Introduction to the Technique

Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha in India more than 2500 years ago. The word Vipassana means seeing things as they really are. It is a process of self-purification through self-observation. The process starts with the observation of the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With this sharpened awareness the student then learns to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and the absence of a permanent self. This truth-realization by direct experience is the process of purification. The entire path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems. 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

• Vipassana 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.

What Vipassana isn’t

• Vipassana is not a rite or ritual based on blind faith.
• It is not an intellectual exercise nor for philosophical entertainment.
• Its purpose is not to cure disease.
• A Vipassana course is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
• Vipassana practice is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals of liberation from all suffering, and full enlightenment. 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 no question of conversion. 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 faith.

Self Discipline & Commitments

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.

Ten 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.

Students make a commitment to stay for the entire period of the course. The 10-day course actually spans 12 days when you include the arrival and departure days.

Students must remain within the course boundaries throughout the course. The other rules should also be carefully considered. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for admission.

Mental Health Issues

People with significant mental health issues have occasionally come to Vipassana courses with the unrealistic expectation that the technique will cure or alleviate their mental health problems. Even when someone's mental health is currently stable, with or without medication, old symptoms may resurface during or after the course. Psychological conditions that have been in remission may reoccur.

Vipassana meditation is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment, and we do not recommend it for people with significant mental health issues.

The Code of Discipline

The foundation of the practice is sīla — moral conduct. Sīla provides a basis for the development of samādhi — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through paññā — the wisdom of insight.

The Precepts

All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously follow five precepts for the duration of the course:

1. to abstain from killing any being;
2. to abstain from stealing;
3. to abstain from all sexual activity;
4. to abstain from telling lies;
5. to abstain from all intoxicants.

There are three additional precepts which are followed during the course by old students (those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers):

6. to abstain from eating after midday;
7. to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations;
8. to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.

Old students observe the sixth precept by only having lemon water or tea without milk at the 5 p.m 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.

Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique

Students must declare their willingness to comply fully with the teacher's guidance and instructions for the duration of the course; 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.

Trust in the teacher and confidence in the technique are essential for success in meditation.

Other Techniques, Rites, and Forms of Worship

During the course it is essential that all forms of prayer, worship, or religious ceremony be discontinued. Fasting, burning incense, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing, and dancing are also not permitted. All other meditation techniques, healing and spiritual practices should be suspended.

Only the techniques taught during the course should be practiced. This is not to condemn any other technique or practice, but to give a fair trial to the technique of Vipassana in its purity. Teachers are available during the course to answer any questions about the technique.

Interviews With the Teacher

The teacher is available to meet students privately between 12 Noon and 1:00 p.m. Questions may also be asked in public between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. in the meditation hall. The interview and question times are for clarifying the technique and for questions arising from the evening discourses.

Noble Silence

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 not allowed.

All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day, but they may speak with the teacher and management.

Separation of Men and Women

During a Vipassana course, men and women are completely separated. Couples should not contact each other in any way during the course. The same applies to friends, members of the same family, etc.

Physical Contact

Participants should have no physical contact with others while on site.

Physical Exercise

Exercise programs and any strenuous exercise should be suspended during the course. Students may exercise during rest periods by walking in 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. Those taking medicines or drugs, with or without a doctor's prescription, should provide the details on the application form.

Tobacco and Nicotine

Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco and similar substances are not permitted on the course.

Food

It is not possible to satisfy the food preferences and requirements of all participants. Students are asked to accept the simple vegetarian meals which provide a balanced, wholesome diet suitable for meditation. If any students have been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they should say so in their application. Fasting is not permitted.

Clothing

Clothing 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.

Laundry and Bathing

Washing machines and dryers are not available, so students should bring sufficient clothing for 10 days. Small items can be hand-washed. Bathing and laundry may be done only in the break periods and not during meditation hours.

Outside Communication

No outside communication is allowed before the course ends. This includes messages, phone calls, and visitors. Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be deposited with management until the course ends. In case of an emergency, a friend or relative may contact the management.

Entertainment, Music, Reading and Writing

Playing music, listening to or watching audio, video, news or entertainment is not permitted.

No reading or writing materials or devices 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.

Recording Devices and Cameras

Use of any recording devices or cameras is not permitted during the course.

Course Finances

In this tradition of Vipassana as taught by S.N. Goenka, courses are run solely on a donation basis. Donations are accepted only from those who have completed at least one 10-day course in this tradition. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation at the end of the course.

In this way courses are supported by those who have realized for themselves the benefits of the practice. Wishing to share these benefits with others, students may give a donation according to their means and volition for a future course. 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 organizers 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 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 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 wake-up 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
11:00-12:00 noon		Lunch break
12 noon-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

You may download a copy of the above Code of Discipline here for review before you apply for a course. You may apply for a Vipassana meditation course by completing and submitting an application for a scheduled course.

A Vipassana meditation course has three practical features. Firstly, throughout the 10 days you will follow a code of conduct whereby you refrain from speech and actions that are harmful to yourself and others (Sila). Secondly, for the first three and a half days you will practice Anapana meditation, the observation of the breath, to help calm down and concentrate the mind. And thirdly, from Day 4 onward, you will practise Vipassana, the meditation of mental purification by insight.

Regular meditation instructions are provided each day. As well, the teachers will meet with you in small groups to see that you are practising correctly. There will be other opportunities to meet the teachers on your own if you have any questions. Every evening you will hear a talk of about one hour on the practice by our late teacher, Mr SN Goenka.

On Day 10 you will learn a new meditation of Mettā, loving kindness, and then the rule of silence will end. You will then have time to talk to those with whom you have spent the last nine days in silence.

