SETIA ALAM SAMBODHI BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION SELANGOR
实达亚南三菩提佛学会
2-3-2 & 2-3-3, Jln. Setia Prima (B) U13/B, Setia Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: +603-33582701 / +6016-2868261 Email: sasbas@hotmail.my
WEEKEND VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT (13th to 15th July 2012)
“Get the most from your body and life before you are too sick and too old to strive for the Dhamma.”
The process of self-purification by introspection as taught in the vipassana course is certainly not easy. By your own effort you attain realization of insight knowledge gradually; no one else can do this for you. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover, will disturb others who wish to work seriously. Therefore, the meditation retreat would suit only those prepared to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is for the benefit and protection of all fellow participants with the same objective in mind.
In a retreat meditators should consider it a privilege that they are provided with special conditions that are not found in daily lives at home, which are conducive for them to practise intensively for an extended period of time. Their basic needs are catered for, and distractions are kept to a minimum so time gained is spent solely on the practice throughout the day. Reading, writing, chanting and talking are not allowed and noble silence should be observed except during the interviews.
Ten days is usually the duration recommended for a retreat to enable one to penetrate into the true nature of reality and get the exquisite taste of Special Dhamma. However ten days away from work/business is too big a sacrifice for most people who are not prepared and who are yet unconvinced of the benefits it brings; so this weekend retreat is primarily meant to acquaint them to a retreat setting with the hope that they would get a good feel of what a retreat entails and gain much in terms of acquiring the necessary skills involved in maintaining mindfulness in daily life. There is a chance they may even experience deep concentration and insight knowledge. It is hoped that after completing this retreat they will follow up on other 10 day retreats at their own time and on their own initiative at any of the existing vipassana centres which are open for admission throughout the year. A list of these centres can be obtained on request otherwise look out for new postings about upcoming retreats now and then, on Sis. Gin’s blog.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Continuity of the practice in a conducive environment is given topmost priority so rules and regulations have been laid down keeping this in mind. They are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years in both Eastern and Western countries and are rational by any standard. Abiding by the rules creates a very supportive atmosphere for meditation practice while breaking them disrupts it.
All participants are required to stay for the entire period of the retreat and not leave the retreat premises at anytime. The other rules should also be carefully read and considered. Please understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to leave without finishing the retreat for whatever reason apart from a medical or emergency situation.
People with Special Needs: Our capacity as a non-professional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with a history of mental disorders. Medication can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from this retreat although Vipassana meditation can be beneficial for them if practised under close personal supervision of the teacher/instructor.
Clothing – should be simple, modest and comfortable. Tight, transparent and revealing clothing (such as shorts, miniskirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) are not appropriate and should not be worn. This is important in order to minimize distraction to others. Loose white blouses or T-shirts, sarongs and track bottoms are strongly recommended. White is the best colour to wear as it symbolizes purity so it is recommended for those who are observing the 8 precepts. It also helps the management and devotees/visitors to identify those who are 8 Precept yogis as priority, right of way and respect is automatically accorded to them.
Refinement of Conduct
During a retreat it is only appropriate and useful to refine our speech and actions so as to be supportive for developing concentration and insight. This is purification of virtue (sila) which is the very foundation for purifying the mind. Sila is also our refuge in the sense that it protects us from unwholesome conduct. Meditators may, however, speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they may approach the coordinator/staff with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. but even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. In a retreat, adornments, cosmetics, and time-consuming practices to beautify the body are deemed inappropriate. Moderation with regards to food is necessary to prevent drowsiness. The Buddha recommended fasting from noon until the next morning (break of dawn) which full-time yogis in all meditation centres will observe as it constitutes the 6th precept*.
The 8 Precepts
Having understood the need for refinement of conduct, all meditators, are encouraged to conscientiously undertake the eight precepts for the duration of the retreat. These precepts comprise the usual five precepts (which is the basic code of discipline undertaken by Buddhists) with a slight change for the 3rd Precept (abstinence from sexual misconduct to celibacy) and an additional three precepts. They are listed below:
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
The three additional precepts below are expected to be observed especially during a retreat or on auspicious days (Uposatha):
6. To abstain from eating after noon (about 12:30pm in Malaysia)*
7. To abstain from sensual entertainment (shows, music, dancing) and bodily adornments
8. To abstain from using high or luxurious beds/seats.
Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone and take no notice of distractions caused by others.
May the above information help you to prepare for the retreat and ensure that you have a pleasant experience at the retreat. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and spiritual happiness from your experience of Vipassana.
*Eating refers to the consumption of solid food whether hard or soft. Only water or clear drinks like honey, some fruit juices like orange and apple juice, ribena, glucose, tamarind juice, sugarcane juice and all herbal tea like ginger tea, green tea, roibos tea are allowable throughout the day. Take care not to consume beverages like coffee, English tea, Ceylon tea, milo, horlicks, cereals like nestum, nestvita, barley water, soya bean milk, or milk from noon until sunrise (about 6.30 am in Malaysia (the next day) as this are not allowable after noon. Out of compassion, the Buddha made it allowable for those who have gastric problems to take Catumadu (a combination of four ingredients cooked together..ie. honey, molasses, ghee, butter) after noon. Medicine can be taken, as presribed throughout the day.
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