RULES AND REGULATION

  • At the Meditation Center, all yogis will practice the meditation method taught by the Buddha (as outlined in the Theravāda Tipiṭaka) and instructed by the Meditation Teachers.
  • The 227 rules of the Pātimokkha (and all other Vinaya rules) for Theravāda monks; the 10 precepts and 75 Sekhiya (training) rules (and all other Vinaya rules that apply) for novices; all nuns (Sayalay) are required to observe the Ten Precepts, while all laypersons are required to observe the Eight Precepts.
  • Silence and seclusion are important aids in developing concentration, therefore yogis are to observe silence including in the sleeping quarters/dormitories and elsewhere within the compound. Socializing is strictly not permitted. In order not to cause disturbance to yogis, use of mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside and near the meditation hall. If you do bring, please do not use and silence it.
  • All yogis are to observe the daily activity timetable(For details, please refer to Daily Schedule below), with first sitting commencing at 4.00 am and ending at 8.30 pm on a typical day. All yogis must attend the group sittings at the meditation hall. A bell will be struck to signal wake-up call (at 3.30am every morning), at the start and at the end of each meditation session.
  • Two vegetarian meals, breakfast and lunch, will be provided daily.
  • Appropriate attire – All yogis should dress modestly at all times. Wear loose, comfortable, modest clothing; preferably white tops and white or plain dark long pants
  • All yogis are not allowed to wear short pants/skirts, sleeveless blouses/shirts, singlet/vest, thin transparent, see-through, tight-fitting, skimpy, revealing, bare-midriff, brightly colored clothes or other improper attire. Please avoid wearing clothes that make rustling sound.
  • Every yogi is required to remain on the premises for the entire intended period and adhere to all Rules and Regulations. Leaving the premises during this time is only permitted with approval from the Meditation Teacher, which should be requested through the resident supervisor..
  • If any yogi has to leave in case of emergency, prior permission must be obtained from the mediation teacher inform via resident supervisor.
  • On completion of intended period, please inform resident supervisor and check to ensure that no personal belongings are left behind before returning the room key.
  • Please do not bring any valuables to the meditation center. The center shall not be held liable in the event of any mishap, damages or losses (including car/vehicle, and personal belongings).
  • All yogis are to abide by the Rules and Regulations, failing which the center reserve the right to terminate the yogi’s participation, otherwise the yogi will leave on his/her own accord.


MEDITATION/ MEDITATION HALL

  • Each meditation session will be preceded by the striking of the bell 10 minutes before the start time.
  • Each yogi must sit in their assigned seat and refrain from changing seats without permission.
  • Please do not bring item (eg.plastic bags) that will create noise when handled, or use beeping clocks or noisy watches in the Meditation Hall. Kindly refrain from using strong smelling balm, ointment in the hall.
  • Practice mindfulness. Move slowly and quietly when entering and leaving the Meditation Hall, while going to your seat, sitting down and in making any other movements. Please be considerate to others. Although the need for silence applies particularly during scheduled meditation hours, you should make an effort to observe it at all times, as there may be meditators who practice beyond the scheduled hours.
  • Yogi must practice according to the instructions of the Teacher. Do not discuss your meditation practice with others or speak about your attainments. Questions about your meditation practice should be directed to your meditation teacher only.
  • Yogis who have back problems, or unwell or having pains or sore legs, may sit in the chairs at the back of the Meditation Hall. Walking meditation may be carried out at the compound. Please refrain from doing walking meditation in the meditation hall.
  • Should a yogi fall sick, please inform and obtain permission from the instructor (and resident supervisor to be kept informed) to rest in the dormitory during meditation hours.


INTERVIEW’S ETIQUETTE

  • All yogis must attend regular interviews with the Meditation Teacher on a schedule or time determined by the Teacher.
  • As each interview is allotted about 3-5 minutes, please prepare in advance of the interview, the report which should reflect your personal experience, and organize the points and questions you wish to raise. You may pay respects beforehand to your instructor, in the manner practiced by the Theravada tradition, in order to save time.
  • During the interview, keep your report and questions brief and to the point. Out of respect to your teacher, please describe your current meditation experience with absolute honesty. Be mindful of the allotted time and keep to it, so others will not be kept waiting or deprived of their turns.
  • On completion of the interview, please move aside to pay your respects, so that the following yogi may commence the next interview without obstruction.


DINING HALL

  • Please proceed in an orderly manner and form a queue in the Dining Hall. Kindly remain silent while waiting in line, and allow the elderly to be served first.
  • Kindly sit at the allocated area for dining. Yogis are requested to do the “Reflection on food” before partaking of food. Observe noble silence and be mindful of eating the food.
  • Male and Female yogis are to sit separately.
  • Please wash your eating utensils individually after the meal.

DORMITORY 

  • Yogis are responsible for keeping the dormitory/room and the surrounding corridor/compound clean and hygienic.
  • Silence is to be observed; please refrain from discussions, chatting or cracking of jokes.
  • Yogis are not allowed to stay in the room (except for the rest period) unless one is sick and has obtained permission to rest.
  • The last person to leave the room should switch off the lights and fans /or air-conditioners.


TOILET AND BATHROOM

  • Please avoid spending too much time in the toilet—keep your use brief and considerate. Don't leave others waiting for too long.
  • As a courtesy to the next user, please clean up after using the toilet.
  • Use water sparingly. Do not take too long to bathe.
  • Kindly refrain from bathing or doing any washing after 9.00 pm. Lights will be switched off at 10.00 pm.

 

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