Chattha Sangayana CD - Vipassana Research Institute
Code of Discipline for Vipassana Meditation

Introduction to the technique:

Vipassana is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. Vipassana means to see things as they really are, it is a process of self-observation. One starts by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With this 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-realisation 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 organised religion or sectarianism. For this reason, it can be practised freely by all without conflict with race, caste or religion, in any place, at any time and will prove equally beneficial to one and all.

Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals of total liberation and full enlightenment. Its purpose is never simply to cure physical diseases, but as a by-product of mental purification, many psychosomatic diseases get eradicated. Actually, it is an art of living which eliminates the three causes of all unhappiness: craving, aversion and ignorance. With continued practice, the meditation releases the tensions developed in everyday life and opens the knots tied by the old habit of reacting in an unbalanced way to pleasant and unpleasant situations and develops positive creative energy for the betterment of the individual and society.

The process of self-purification by introspection is certainly never easy: one has to work really hard at it. By his own efforts the student arrives at his own realisations; no one else can work for him. Therefore, the meditation will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is actually for their own benefit and protection. The rules and regulations are an integral part of the meditation practice.

Code of discipline

Ten days is certainly a very short period in which to penetrate to the deepest levels of the unconscious mind and learn how to eradicate the deep-lying complexes. Continuity of practice in seclusion is the secret of success of this technique. The rules and regulations have been formulated keeping this practical aspect in view. The rules are not for the benefit of the Teacher or the Management, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organised religion. Rather, they are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years and are scientific and rational. Keeping the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.

A student will have to stay on for the complete ten days. Besides this, the other rules should also be read and carefully considered. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for admission.

Those not prepared to make full-hearted efforts will only waste their time and worse still, cause a disturbance to those others who wish to work seriously. An intending student is warned that it would be both harmful and unpleasant to have to leave without finishing the course if he finds the discipline too difficult. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate, if in spite of repeated warnings he does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.

The precepts:

All students will have to observe rigorously the following precepts:

Abstention from killing.

Abstention from stealing.

Abstention from all sexual activities.

Abstention from telling lies.

Abstention from all intoxicants.

Old students will observe three more precepts :

Abstention from taking food after 12 noon.

Abstention from sensual amusements and bodily decorations.

Abstention from using high and luxurious beds.

Old students will observe the sixth precept by taking only lemon water at the 5 pm break, whereas the new students will take milk or tea and fruits. The Teacher may excuse an old student from observing this precept for health reasons.

Acceptance of the teacher and technique:

 For the period of the course the student must surrender himself completely to the Teacher and the technique of Vipassana which includes all the rules, regulations, code of discipline and the course timetable. Only with this attitude of surrender can one work diligently and thoroughly. The surrender should be with discrimination and understanding, not with any blind faith. Such confidence in the Teacher and technique is essential for the student's proper guidance and protection.

Rites, rituals and other techniques:

For the period of the course it is absolutely essential that all rites and rituals, such as burning incense and lamps, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing and dancing, total fasting, praying etc. be totally suspended. All other meditation practices should also be suspended without condemning them. This is enjoined for the reason that the student may be able to give a fair trial to the Vipassana technique in its pristine purity and he may ensure his own protection. Students are strongly warned against mixing any type of practice with Vipassana. Despite repeated warnings by the Teacher, there have been cases in the past where students have deliberately mixed Vipassana with some other ritual or practice and seriously harmed themselves. Students joining a course will be expected to work exactly as they are instructed by the Teacher without missing any step or adding anything extra. Any doubts or confusions which may arise can always be clarified by meeting the Teacher.

Yoga and physical exercise:

Although physical Yoga and other exercises are compatible with Vipassana, they should also be suspended because, at present, proper secluded facilities are not available at the Academy. Students may exercise by walking in the areas set aside for this purpose.

Meeting the teacher:

Problems or confusion about the meditation should be taken only to the Teacher for clarification. The time between 12 noon and 1 p.m. is set aside for these private interviews in the meditation hall. Questions may also be asked between 9 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. in the meditation hall, as well as during short rest breaks.

These question times are solely for the purpose of clarifying actual practical problems relating to the Technique. They should not be taken as an opportunity to indulge in philosophical discussions or intellectual arguments.

Noble silence:

Students must observe Noble Silence from the start of the course until 10.00 a.m. on Day 10. Noble Silence is silence of body, speech and mind. Any form of communication, whether by physical gestures, written notes, sign language, etc., is prohibited. However, the student may speak to the Teacher whenever necessary.

He may also contact the Management with any problems concerning accommodation, food, etc. All these contacts should be kept to the minimum.

