Vipassana 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.
• It is neither an intellectual nor a philosophical entertainment.
• It is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
• It is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
What Vipassana is:
• It 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.
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 of 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 conducive 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 sla — 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 undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:
1. to abstain from killing any being;
2. to abstain from stealing;
3. to abstain from all sexual activity;
4. to abstain from telling lies;
5. to abstain from all intoxicants.
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 during the course:
6. to abstain from eating after midday;
7. to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations
8. to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.
Old students will observe the sixth precept by having tea without milk 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
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
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.
Separation of Men and Women
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. Fasting is not permitted.
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. Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices must be deposited with the management until the course ends. 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 those who have completed at least one ten-day course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assisting teachers. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation on the last day of the course or any time thereafter.
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. Such donations are the only source of funding for course 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.
4:00 am Morning wake-up bell
4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room
6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break
8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall
9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions
11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break
12noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher
1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room
2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall
3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions
5:00-6:00 pm Tea break
6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall
7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall
8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall
9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall
9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out
________________________________________
You may download a copy of the above Code of Discipline in Adobe Acrobat format here for careful reading and review before you register for a course.
You may apply for a Vipassana meditation course by completing and submitting an application for a scheduled course.
________________________________________
Home
Questions & Answers About the Technique of Vipassana Meditation
________________________________________
Why is the course ten days long?
Actually, the ten-day course is the minimum; it provides an essential introduction and foundation to the technique. To develop in the practice is a lifetime job. Experience over generations has shown that if Vipassana is taught in periods of less than ten days, the student does not get a sufficient experiential grasp of the technique. Traditionally, Vipassana was taught in retreats lasting seven weeks. With the dawning of the 20th century, the teachers of this tradition began to experiment with shorter times to suit the quickening pace of life. They tried thirty days, two weeks, ten days, down to seven days--and they found that less than ten days is not enough time for the mind to settle down and work deeply with the mind-body phenomenon.
________________________________________
How many hours a day will I be meditating?
The day begins at 4:00 a.m. with a wakeup bell and continues until 9:00 p.m. There are about ten hours of meditation throughout the day, interspersed with regular breaks and rest periods. Every evening at 7:00 p.m. there is a videotaped lecture by the Teacher, S.N. Goenka, which provides a context for meditators to understand their experience of the day. This schedule has proved workable and beneficial for hundreds of thousands of people for decades.
________________________________________
What language is used in the course?
The teaching is given through recordings of S.N. Goenka, speaking in English or Hindi, together with a translation into a local language. Tape translations exist in most of the major languages of the world, including English.
If the teachers conducting a course do not speak the local language fluently, interpreters will be there to help.
Language is usually no barrier for someone who wants to join a course.
________________________________________
How much does the course cost?
Each student who attends a Vipassana course is given this gift by a previous student. There is no charge for either the teaching, or for room and board. All Vipassana courses worldwide are run on a strictly voluntary donation basis. At the end of your course, if you have benefited from the experience, you are welcome to donate for the coming course, according to your volition and your means.
________________________________________
How much are teachers paid to conduct courses?
Teachers receive no payment, donations or other material benefit. They are required to have their own private means of support. This rule means that some of them may have less time for teaching, but it protects students from exploitation and it guards against commercialism. In this tradition, teachers give Vipassana purely as a service to others. All they get is the satisfaction of seeing people's happiness at the end of ten days.
________________________________________
I can't sit cross legged. Can I meditate?
Certainly. Chairs are provided for those unable to sit comfortably on the floor because of age or a physical problem.
________________________________________
I'm on a special diet. Can I bring my own food?
If your doctor has prescribed a special diet, let us know and we will see whether we can provide what you need. If the diet is too specialized or would interfere with meditation, we might have to ask you to wait until you can be more flexible. We're sorry but students are required to choose from the food provided to them, rather than bring food for themselves. Most people find the choice is ample and they enjoy the simple vegetarian diet.
________________________________________
Can pregnant women attend courses? Are there any special arrangements or instructions for them?
Pregnant women may certainly attend, and many women come specifically during pregnancy to take advantage of the opportunity to work deeply and in silence during this special time. We ask pregnant women to ensure they are confident that their pregnancy is stable before applying. We provide the extra food they need and ask them to work in a relaxed way.
________________________________________
Why is a course conducted in silence?
