telling lies;
• to abstain from all intoxicants.

There are three additional precepts followed during the course by old students (those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers):

• to abstain from eating after midday;
• to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations;
• to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.

Old students observe the sixth precept by having only lemon water or tea without milk at the 5:00 p.m. break, while new students may have tea with milk and some fruit. A teacher may excuse an old student from 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. This means observing the discipline and meditating exactly as instructed, without ignoring any part of the instructions or 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, all forms of prayer, worship, or religious ceremony must 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 meant to condemn any other practice, but to give a fair trial to Vipassana in its purity.

Teachers are available during the course to answer questions about the technique.

Interviews With the Teacher

The teacher is available to meet students privately between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.

Questions may also be asked publicly between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. in the meditation hall.

These times are for clarifying the technique and questions arising from the evening discourses.

Noble Silence

Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any communication with fellow students, whether by gesture, sign language, or written notes, is not allowed.

All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day. Students may speak with the teacher and course 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, family members, and others.

Physical Contact

Participants should have no physical contact with others while on site.

Physical Exercise

Exercise programs and strenuous exercise should be suspended during the course. Students may walk in designated areas during rest periods.

Religious Objects, Rosaries, Crystals, Talismans, etc.

Such items should not be brought to the course site. If brought inadvertently, they should be deposited with 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 details on the application form.

Tobacco and Nicotine

Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, 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 and wholesome diet suitable for meditation.

If students have been prescribed a special diet because of ill health, they should mention this 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 helps 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 during break periods, 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 emergency, a friend or relative may contact course 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 emphasizes the strictly practical nature of this meditation.

Recording Devices and Cameras

Use of recording devices or cameras is not permitted during the course.

Course Finances

In the 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. First-time students may donate at the end of the course.

In this way, courses are supported by those who have directly realized the benefits of the practice. Wishing to share these benefits, students donate according to their means and volition for a future course.

Such donations are the only source of funding for courses in this tradition worldwide. There is no wealthy foundation or individual sponsor. Teachers and organizers receive no payment for their service. Thus, Vipassana spreads with purity of purpose, free from 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 toward the cost of a future course, so others may also benefit from this technique.

Summary

To clarify the spirit behind these rules:

• Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone.
• Take no notice of distractions caused by others.

If a student does not understand one or more rules, they should seek immediate clarification from the teacher rather than allowing negativity or doubt to develop.

Only by disciplined effort can a student 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 the mind turned inward, ignoring inconveniences and distractions.

Finally, progress in Vipassana depends on one's own good qualities and personal development, and on five factors:

• earnest effort
• confidence
• sincerity
• health
• wisdom

May the above information help you obtain maximum benefit from your meditation course. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and harmony from your Vipassana experience.

The Course Timetable

The following timetable is designed to maintain continuity of practice. For best results, students are advised to follow it as closely as possible.