Introduction and Code of Discipline
Vipassana meditation can be learned by anyone who is willing and able to accept the special conditions of such a course. A very important prerequisite for participation in a Vipassana course is physical and mental stability and health. In our experience, people with serious mental illnesses will not be able to benefit from the course. In principle, each person is responsible for their own health. In the event that participants fall ill during a course and/or are no longer able to participate in the daily program, it is important to provide a reliable emergency address in order to guarantee a prompt pick-up from the course site if necessary. The text below further defines the practice and the commitment required by students.
Introduction
Vipassana is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha over 2,500 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-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 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 not an intellectual or philosophical entertainment
- It is not a wellness cure, a holiday or an opportunity for socialising
- It is not an escape from the difficulties of everyday life
What Vipassana is
- It is a technique that will eradicate suffering
- It is a method of mental purification that allows one to face life’s problems in a calm and balanced way
- It is an art of living that can be used to make positive contributions to society.
Overcoming suffering
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 have a chance to get 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.
Open to all
Although Vipassana was developed as a technique by the Buddha, its practice is not limited to Buddhists. There is absolutely no question of sectarianism or conversion. The technique works on the simple basis that all human beings share the same problems and a technique that 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 respective faith.
Meditation and self-discipline
The process of self-purification by introspection is never easy – students have to work very hard at it. By their own efforts, students arrive at their own realisations; no one else can do this for them. Therefore, this meditation will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the code of discipline. This is designed for the benefit and protection of the meditators and an integral part of the meditation practice. Ten days is 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 practice in seclusion is the secret of this technique’s success. The rules and regulations have been developed keeping this practical aspect in mind: they are not for the benefit of the teacher or the course management, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith. Rather, they are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators. Abiding by the rules creates a conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them disturbs it. Therefore, only those who can honestly commit to staying for the entire course and following 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. Only by staying for the full 10 days do you have the chance to truly learn the technique of Vipassana and then successfully apply it in everyday life. However, course participants should be aware that they must take responsibility of their own health and that, in cases where they feel their health is at risk and/or they are unable to work with the technique, the decision to withdraw from the course may be sensible and will of course be accepted. If you experience difficulties with your meditation and/or wish to leave the course, you should always speak to the teacher first.
People 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. Acute life crises, 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 organisation 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 precepts
All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:
- to abstain from killing any being;
- to abstain from stealing;
- to abstain from all sexual activity;
- to abstain from telling lies;
- to abstain from all intoxicants.
There are three additional precepts which old students (those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers) are expected to follow during the course:
- to abstain from eating after midday;
- to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations;
- 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 pm break, whereas new students 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 precepts will be observed by all.
Dhamma
Dhamma means: the law of nature; the teaching of an enlightened person; the way to liberation. The technique taught by S.N. Goenka goes back two and a half millennia to the Buddha. The Buddha never taught a sectarian religion; he taught Dhamma – the way to liberation – which is universal. In the same tradition, Mr Goenka’s approach is totally non-sectarian. For this reason, his teaching has had a profound appeal to people of all backgrounds, of every religion (or no religion), and from every part of the world.
Acceptance of the teacher and the technique
For the duration of the course, students must declare themselves willing to comply fully 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. Experience has shown that deliberately mixing other meditation techniques with Vipassana will impede or even reverse the student’s 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 pm. Questions may also be asked in public between 9 and 9:30 pm in the meditation hall. The interview and question times are for clarifying the technique and for questions arising from the evening discourses. In the event of an emergency, teachers can be contacted any time, even at night.
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 students, 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.
Segregation of men and women
Complete segregation of men and women is maintained during courses. 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. 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 tranquillisers, sleeping pills and all other sedatives. Those taking medicines or drugs on a doctor’s prescription should notify the teacher.
Tobacco and nicotine products
For the health and comfort of all students, smoking and the consumption of any nicotine products is not permitted during 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 endeavours 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. Your upper body and legs should always be covered, even when out in the sun. All this is important to minimise 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 but 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 are allowed before the course ends. This includes letters, phone calls and visitors. Mobile phones, tablets, laptops 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 or recorded music 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 emphasise the strictly practical nature of this meditation.
Recording devices 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 courses are supported by those who have realised the benefits of the practice for themselves. 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 courses in this tradition around the world. There is no wealthy foundation or individual sponsoring them. Neither the teachers nor the organisers 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 summarised 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 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 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 wakeup 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 noon | Lunch break | |
| 12:00–1:00 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 |
Download this information
You may download a copy of the above Code of Discipline in PDF 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.
What to bring
Find out what to bring and what not to bring to 10-day courses organized by Vipassana Austria