All students attending the course observe "noble silence" — that is, silence of body, speech and mind. They agree to refrain from communicating with their co-meditators. However, students are free to contact the management about their material needs, and to speak with the instructor. Silence is observed for the first nine full days. On the tenth day, speech is resumed as a way of re-establishing the normal pattern of daily life. Continuity of practice is the secret of success in this course; silence is an essential component in maintaining this continuity.
________________________________________
How can I be sure I am capable of doing the meditation?
For a person in reasonable physical and mental health who is genuinely interested and willing to make a sincere effort, meditation (including "noble silence") is not difficult. If you are able to follow the instructions patiently and diligently, you can be sure of tangible results. Though it may appear daunting, the day's schedule is neither too severe nor too relaxed. Moreover, the presence of other students practicing conscientiously in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere lends tremendous support to one's efforts.
________________________________________
Is there anyone who should not participate in a course?
Obviously someone who is physically too weak to follow the schedule will not be able to benefit from a course. The same is true of someone suffering from psychiatric problems, or someone undergoing emotional upheaval. Through a process of questions and answers, we will be able to help you decide clearly beforehand whether you are in a position to benefit fully from a course. In some cases applicants are asked to get approval from their doctor before they can be accepted.
________________________________________
Can Vipassana cure physical or mental diseases?
Many diseases are caused by our inner agitation. If the agitation is removed, the disease may be alleviated or disappear. But learning Vipassana with the aim of curing a disease is a mistake that never works. People who try to do this waste their time because they are focusing on the wrong goal. They may even harm themselves. They will neither understand the meditation properly nor succeed in getting rid of the disease.
________________________________________
How about depression? Does Vipassana cure that?
Again, the purpose of Vipassana is not to cure diseases. Someone who really practices Vipassana learns to be happy and balanced in all circumstances. But a person with a history of severe depression may not be able to apply the technique properly and may not get the desired results. The best thing for such a person is to work with a health professional. Vipassana teachers are meditation experts, not psychotherapists.
________________________________________
Can Vipassana make people mentally unbalanced?
No. Vipassana teaches you to be aware and equanimous, that is, balanced, despite all the ups and downs of life. But if someone comes to a course concealing serious emotional problems, that person may be unable to understand the technique or to apply it properly to achieve the desired results. This is why it is important to let us know your past history so that we can judge whether you will benefit from a course.
________________________________________
Do I have to be a Buddhist to practice Vipassana?
People from many religions and no religion have found the meditation course helpful and beneficial. Vipassana is an art of living, a way of life. While it is the essence of what the Buddha taught, it is not a religion; rather, it is the cultivation of human values leading to a life which is good for oneself and good for others.
________________________________________
Why do I have to stay for the entire ten days?
Vipassana is taught step by step, with a new step added each day to the end of the course. If you leave early, you do not learn the full teaching and do not give the technique a chance to work for you. Also, by meditating intensively, a course participant initiates a process that reaches fulfillment with the completion of the course. Interrupting the process before completion is not advisable.
________________________________________
Is it dangerous to leave a course early?
The point is that leaving early is shortchanging yourself. You don't give yourself a chance to learn the full technique and so you won't be able to apply it successfully in daily life. You also interrupt the process in the middle rather than letting it come to the proper conclusion. To get home a day or two early, you waste all the time you have invested.
How about the tenth day, when talking is allowed and serious meditation stops? Can I leave then?
The tenth day is a very important transition back to ordinary life. No one is permitted to leave on that day
What Vipassana is not:
• It is not a rite or ritual based on blind faith.
• It is neither an intellectual nor a philosophical entertainment.
• It is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
• It is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
What Vipassana is:
• It 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.
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 of 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 conducive 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 sla — 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 undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:
1. to abstain from killing any being;
2. to abstain from stealing;
3. to abstain from all sexual activity;
4. to abstain from telling lies;
5. to abstain from all intoxicants.
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 during the course:
6. to abstain from eating after midday;
7. to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations
8. to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.
Old students will observe the sixth precept by having tea without milk 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
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
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.
Separation of Men and Women
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. Fasting is not permitted.
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. Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices must be deposited with the management until the course ends. 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 those who have completed at least one ten-day course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assisting teachers. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation on the last day of the course or any time thereafter.
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. Such donations are the only source of funding for course 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.
