Vipassana is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gautama the Buddha more than 2500 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 concentrates on the mind. With this sharpened awareness one proceeds to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truth of impermanence, suffering and egolessness. This truth-realisation by direct experience is the process of purification. The entire Path (Dhamma) is a 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, and 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 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.
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 expression of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organised religion. Rather, they are based one the practical experience of thousands of mediators over the years and are scientific and rational. Keeping the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.
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/she finds the discipline too difficult. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if in spite of repeated warnings he/she does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.
All students will have to observe the precepts of abstention from killing and stealing, abstention from all sexual activities, abstention from telling lies and 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 and 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 and fruits. The teacher may excuse an old student from observing this precept for health reasons.
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 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.
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 expression of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organised religion. Rather, they are based one the practical experience of thousands of mediators over the years and are scientific and rational. Keeping the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.
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/she finds the discipline too difficult. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if in spite of repeated warnings he/she does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.
All students will have to observe the precepts of abstention from killing and stealing, abstention from all sexual activities, abstention from telling lies and 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 and 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 and fruits. The teacher may excuse an old student from observing this precept for health reasons.
For the period of the course the students must surrender himself/herself 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.
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 and praying 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/she may ensure his/her own protection.
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. Complete segregation of the sexes is observed.The possession of intoxicants like hashish and marijuana is prohibited during the Vipassana sessions. Those taking medicines or drugs on doctor's prescription have to notify the teacher. Smoking or chewing tobacco is also not allowed.
Modesty and decorum in dress is observed. Backs, chests, legs etc. have to be kept covered, even during hot weather. Women must use a shawl all the time. Transparent and revealing dresses are not allowed and sunbathing is forbidden. Students are required to live and work in common rooms, so it is essential that they bathe daily and keep their clothes clean.
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 and praying 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/she may ensure his/her own protection.
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. Complete segregation of the sexes is observed.The possession of intoxicants like hashish and marijuana is prohibited during the Vipassana sessions. Those taking medicines or drugs on doctor's prescription have to notify the teacher. Smoking or chewing tobacco is also not allowed.
Modesty and decorum in dress is observed. Backs, chests, legs etc. have to be kept covered, even during hot weather. Women must use a shawl all the time. Transparent and revealing dresses are not allowed and sunbathing is forbidden. Students are required to live and work in common rooms, so it is essential that they bathe daily and keep their clothes clean.
Students have to remain at camp for the entire course. All telephone calls, letters and contacts with visitors are suspended. In any emergency a visitor may contact the management.It is not possible to cater to the special food requirements of all the students, coming as they do from different countries and cultures. They are requested to make do with the simple Indian vegetarian menu.
No writing or reading materials, religious works and even books on Vipassana need be brought. New students have to distract themselves by taking notes. The restriction on reading and writing is to emphasis the strictly practical nature of this meditation.
There is no charge for the Dhamma teaching. The cost of boarding and lodging is met by donations from past students. These donations also cover all other expenses such as on administration, salaries, postage, taxes, light, water and overheads.
Progress in Vipassana depends solely on one's own paramitas(previously accumulated merits) and five factors: full-hearted efforts faith, sincerity, health and wisdom.
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