Couples:

Complete segregation of the sexes must be observed within the Academy.

Talismans, rosaries, sacred threads etc:

All such items should not be brought to the Academy. If they are brought inadvertently, they should be deposited with the Management for the duration of the course.

Valuables:

Students are also requested not to bring any jewellery or valuables with them as proper arrangements for their safe-keeping do not exist. If however these items have been brought, they may deposit them with the Management at their own risk.

Shopping:

As there are no proper facilities for shopping, students should bring all their requirements such as soap, toothpaste, mosquito repellent, torch, etc. The Academy will provide mattresses and meditation cushions. Students should bring their own bedsheets.

Intoxicants and drugs:

The laws of this country prohibit the possession of hashish, marijuana, etc. Bringing these into the Academy is strictly forbidden. Those taking medicines or drugs on doctor's prescription should notify the Teacher.

Smoking:

Smoking or chewing tobacco is not allowed inside the Academy.

Clothing:

There should be modesty and decorum in dress within the Academy, suited to the serious nature of the work. Backs, chests, legs etc. should be kept covered, even during hot weather. Women must wear bras or use a shawl. Transparent and revealing dresses are not allowed and sun-bathing is forbidden.

Cleanliness:

Students are required to live and work in common rooms, so it is essential that they bathe daily and keep their clothes clean.

A laundry service is provided at a reasonable cost.

Outside contacts:

Students will have to remain inside the Academy for the entire course. They may leave only with the specific consent of the Teacher. All telephone calls, letters and contacts with visitors will have to be suspended. In any emergency a visitor may contact the Management. Students are also requested not to communicate with the Academy staff (except the Management).

Food:

It is not possible to cater to the special food requirements of all the students, coming as they do from so many different countries and cultures. The students are kindly requested to make do with the simple Indian vegetarian menu provided. If a student has been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, he should inform the Management at the time of registration.

Reading and writing:

No writing or reading materials, religious works and even books on Vipassana, should be brought into the Academy. Students should not distract themselves by taking notes. The restriction on reading and writing is to emphasise the strictly practical nature of this meditation.

Tape recorders and cameras:

These can be used only with the specific permission of the Teacher.

Passports and visas:

All foreigners must bring the appropriate passports and visas with them, valid for the period of the course. They are requested to submit these to the Management for the period of the course.

Cost of boarding and lodging:

There is absolutely no charge for the Dhamma Teaching. The cost of all boarding and lodging is met by donations of past students and these donations also cover all other expenses such as administration, salaries, postage, taxes, light, water, overheads etc. The Academy has no other source of income. The construction of the Academy was also made possible by the donations of students and the proposed new construction work will have to be financed in the same way. But according to the tradition of pure Dhamma, donations small or large are accepted only from such students who have actually benefited themselves by taking a Dhamma course and who have developed a strong wish that the Wheel of Dhamma may keep turning so that more and more people can be benefited by it with adequate facilities.

For this reason, no donation is accepted from a new student on his joining the course. However, at the end of the course he is welcome to express his feeling of satisfaction and goodwill by offering donations in keeping with his volition.

It may be that a student cannot understand the practical reasons for one or several of the above rules. Rather than allowing himself to develop negativity and doubt, he should immediately seek clarification from the Teacher or management.

Finally, students should note that their progress in Vipassana depends solely on their own Paramitas (previously accumulated merits) and five factors: full-hearted efforts, faith, sincerity, health and wisdom.

The timetable:

The following timetable has been designed to maintain the continuity of practice. Students are advised to follow it as closely as possible for best results.

  4.00 a.m. Morning wakeup bell

  4.30 - 6.30 Meditation in hall or residence

  6.30 - 8.00 Breakfast break

  8.00 - 9.00 Group Meditation in hall

  9.00-11.00 Meditate in hall or residence, as per instructions of the Teacher.

11.00-12.00 Lunch

12.00 - 1.00 Rest

  1.00 - 2.30 Meditation in hall or residence

  2.30 - 3.30 Group Meditation in hall

  3.30 - 5.00 Meditate in hall or residence,as per instructions of the Teacher

  5.00 - 6.00 Tea break

  6.00 - 7.00 Group Meditation in hall

  7.00 - 8.30 Teacher's discourse in hall

  8.30 - 9.00 Group Meditation in hall

  9.00 - 9.30 Question time in hall

  9.30 pm Retire to own room. Lights out.

Note: During group sittings no one should leave the hall.

May the above rules and regulations, code of discipline and timetable help you to obtain maximum benefit from your meditation course!

May All Beings Be Happy !