Information for Vipassana Meditation Course/Retreat with
Phra Ajahn Piyadhassi Bhikkhu, May 18 – 26, 2016, at Wat Nawamintararachutis
(watnawamin.org)
Applying
Please read this information document completely before applying.
If you would like to attend, fill in the Application for Vipassana Meditation
Course/Retreat, May18 – 26, 2016 (a separate document), and either mail it to Carol
Foster, 497 E. Pleasant St. Apt. 145, Amherst, MA 01002, or email the information to Carol at phraajahnssecretary@yahoo.com
Please allow time for the application to be received by Wednesday, April 20, 2016.
Arriving
Plan to arrive at Wat Nawamin between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. We will all begin the course together at 6:00 p.m.
The course ends at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, unless you have made prior arrangements to leave earlier. If you need to leave early, please indicate the date you are leaving on the application.
For directions to Wat Nawamintararachutis, see https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wat+Nawamintararachutis+Meditation+Center/@4 1.894845,-71.034,16z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xf1864e6ec1231d4f?hl=en-US.
If you need a ride or can offer a ride, please email Carol at phraajahnssecretary@yahoo.com.
Questions
If you have questions before May 13 about the course, please email Carol at phraajahnssecretary@yahoo.com.
Accommodation
Indoor tenting is recommended for privacy if you have a tent that is suitable for setting up indoors. Alternatively, there is space available in shared rooms, most likely three people in each room (but this will depend on number of retreatants). Indicate your preference, along with any special requirements, on the application.
Please note: There are no beds at Wat Nawamin, but sleeping bags are available for your use. You may bring your own sleeping bag, if you like, plus padding, such as a mat or an inflatable mattress.
What to Bring
We will send you information about what to bring at a later date, after we have received your application.
Introduction to the Technique
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. 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 realization 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 organized religion or sectarianism. For this reason, it can be freely practiced 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 neither an intellectual nor a philosophical entertainment.
- It is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
- It is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
What Vipassana is:
- It is a technique that will eradicate suffering.
- It is a method of mental purification which allows one to face life’s tensions and problems in a calm, balanced way.
- It is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to society.
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 byproduct of mental purification, many psychosomatic diseases are 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. Although Vipassana was developed as a technique by the Buddha, its practice is not limited to Buddhists. There is absolutely no question of conversion. The technique works on the simple basis that all human beings share the same problems and a technique which 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 profession of faith.
Meditation and Self discipline
The process of self purification by introspection is certainly never easy. Students have to work very hard at it. By their own efforts students arrive at their own realizations; no one else can do this for them. Therefore, the meditation will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is there for the benefit and protection of the meditators and is an integral part of the meditation practice.
Nine days is certainly 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 the practice in seclusion is the secret of this technique’s success. Rules and regulations have been developed keeping this practical aspect in mind. They are not primarily for the benefit of the teacher or the course management, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organized religion. Rather, they are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years and are both scientific and rational. Abiding by the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.
A student will have to arrive in time for the beginning of the course but may leave early by prior arrangement. Students are encouraged to stay for the entire period of the course. The other rules should also be carefully read and considered. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow 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 before the agreed time, such as leaving the course upon finding the discipline too difficult. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, a student does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.
Persons 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.
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 nine day course. Our capacity as nonprofessional volunteers 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 Code of Discipline
The foundation of the practice is sila — moral conduct. Sila provides a basis for the development of samadhi — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through panna — the wisdom of insight.
The Precepts
All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following eight precepts for the duration of the course:
- to abstain from killing any living creature;
- to abstain from stealing;
- to abstain from all sexual activity;
- to abstain from telling lies; 5. to abstain from all intoxicants.
- to abstain from eating after midday;
- to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decoration;
- to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.
Students will observe the sixth precept by having a beverage at the afternoon break. The teacher may excuse a student from observing this precept for health reasons. The seventh and eighth precept will be observed by all.
Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique
Students must declare themselves willing to comply fully and for the time they attend the course 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 (other than what is recommended, below), burning incense, counting beads, reciting mantras (unless recommended by Phra Ajahn), 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. Any doubts or confusion which may arise should always be clarified by meeting with the teacher.
