| Introduction
to Vipassana Meditation - Theravada Tradition
Vipassana meditation is a simple technique of purification
of the mind which enables each individual to confront his/her
problem and suffering without stress or conflict, to be fully
involved in human relationships and the ever-changing nature
of life, joyfully and with a balanced state of mind, and to
lead a peaceful, productive and socially responsible life.
It is the tool with which the mind becomes becomes cleanse
of the gross impurities of greed, attachment, anxiety, fear,
selfishness and insecurity. This facilitates the unraveling
of the knots of tension and stress and the development of
true understanding, wisdom and self-reliance.
Vipassana is an ancient method of meditation developed 2,500
years age by the Buddha and preserved in its pristine purity
in Burma Thailand, and Sri Lanka for the past 2,200 years.
Suffering, a universal illness of mankind, is no respecter
of race, colors or creed and requires a universal cure, applicable
to all beings transcending every difference the practice is
now taught in different countries to student of all ages,
denominations and nationalities It is providing for very large
numbers of people a stable and intensely practical foundation
for their day to day living.
The basis of the practice of Vipassana is Sila, moral conduct.
Sila is strengthened through Samadhi, Concentration of mind.
And the purification of the mental processes is achieved through
panna the wisdom of insight . Student who enroll for a ten
day training course will spend the first three days learning
to concentrate the mind by observing the inhalation and exhalation
of the breath observing the inhalation and exhalation of the
breath (Anapana) and the consequent sensation arising. For
the remaining seven days they are then shown how to penetrate
their physical and mental structure,
profound understanding of themselves and each other. Each
day's progress is explained more fully by an hour's evening
discourse. Experience has shown that within a ten day period
the meditation technique can be grasped and the mind can achieve
a degree of concentration and subtlety. A structured timetable
and strict adherence to a few straightforward but very important
rules is essential, however
THE DISCIPLINE
PLEASE BE AWARE: No solid food is taken after midday.
The only exception is for students requiring an evening meal
for medical reasons, for whom soup will be provided.
1. Five precepts (Ten precepts, optional)
To achieve a state of mind perfectly attuned and in balance,
it is essential to start with a sound and stable base of conduct.
For the duration of the course, therefore, each student is
asked to observe the five precepts as follows :
To refrain from killing.
To refrain from stealing.
To refrain from sexual misconduct.
To refrain from lying.
To refrain from the use of alcohol or drugs -including tranquillizers
and sleeping pills.
If a student is on medication or has a query about the fifth
precept, they are requested to consult the management before
enrolment. No smoking, please.
2. Surrender to the Teacher and Discipline.
For their own welfare and guidance, students are asked to
surrender themselves completely to the teacher and to the
discipline of the course thus enabling them to draw maximum
benefit from the training period.
3. Mixing practices.
The effectiveness of Vipassana meditation lies in the purity
of the technique. During the training, therefore, any other
from of religious practice which the student may be using
should be put aside. Students should follow the instruction
given by the teacher daily and practice only what they are
instructed.
4. Music, reading, conversation.
The exclusion of sensory input which could prove a distraction
to students is essential if the mind is to acquire the necessary
degree of concentration and sharpness. Playing or listening
to music, receiving visitors or leaving the hermitage are
therefore not permitted and we request that all talk and discussion
be limited to the teachers.
Reading should be limited to books on Vipassana (Insight meditation)
5. Yoga practice and other forms of physical exercise.
Limited accommodation may mean that students will be sharing
rooms. Restricted space and the close proximity of other people
requires that Yoga or other forms of physical exercise such
as Tai Chi, etc. is not practiced out of consideration for
fellow students.
6. Personal Appearance.
A high standard of personal cleanliness is essential and we
recommend that loose, comfortable white clothing be worn.
Please ensure that your choice of dress is simple, modest
and covers you properly. Shorts and short skirts are not permitted.
7. Noble Silence.
Continuity of the practice both within meditation hours and
in leisure time is of primary importance. To facilitate this
training of the impartial observation of the phenomena of
mind and matter, the major part of the course will be held
in noble silence. Further details will be given by the management
on enrolment in the course.
8. Shopping.
Shopping is limited to emergencies. Students should bring
everything they need with them, toilet goods, washing powder
etc.
9. Catering.
Simple vegetarian food is provided - breakfast and lunch.
Large numbers preclude the possibility of special catering.
Any student who is required to follow a special diet for medical
purposes should consult the management before enrolling.