4:00 am Morning wake-up bell
4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room
6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break
8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall
9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions
11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break
12noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher
1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room
2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall
3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions
5:00-6:00 pm Tea break
6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall
7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall
8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall
9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall
9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out
________________________________________
You may download a copy of the above Code of Discipline in Adobe Acrobat format here for careful reading and review before you register for a course.
You may apply for a Vipassana meditation course by completing and submitting an application for a scheduled course.
________________________________________
Home
Questions & Answers About the Technique of Vipassana Meditation
________________________________________
Why is the course ten days long?
Actually, the ten-day course is the minimum; it provides an essential introduction and foundation to the technique. To develop in the practice is a lifetime job. Experience over generations has shown that if Vipassana is taught in periods of less than ten days, the student does not get a sufficient experiential grasp of the technique. Traditionally, Vipassana was taught in retreats lasting seven weeks. With the dawning of the 20th century, the teachers of this tradition began to experiment with shorter times to suit the quickening pace of life. They tried thirty days, two weeks, ten days, down to seven days--and they found that less than ten days is not enough time for the mind to settle down and work deeply with the mind-body phenomenon.
________________________________________
How many hours a day will I be meditating?
The day begins at 4:00 a.m. with a wakeup bell and continues until 9:00 p.m. There are about ten hours of meditation throughout the day, interspersed with regular breaks and rest periods. Every evening at 7:00 p.m. there is a videotaped lecture by the Teacher, S.N. Goenka, which provides a context for meditators to understand their experience of the day. This schedule has proved workable and beneficial for hundreds of thousands of people for decades.
________________________________________
What language is used in the course?
The teaching is given through recordings of S.N. Goenka, speaking in English or Hindi, together with a translation into a local language. Tape translations exist in most of the major languages of the world, including English.
If the teachers conducting a course do not speak the local language fluently, interpreters will be there to help.
Language is usually no barrier for someone who wants to join a course.
________________________________________
How much does the course cost?
Each student who attends a Vipassana course is given this gift by a previous student. There is no charge for either the teaching, or for room and board. All Vipassana courses worldwide are run on a strictly voluntary donation basis. At the end of your course, if you have benefited from the experience, you are welcome to donate for the coming course, according to your volition and your means.
________________________________________
How much are teachers paid to conduct courses?
Teachers receive no payment, donations or other material benefit. They are required to have their own private means of support. This rule means that some of them may have less time for teaching, but it protects students from exploitation and it guards against commercialism. In this tradition, teachers give Vipassana purely as a service to others. All they get is the satisfaction of seeing people's happiness at the end of ten days.
________________________________________
I can't sit cross legged. Can I meditate?
Certainly. Chairs are provided for those unable to sit comfortably on the floor because of age or a physical problem.
________________________________________
I'm on a special diet. Can I bring my own food?
If your doctor has prescribed a special diet, let us know and we will see whether we can provide what you need. If the diet is too specialized or would interfere with meditation, we might have to ask you to wait until you can be more flexible. We're sorry but students are required to choose from the food provided to them, rather than bring food for themselves. Most people find the choice is ample and they enjoy the simple vegetarian diet.
________________________________________
Can pregnant women attend courses? Are there any special arrangements or instructions for them?
Pregnant women may certainly attend, and many women come specifically during pregnancy to take advantage of the opportunity to work deeply and in silence during this special time. We ask pregnant women to ensure they are confident that their pregnancy is stable before applying. We provide the extra food they need and ask them to work in a relaxed way.
________________________________________
Why is a course conducted in silence?
All students attending the course observe "noble silence" — that is, silence of body, speech and mind. They agree to refrain from communicating with their co-meditators. However, students are free to contact the management about their material needs, and to speak with the instructor. Silence is observed for the first nine full days. On the tenth day, speech is resumed as a way of re-establishing the normal pattern of daily life. Continuity of practice is the secret of success in this course; silence is an essential component in maintaining this continuity.
________________________________________
How can I be sure I am capable of doing the meditation?
For a person in reasonable physical and mental health who is genuinely interested and willing to make a sincere effort, meditation (including "noble silence") is not difficult. If you are able to follow the instructions patiently and diligently, you can be sure of tangible results. Though it may appear daunting, the day's schedule is neither too severe nor too relaxed. Moreover, the presence of other students practicing conscientiously in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere lends tremendous support to one's efforts.
________________________________________
Is there anyone who should not participate in a course?