Interviews with the Teacher
Problems or questions regarding the meditation should be taken only to the teacher for clarification. There will be times for questions, and you may also request a private interview with Phra Ajahn. Interviews and question times are solely for the purpose of clarifying actual practical problems concerned with the technique. They are not to be regarded as opportunities to indulge in philosophical discussions or intellectual arguments. The unique nature of Vipassana meditation can only be appreciated by putting it into practice and during the course students should concentrate exclusively on this task. Please do not point your feet toward Buddha statues or toward the teacher while seated for meditation or question times.
Noble Silence
All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last day. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow student, 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.
Separation of Men and Women
Complete segregation of men and women is to be maintained. 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 because proper secluded facilities are not available at the course site. 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 tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and all other sedatives. Those taking medicines or drugs on a doctor’s prescription should notify the teacher.
Tobacco
For the health and comfort of all students, smoking, chewing tobacco, and taking snuff are not permitted at 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 vegetarian meals provided. If any students have been prescribed a special diet because of ill health, they should inform the management at the time of application.
Limited Fasting is Recommended
It is recommended that students eat only one type of fruit or vegetable, plus juice, for the first three days of the course, unless their health does not permit it. This is recommended but not required. If you plan to fast, please plan on bringing your own fruits or vegetables (one type) for the period you plan to fast. Three days is the recommendation, but longer may be possible in some cases. Please indicate your plan on the application.
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. Sunbathing and partial nudity are not permitted. This is important in order to minimize distraction to others.
Please wear light-colored clothing as much as possible. This is recommended but not required.
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 and 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 is allowed before the course ends. This includes letters, phone calls and visitors. In case of an emergency, a friend or relative may contact the management.
Music, Reading and Writing
The playing of musical instruments, radios, etc. 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 emphasize the strictly practical nature of this meditation.
Recorders and Cameras
These may not be used except with the express permission of the teacher.
Course Finances
According to the tradition of pure Vipassana, this course is run solely on a donation basis. Donations will be accepted for the teacher and for Wat Nawamintararachutis. Wishing to share these benefits with others, one gives a donation according to one’s means and volition. Whether a donation is large or small, it should be given with the wish to help others.
Summary
To clarify the spirit behind the discipline and rules, they may be summarized 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 above 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 one were 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 is a sample timetable. The actual timetable may be different. The timetable for the course will be designed to maintain the continuity of practice. For best results students are advised to follow it as closely as possible.
The course will start at 6:00 p.m. in the evening of the first day, Wednesday, May 18th, and will finish at 6:00 a.m. in the morning of the last day of the course, Thursday, May 26th.
Time | Activities |
4:00 AM | Wake up call |
5:00-5:30 | Walking meditation |
5:30-6:30 | Group sitting meditation |
6:30-8:30 | Breakfast and rest |
8:30-9:00 | Walking meditation |
9:00-10:00 | Group sitting meditation |
15 mins | Break |
10:15-11:15 | Group sitting meditation |
11:15-13:30 | Lunch and Dhamma talk or interview |
13:30-1400 | Walking meditation |
14:00-1500 | Group sitting meditation |
30 mins | Break |
15:30-16:00 | Walking meditation |
16:00-17:00 | Group sitting meditation |
17:00-19:00 | Rest |
19:00-20:00 | Group sitting meditation |
During rest periods you may take a shower at your own convenience.
NOTE: The course begins at 6:00 p.m. the evening of the first day of the course.
Please plan on arriving between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18th.
Vipassana Meditation Course/Retreat with
Phra Ajahn Piyadhassi Bhikkhu, May 18 – 26, 2016, at Wat Nawamintararachutis
(watnawamin.org)
What to Bring
If you have not already done so, please let us know which type of accommodation space you prefer:
- Indoor tent, if you have a tent that can be set up indoors (recommended for privacy and concentration), or
- Shared room
Please bring:
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Your own sleeping bag, if you prefer. Sleeping bags will be available at Wat Nawamin.