10. The Teacher.
The teacher will be available for personal discussion on the
technique at a specified time each day. Students are requested
to give the teacher their full consideration and to limit
the discussion to this period. It is most important that the
teacher has proper time for rest, meditation and personal
needs in order to serve the students as fully as possible
.
11. Discipline and Self Effort.
It is only by taking a disciplined approach and the exertion
of maximum effort that the student will achieve a good grasp
of the practice and gain benefit. The emphasis during the
ten days is on WORK. A golden rule is to work as if one was
alone on the course, ignoring any distractions and inconveniences
encountered, with one's mind turned totally inwards. We request
that each student read the above rules carefully and only
apply to enroll for a course if they are fully prepared to
submit to the discipline.
12. Continuity.
The timetable outlined below, if followed meticulously, will
enable the student to develop a sharp and concentrated mind,
the tool for his work. It should be stressed again, however,
that it is the continuity of the practice and this alone that
enables one to penetrate the subtle layers of mind and matter
and start the process of loosening and unraveling the congestion
of stress and emotion, which is a common source of suffering
and unhappiness.
THE TIMETABLE
5:45am Wake up bell
6:00am - 7:00am Meditate in own place or in the Hall
7:00am - 8:00am Breakfast in the nunnery
8:00am - 9:00am Group meditation in the Hall
9:00am - 11:00am Meditate in the Hall or in own place, sitting
or walking. Attend to personal needs
11:00am - 11:30am Bell for Buddha Puja, get ready for lunch
(Dana)
11:30am - 12:00pm Dana (mid-day meal) in the nunnery. Please
be on time
12:00pm - 1:00pm Rest, study, attend to personal needs
1:00pm - 2:00pm Walking meditation
2:00pm - 3:00pm Group meditation in the Hall
3:00pm - 3:30pm Tea break in the nunnery
3:30pm - 5:00pm Private interviews in office. Meditate individually,
sitting or walking. Attend to personal needs
5:00pm - 6:00pm Group meditation in the Hall
6:00pm - 7:00pm Free time
7:00pm - 7:30pm Tea break in the nunnery
7:30pm - 9:30pm Teacher's discourse, group discussion, group
meditation
9:30pm Retire to own room
Please be on time and try to be mindfully aware of
every movement you do.
Any variation in the timetable will be announced by the management
during the course.
MAY ALL BEINGS BE WELL AND HAPPY!!!
WHAT TO BRING
- White clothes -long pants/trousers/skirts, blouses/shirts/T-shirts
with sleeves
- A torch/flash light (taschenlampe)
- Towel and toiletry items
- A padlock (vorhangschloss)
- Washing powder
- Any special dietary requirements
Optional - an umbrella (April-Dec)
- a pillow (kisser)
- sleeping mat
Teaching and Courses:
In the quiet and beautiful environment of the ancient Wegiraya
village, near Kandy, one can learn and practice Vipassana
meditation under the guidance of resident teacher
Ven. Bhante Kassapa. Regular ten day courses include 3 group
sittings per day, a dhamma talk or discussion and individual
guidance.
Every month from 1st - 11th there will be
a group course - everyone is asked to stay for the complete
course. There will be no possibility to come and go during
this period and no refunds.
Registration closes on 1st by 3pm.
Course finishes after lunch on 11th
Every month from 15th - 25th there will be
possibilities for Individual Retreats with
private interviews and guidance.
If possible one should enroll in advance by post, telephone,
email or a personal visit. As meals are taken only twice a
day, at 7:00am and 11:30am, students are requested to arrive
after lunch or to bring some food (fruits, etc) along. Office
hours 9-10 am and 3-5 pm. Telephone: 070 801 871 or email
info@rockhillsrilanka.com.
Upon arrival there will be a personal interview with the
student by the teacher, Bhante.
You must have your visa extensions in order before coming
to Rockhill.
ACCOMMODATION
Simple, basic, shared accommodation is provided. Cold water
showers are available inside; on hot, sunny days warm water
may be available for bathing outside. Please remember Rockhill
is a Hermitage (monastery and nunnery). Students are asked
to wear bathing clothes when washing outside.
COST OF STAY
Mediators are requested to contribute a reasonable amount
for food and lodging. A minimum amount of US $10 a day is payable.
Any special donations for improvement of the Hermitage are
entirely on a voluntary basis. All donations gratefully accepted.
Payment on arrival, in cash, at the office please.
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