Vipassana meditation is a simple technique of purification of the mind that enables each individual to face their problems and sufferings without stress or conflict, to participate fully in human relationships and the ever-changing nature of life with joy and a balanced state of mind, and to lead a peaceful, productive and socially responsible life.
It is the tool with which the mind is purified of the gross impurities of greed, attachment, fear, anxiety, selfishness and insecurity. This facilitates the unravelling 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 by the Buddha 2,500 years ago and preserved in its original purity in Burma, Thailand and Sri Lanka for the past 2,200 years. Suffering, a universal sickness of humanity, is no respecter of race, colour or creed and requires a universal remedy applicable to all beings, transcending all differences The practice is now taught in various countries to students of all ages, faiths and nationalities It provides a stable and intensely practical foundation for a very large number of people in their daily lives.
The basis of the practice of Vipassana is Sila, moral conduct. Sila is strengthened by Samadhi, concentration of the mind. And purification of the mental processes is achieved through Panna, the wisdom of insight. Students enrolling for a seven-day 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 resulting sensations.
For the remaining five days they are then shown how to penetrate their physical and mental structure, a deep understanding of themselves and others. Each day's progress is explained in more detail in an hour-long evening discourse.
Experience has shown that within seven days the technique of meditation can be mastered and the mind can achieve a degree of concentration and subtlety. However, a structured timetable and strict adherence to a few simple but very important rules are essential
In order to achieve a perfectly attuned and balanced state of mind, it is essential to begin with a sound and stable foundation of behaviour. 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 commandment, they are requested to consult the management prior to enrolment. No smoking please.
For their own welfare and guidance, students are asked to surrender themselves completely to the teacher and the discipline of the course so that they can get the maximum benefit from the training period.
The effectiveness of Vipassana meditation lies in the purity of the technique. During the training, therefore, any other form of religious practice that the student may be using should be put aside. Students should follow the teacher's instructions on a daily basis, practising only what they are taught.
The exclusion of sensory input that might distract the student 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 is therefore not permitted, and we ask that all conversation and discussion be limited to the teachers.
Reading should be limited to books on Vipassana (Insight Meditation).
Limited accommodation may require students to share rooms. Limited space and close proximity to others means that yoga or other forms of physical exercise such as tai chi etc. cannot be practised out of consideration for other students.
A high standard of personal cleanliness is essential and we recommend wearing loose, comfortable white clothing. Please ensure that your choice of clothing is simple, modest and covers you properly. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed.
Continuity of practice, both during meditation hours and in leisure time, is of primary importance. To facilitate this training of impartial observation of the phenomena of mind and matter, the majority of the course will be held in noble silence. Further details will be given by the administration at the time of enrolment.
Shopping is limited to emergencies. Students should bring everything they need, toiletries, washing powder, etc.
Simple vegetarian meals are provided - breakfast and lunch. Large numbers preclude the possibility of special diets. Any student requiring a special diet for medical reasons should contact the management before enrolling.
The teacher will be available for personal discussion of technique at a set time each day. Students are asked to give the teacher their full attention and to limit discussion to this time. It is very important that the teacher has adequate time for rest, meditation and personal needs in order to serve the students as fully as possible.
It is only through a disciplined approach and maximum effort that the student will gain a good grasp of the practice and benefit. The emphasis during the ten days is on WORK. A golden rule is to work as if you were alone on the course, ignoring all distractions and discomforts, with one's mind completely turned inwards. We ask that each student read the above rules carefully and only apply for the course if they are fully prepared to submit to the discipline.
The timetable outlined below, if meticulously followed, will enable the student to develop a sharp and concentrated mind, the tool for his work. However, it should be emphasised that it is the continuity of the practice, and this alone, that enables one to penetrate the subtle layers of mind and matter and to begin the process of loosening and unravelling the congestion of stress and emotion that is a common source of suffering and unhappiness.