- Tent to set up indoors, if possible
- Extra blankets if needed
- Clothing:
We recommend that you bring clothing selected for comfort rather than style. Weather in Massachusetts is extremely variable. Outdoor temperatures may be warm enough for shirt-sleeves or cold enough for heavy sweaters, sometimes within the same day or week. It is hard to predict, so come prepared with layers of clothing, extra blankets, rain coat, rubber boots or other footwear for rain and mud, and versatile clothing.
- Layers of comfortable, modest, non-binding clothing for the duration of your stay o White or light colored clothing is traditional in Thailand for this type of meditation, so it is recommended but not required. o Pants or skirts that cover your knees while you are seated are acceptable.
Midsection and shoulders should also be covered o For your comfort in the shared accommodations, be sure to bring loose sweat suits, a bathrobe or other kinds of clothing that allow you to go with ease between your tent or room and the bathroom facilities
- Please bring a sufficient supply of clothing to last the duration of your course.
Laundry facilities are available only for hand washing of clothes.
- Seasonal outdoor wear: raincoat, umbrella, boots, hat, warm clothing.
- Shawl or light blanket other than your sleeping blanket for use in the meditation hall. o Footwear: easy slip-ons, e.g. clogs, flip flops, etc.; rain boots/shoes
- Bath towel, hand towel, washcloth
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries for your flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Meditation cushion or meditation bench if desired. (Cushions and chairs for those who need them will be available.)
- 1 kind of fruit or vegetable if you are choosing to fast for 1-3 days at the beginning of the retreat (or longer).
- Personal toiletries
- Medications, medicines, vitamins, supplements, as noted on the application
- Personal hygiene products
- Alarm clock and/or watch (using cell phones for this purpose is not permitted) with extra batteries
- Food:
- If you plan to fast, please bring your own fruits or vegetables (one type) for the period you plan to fast.
- In keeping with the precept for abstaining from eating after midday, there will be no food provided in the evenings, including on the first evening, May 18th, before the retreat begins. You may bring a snack for that one evening, if you like, as long as it does not require cooking or refrigeration.
- You may bring juice or other non-alcoholic drinks for the evening rest periods during the retreat, as long as they do not require cooking or refrigeration.
Please contact Carol with any questions, needs, or concerns before May 14th: phraajahnssecretary@yahoo.com or (413) 549-0581.
If you are not able to reach Carol (evenings and weekends are best for phone calls), please contact Paworanan: paworananw@hotmail.com or (413) 207-5914
We look forward to meditating with you!
Application for Vipassana Meditation Course/Retreat, May 18-26, 2016
with Phra Ajahn Piyadhassi Bhikkhu at Wat Nawamintararachutis (watnawamin.org)
- Please print this application, fill it in (use the back if you need more space), and mail it to:
Carol Foster, 497 E. Pleasant Street, Apt. 145, Amherst, MA 01002
- Or email* the information to phraajahnssecretary@yahoo.com.
*Please note: We will share information only with Phra Ajahn and the small group planning the retreat. We will do our best to maintain privacy, but privacy in email or other electronic media cannot be guaranteed. If you do not want us to share your information electronically, please let us know.
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Age: _________ Gender: _________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Phone(s): ____________________________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name: _____________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Phone(s): ___________________________________________________
Arrival and departure: Please plan on arriving between 1 – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18th. Everyone will begin the course together at 6 p.m. (Please see information sheet for further details.)
Departure date: _____________________________________________________________
Accommodation preference (Be sure to see information sheet for details.):
Indoor tent___ Shared room___
How long have you been meditating? _____________________________________________
Meditation experience – please summarize: ________________________________________
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Special notes: Do you have any special needs that we should know about; do you need to bring any medications, medicine, supplements, or vitamins; or is there anything else you would like to say?
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Please be sure to read the agreement and sign on the next page – thanks!
Optional Fasting (recommended in most cases; see information sheet for details):
I will bring __________ (type of fruit or vegetable) for fruit/vegetable fasting for ____ days.
- I agree to stay on the course site and to abide by all the rules and regulations for the duration of the course. I realize that a Vipassana meditation course is a serious undertaking that will require my full mental and physical health and I affirm that I am fit to participate in it. I hereby certify that the information on this application is true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature________________________________________________________Date__________
Please add any extra information below, if there was not enough room on the first page:
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