Obviously someone who is physically too weak to follow the schedule will not be able to benefit from a course. The same is true of someone suffering from psychiatric problems, or someone undergoing emotional upheaval. Through a process of questions and answers, we will be able to help you decide clearly beforehand whether you are in a position to benefit fully from a course. In some cases applicants are asked to get approval from their doctor before they can be accepted.
________________________________________
Can Vipassana cure physical or mental diseases?
Many diseases are caused by our inner agitation. If the agitation is removed, the disease may be alleviated or disappear. But learning Vipassana with the aim of curing a disease is a mistake that never works. People who try to do this waste their time because they are focusing on the wrong goal. They may even harm themselves. They will neither understand the meditation properly nor succeed in getting rid of the disease.
________________________________________
How about depression? Does Vipassana cure that?
Again, the purpose of Vipassana is not to cure diseases. Someone who really practices Vipassana learns to be happy and balanced in all circumstances. But a person with a history of severe depression may not be able to apply the technique properly and may not get the desired results. The best thing for such a person is to work with a health professional. Vipassana teachers are meditation experts, not psychotherapists.
________________________________________
Can Vipassana make people mentally unbalanced?
No. Vipassana teaches you to be aware and equanimous, that is, balanced, despite all the ups and downs of life. But if someone comes to a course concealing serious emotional problems, that person may be unable to understand the technique or to apply it properly to achieve the desired results. This is why it is important to let us know your past history so that we can judge whether you will benefit from a course.
________________________________________
Do I have to be a Buddhist to practice Vipassana?
People from many religions and no religion have found the meditation course helpful and beneficial. Vipassana is an art of living, a way of life. While it is the essence of what the Buddha taught, it is not a religion; rather, it is the cultivation of human values leading to a life which is good for oneself and good for others.