At about 6:40 am on Day 11, after the final talk, the course is officially over. Breakfast is offered and students take the time to clean their rooms and help prepare the centre for the next group of students. Since the centre is maintained by volunteers, this help you give at the end of the course is very much appreciated. Most of you will have left by 9 am.

This course of meditation is a very serious undertaking. If you feel you are really ready to take this course, to work diligently on the course and to follow the instructions carefully, you will gain a great gift of wisdom. If you maintain your practice of meditation it will be a jewel and a refuge to you for the rest of your life.

Overall checklist

• I’ve double-checked course dates. A ten-day course actually spans 12 days in total.
  Please double-check your course finish date and make plans accordingly.
• I know how to get to the centre. For directions see Getting here.
• I have the centre’s phone number: +1-250-378-4506
• I have packed everything I need.

What to bring:

Bedding

• We provide one pillow per bed. A limited supply of extra blankets is available so you may wish to bring a blanket of your own.
• Please bring top and bottom sheets and pillowcase for a single bed, and blankets or a sleeping bag. From October to April, Merritt can be very cold at night, at times below freezing. All facilities are well heated.

For meditation

• We provide a large base mat and meditation cushions for every student.
• Please bring your own cushion or blanket if you prefer to use them.

Clothing

• Modest dress is required for both men and women.
• Please bring an adequate supply of modest, loose and comfortable clothing, without distracting images and words, which covers the body from the shoulders to below the knees, even when sitting. These guidelines allow other students to focus on their meditation more easily. Facilities for hand washing clothes are provided.
• Please don’t bring distracting clothing. Tight, transparent, revealing or otherwise striking clothing, such as shorts, short skirts, tights, leggings, tank, low-cut or skimpy tops, should not be worn at the centre.
• Suggested items include indoor footwear/slippers (easy slip-ons, eg clogs, thongs etc), and a shawl or light blanket other than your sleeping blanket for use in the meditation hall.
• Seasonal items including a raincoat, boots, hat, warm clothing.

Toiletries

• Please bring a towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, unscented personal hygiene articles, shampoo, insect repellant, shaving kit, feminine sanitary supplies.
• Please don’t bring perfumes, aftershaves, strongly scented toiletries, powders or any other products that have a strong smell.

Other items

• Please bring an clock, torch (plus extra batteries) and a drinking water bottle. Your mobile or other personal electronic device cannot be used as an alarm clock.
• We provide umbrellas.
• Please bring any prescribed medication you are taking. Please make sure you bring enough for the entire course.

What not to bring:

• • Books, diaries, journals and other reading/writing materials
  • Electronic equipment such as personal computers, iPods or iPads
  • Musical instruments
  • Food; a wide variety is provided
  • Tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Non-prescribed sleeping pills, tranquillisers or stimulants
  • Furs or animal skins, crystals, rosaries or other spiritual objects
  • Jewellry or other unnecessary valuables. Facilities are provided for the safekeeping of money, mobile phones, etc.

Please note

Property is kept at the centre at your own risk. The Vipassana Centre is not liable for any loss or damage to property howsoever caused. The required items that have been listed cover all seasons. Please bring items appropriate for the season.

Any student who has successfully completed a 10-day course with S. N. Goenka or one of his Assistant Teachers, and has not practiced any other meditation techniques since their last course. If another meditation technique has been practiced we ask that you complete another 10-day course before serving. If you have not sat a 10-day course in some time and have not maintained your practice, then we may ask that you sit a 10-day course to strengthen your own practice before serving others.

As an old student you know that we need around 8 servers to manage the kitchen and to serve as student managers during every course. We invite both full time (for the entire course) and part-time (for part of a course or in between courses) servers.

If you wish to serve, please read the Purpose of Dhamma Service, and the Code of Conduct for Dhamma Service. Please note: You will need a username and password to access these webpages. If you are an old student and are unable to login please contact [email protected].

You can apply via the schedule. The process is very similar to applying to sit a course.

Serving Multiple Courses

With the agreement of an assistant teacher and the management, serious students may stay at the centre for longer periods in order to become more established in the theory and practice of Dhamma. During this time, they will be able to meditate on some courses and serve on others, as decided in consultation with the teachers and management.

Between Courses

We are always in need of servers between courses, to clean up after the end of a course and prepare for the upcoming course. Therefore we request servers to come a day or two early or leave a day or two late to help with the chores. In such cases, we are able to provide a ride from the Merritt bus station to the Centre.

If you are serving more than one course or alternating between serving and sitting courses, you can stay at the Centre between courses and help the staff maintain the Centre.

These courses offer young people an introduction to Anapana meditation, the practice of observation of natural breath to concentrate the mind. Young people who have started practicing this technique have realized many benefits. Their ability to concentrate is enhanced, their memory gets sharper, their ability to comprehend a subject improves and they become calmer. In general, they feel they have a practical tool to use in the face of any type of adversity or challenge. To find the next available course please visit our course schedule.

In order to protect children involved in our courses, we require Criminal Record Checks (CRCs) for all adults serving with or around the children (including parents, group leaders, CCTs, kitchen servers, centre managers, and long term servers). Please use this online link to apply for your Criminal Record Check https://justice.gov.bc.ca/eCRC/  The access code is: FJLZGNR9CL. Your Applicant’s Position/Job Title for the on-line application is Volunteer. The CRC pertains to crimes related to children and the vulnerable sector.

If you have any difficulties in the on-line application process, please email [email protected].

For more infomation on Anapana Meditation for Children & Teens please visit: www.children.dhamma.org.

To apply, please visit our course schedule and follow the directions, for more information please contact [email protected].