COURSE GUIDELINES
Ten-day residential courses are conducted in the practice of the Eightfold Noble Path as taught by the Buddha, which comprises three stages of training: morality (sï la), concentration or control over the mind (samadhi), and wisdom or insight (pañña).
One should come with the understanding and intention to enter a ten-day retreat, remaining at the centre for the ten days. The training, if followed diligently, will result in a calmer mind through the practice of respiration mindfulness, and ultimately, after eradication of impurities through Vipassana meditation, in the realisation of the 'Nibbanic Peace within'.
To achieve a state of mind perfectly attuned and in balance, it is essential to start with a stable and sound base of conduct (sila). For the duration of the training therefore, each student is asked to observe the five precepts as follows:
- To
refrain from killing
- To
refrain from stealing
- To
refrain from sexual misconduct (here, total celibacy)
- To
refrain from lying
- To refrain from the use of intoxicants and drugs
During the courses students will have to give up their previous practices, and all spiritual activities. While at the centre, students should not wear or bring with them religious jewellery or other items that could have spiritual connections or reading material of any kind. We would also like to ask the students to switch off their mobile phones.
Observance of noble silence throughout the training period will be very beneficial and conducive to a better appreciation of the teaching. This means that the students should not talk amongst themselves, but they may of course speak to the teachers and staff at any time. There should not be any contact between men and women during the course. Even on the last day, when the students talk among themselves, couples should avoid private conversations until they have left the centre.
The teachers will hold daily interviews with the students, which everyone is asked to attend.
TIMETABLE
| 4:00 am | Wake up |
| 4:30 | Meditation in hall |
| 5:30 | Morning discourse |
| 6:30 - 8:00 | Breakfast and rest |
| 8:00 - 9:00 | Group meditation in hall (for all) |
| 9:30 | Individual instruction (for all) |
| 11:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch and rest |
| 1:00 - 1:45 | Meditation |
| 2:00 - 3:00 | Group meditation in hall (for all) |
| 3:30 - 5:00 | Meditation, and interviews for new students |
| 5:00 - 6:00 | Tea and rest |
| 6:00 | Evening discourse |
| 7:30 - 8:30 | Group meditation in hall (for all) |
| 9:00 | Retire |
For further enquiries
about courses please contact :
IMC-USA,
IMC-Austria, IMC-UK,
IMC-NSW, IMC-WA.
Published by the Sayagyi
U Ba Khin Memorial Trust, IMC-UK, Splatts House, Heddington, Calne, Wiltshire
SN11 0PE, England,
Tel: +44 1380 850 238, Fax: +44 1380 850 833.
Registered Charity No 280134.
Copyright © 2000 Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Trust, all rights reserved.