________________________________________
Why do I have to stay for the entire ten days?
Vipassana is taught step by step, with a new step added each day to the end of the course. If you leave early, you do not learn the full teaching and do not give the technique a chance to work for you. Also, by meditating intensively, a course participant initiates a process that reaches fulfillment with the completion of the course. Interrupting the process before completion is not advisable.
________________________________________
Is it dangerous to leave a course early?
The point is that leaving early is shortchanging yourself. You don't give yourself a chance to learn the full technique and so you won't be able to apply it successfully in daily life. You also interrupt the process in the middle rather than letting it come to the proper conclusion. To get home a day or two early, you waste all the time you have invested.
How about the tenth day, when talking is allowed and serious meditation stops? Can I leave then?
The tenth day is a very important transition back to ordinary life. No one is permitted to leave on that day
ខេត្តកំពង់ចាម ៖ ស្ត្រីមានផ្ទៃពោះ៧ខែ ឈ្មោះកើត ចាន់ថា អាយុ៤០ឆ្នាំ រស់នៅភូមិស្រាំជើង ឃុំស្រម៉ ស្រុកជើងព្រៃ ត្រូវបានរន្ទះបាញ់រយះអាវ និងធ្លុះធ្លាយសំពត់ និងខ្មៅរោលលើដើមទ្រូង បណ្តាលឱ្យ សន្លប់ជាង១ម៉ោង ហើយត្រូវបានបុរសជាប្តីនាំមកសង្គ្រោះ នៅមន្ទីរពេទ្យខេត្តជាបន្ទាន់ ។
នៅក្នុងមន្ទីរពេទ្យបុរសឈ្មោះហ៉ិន ស៊្រា ជាប្តីរបស់ស្ត្រីរងគ្រោះប្រាប់ឱ្យដឹងនាព្រឹកថ្ងៃទី១៨ សីហា ថា បាតុភូធម្មជាតិរន្ទះបាញ់នេះ បានកើតឡើងកាលពីវេលាម៉ោង៣និង៣០នាទីរសៀលថ្ងៃទី១៧ សីហា នៅ ចំណុចមុខផ្ទះឈើរបស់គាត់ប្រហែលជា៥ម៉ែត្រប៉ុណ្ណោះ បណ្តាលឱ្យប្រពន្ធវិល១ជុំដួលទៅលើដីសន្លប់ ១ម៉ោងកន្លះ។ បុរសជាប្តីរូបនេះបានប្រាប់បន្តថា ដំបូងរូបគាត់ និងប្រពន្ធកំពុងតែអង្គុយលេងនៅក្រោមផ្ទះ បន្ទាប់មកឃើញមេឃខ្មៅរកកល់ចង់ភ្លៀង ក៏បានប្រាប់ប្រពន្ធឱ្យចេញទៅសាខោអាវដែលហាលនៅក្បែរ អណ្តូងទឹក។ គ្រាន់តែចេញដើរបានប្រហែល៥ម៉ែត្រពីមុខផ្ទះ ស្រាប់តែមានភ្លើងឡើងក្រហមច្រាលចេញ ពីក្នុងដី ជារន្ទះភ្លើង ត្រូវលើរាងកាយប្រពន្ធឡើងរយះអាវ និងធ្លុះធ្លាយសំពត់ឆេះសក់ឡើងរួញផ្នែក ខាងក្រោយ និង រោលឡើងខ្មៅត្រង់ដើមទ្រូងមកពោះបណ្តាលឱ្យសន្លប់ ព្រមទាំងលៀនភ្នែកទាំងសងខាង គាត់នឹកស្មានតែស្លាប់ទៅហើយ ភ្លាមៗនោះមិនហ៊ានទៅប៉ះពាល់ប្រពន្ធទេ ព្រោះចាស់ៗមិនឱ្យប៉ះ តែបើប៉ះ នឹងស្លាប់។ ប្រហែល២៥នាទីក្រោយមកមេឃបានបង្អុរភ្លៀងធ្លាក់ចុះមក តែគាត់យកកៅស៊ូតង់គ្របពីលើ និងនិមន្តព្រះសង្ឃ៤អង្គឱ្យមកសូត្ររំដោះគ្រោះទាំងក្រោមតំណក់ភ្លៀង ។ បុរសជាប្តីបានអះអាងថា ខណៈពេលរន្ទះបាញ់ប្រពន្ធ ដំបូងនឹកស្មានតែប្រពន្ធដើរជាន់មីនផ្ទុះធ្វើឱ្យខ្លួនភ័យ យ៉ាងខ្លាំង ប៉ុន្តែពេលអត់ឃើញមានហុយផ្សែង ឬហុយដី ទើបដឹងថា ជាបាតុភូតរន្ទះបាញ់ទេ ។ លុះពេល ព្រះសង្ឃកំពុងសូត្រមន្ត
នោះ ប្រពន្ធរបស់គាត់ ឈ្មោះចាន់ ថា បានមានដង្ហើមដូចធម្មតាវិញ ព្រមទាំងហៅ គ្រូពេទ្យដែលនៅជិតនោះឱ្យមកជួយមើលព្យាបាល គេមិនហ៊ានមើលឡើយ ។ ឃើញបែបនេះខ្លួន បានប្រញាប់ហៅរថយន្តដឹកមកសង្គ្រោះនៅមន្ទីរពេទ្យខេត្តជាបន្ទាន់ ហើយអ្វីដែលធ្វើឱ្យមានការព្រួយបារម្ភ បន្ថែមលើសនេះទៀតនោះគឺកូននៅក្នុងផ្ទៃមិនរើបម្រះសោះ ។ ស្ត្រីរងគ្រោះប្រាប់ថា រន្ទះបាញ់ត្រូវខ្លួនសន្លប់ លុះពេលដឹងខ្លួនវិញមានភាពក្រហល់ក្រហាយលើរាងកាយ ជាខ្លាំង មិនដឹងថា កូនក្នុងផ្ទៃយ៉ាងណានោះទេ ។ បុរសជាប្តីបន្ថែមទៀតថា សូម្បីខ្សែ.កប្លាទីន១ខ្សែ ក៏ត្រូវផ្លោងដាច់ចេញពីកប្រពន្ធមិនដឹងជាខ្ទាតទៅឯណាទេ ហើយដើមត្នោត១ដើមនៅក្បែរផ្ទះក៏ត្រូវរន្ទះ បាញ់ឆេះខាងចុងទៀត ។
នៅក្នុងមន្ទីរពេទ្យបុរសឈ្មោះហ៉ិន ស៊្រា ជាប្តីរបស់ស្ត្រីរងគ្រោះប្រាប់ឱ្យដឹងនាព្រឹកថ្ងៃទី១៨ សីហា ថា បាតុភូធម្មជាតិរន្ទះបាញ់នេះ បានកើតឡើងកាលពីវេលាម៉ោង៣និង៣០នាទីរសៀលថ្ងៃទី១៧ សីហា នៅ ចំណុចមុខផ្ទះឈើរបស់គាត់ប្រហែលជា៥ម៉ែត្រប៉ុណ្ណោះ បណ្តាលឱ្យប្រពន្ធវិល១ជុំដួលទៅលើដីសន្លប់ ១ម៉ោងកន្លះ។ បុរសជាប្តីរូបនេះបានប្រាប់បន្តថា ដំបូងរូបគាត់ និងប្រពន្ធកំពុងតែអង្គុយលេងនៅក្រោមផ្ទះ បន្ទាប់មកឃើញមេឃខ្មៅរកកល់ចង់ភ្លៀង ក៏បានប្រាប់ប្រពន្ធឱ្យចេញទៅសាខោអាវដែលហាលនៅក្បែរ អណ្តូងទឹក។ គ្រាន់តែចេញដើរបានប្រហែល៥ម៉ែត្រពីមុខផ្ទះ ស្រាប់តែមានភ្លើងឡើងក្រហមច្រាលចេញ ពីក្នុងដី ជារន្ទះភ្លើង ត្រូវលើរាងកាយប្រពន្ធឡើងរយះអាវ និងធ្លុះធ្លាយសំពត់ឆេះសក់ឡើងរួញផ្នែក ខាងក្រោយ និង រោលឡើងខ្មៅត្រង់ដើមទ្រូងមកពោះបណ្តាលឱ្យសន្លប់ ព្រមទាំងលៀនភ្នែកទាំងសងខាង គាត់នឹកស្មានតែស្លាប់ទៅហើយ ភ្លាមៗនោះមិនហ៊ានទៅប៉ះពាល់ប្រពន្ធទេ ព្រោះចាស់ៗមិនឱ្យប៉ះ តែបើប៉ះ នឹងស្លាប់។ ប្រហែល២៥នាទីក្រោយមកមេឃបានបង្អុរភ្លៀងធ្លាក់ចុះមក តែគាត់យកកៅស៊ូតង់គ្របពីលើ និងនិមន្តព្រះសង្ឃ៤អង្គឱ្យមកសូត្ររំដោះគ្រោះទាំងក្រោមតំណក់ភ្លៀង ។ បុរសជាប្តីបានអះអាងថា ខណៈពេលរន្ទះបាញ់ប្រពន្ធ ដំបូងនឹកស្មានតែប្រពន្ធដើរជាន់មីនផ្ទុះធ្វើឱ្យខ្លួនភ័យ យ៉ាងខ្លាំង ប៉ុន្តែពេលអត់ឃើញមានហុយផ្សែង ឬហុយដី ទើបដឹងថា ជាបាតុភូតរន្ទះបាញ់ទេ ។ លុះពេល ព្រះសង្ឃកំពុងសូត្រមន្ត
នោះ ប្រពន្ធរបស់គាត់ ឈ្មោះចាន់ ថា បានមានដង្ហើមដូចធម្មតាវិញ ព្រមទាំងហៅ គ្រូពេទ្យដែលនៅជិតនោះឱ្យមកជួយមើលព្យាបាល គេមិនហ៊ានមើលឡើយ ។ ឃើញបែបនេះខ្លួន បានប្រញាប់ហៅរថយន្តដឹកមកសង្គ្រោះនៅមន្ទីរពេទ្យខេត្តជាបន្ទាន់ ហើយអ្វីដែលធ្វើឱ្យមានការព្រួយបារម្ភ បន្ថែមលើសនេះទៀតនោះគឺកូននៅក្នុងផ្ទៃមិនរើបម្រះសោះ ។ ស្ត្រីរងគ្រោះប្រាប់ថា រន្ទះបាញ់ត្រូវខ្លួនសន្លប់ លុះពេលដឹងខ្លួនវិញមានភាពក្រហល់ក្រហាយលើរាងកាយ ជាខ្លាំង មិនដឹងថា កូនក្នុងផ្ទៃយ៉ាងណានោះទេ ។ បុរសជាប្តីបន្ថែមទៀតថា សូម្បីខ្សែ.កប្លាទីន១ខ្សែ ក៏ត្រូវផ្លោងដាច់ចេញពីកប្រពន្ធមិនដឹងជាខ្ទាតទៅឯណាទេ ហើយដើមត្នោត១ដើមនៅក្បែរផ្ទះក៏ត្រូវរន្ទះ បាញ់ឆេះខាងចុងទៀត ។
