Meditation Rules and Guidelines

As I set off for Vipassana Meditation at the Wat Phradhat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I want to record the rules, guidelines and daily routine that I should expect. I have my two sets of loose-fitting white clothing and think I am ready.  I start in a couple hours and finish in a week.

Rules for Meditators:

1. Abstain from killing living beings
2. Abstain from stealing
3. Abstain from sexual or romantic activity
4. Abstain from wrong speech
5. Abstain from intoxicating drugs or alcohol
6. Abstain from solid food after noon
7. Abstain from diversion and beautification
8. Abstain from luxurious seats and beds

Meditator Guidelines:

• Meditators are not allowed to mix the practice with other meditation techniques or yoga, tai chi, aerobics, etc.
• Meditators are not allowed to smoke cigarettes during their stay
• Meditators should be polite and respectful to the teacher, and to the monks, novices, nuns and lay people staying at the temple
• Meditators are not to speak with each other except when necessary
• Reading, writing, listening to music, using e-mail and telephone etc, are not allowed.

Daily Routine for Meditators:

• 05:00 a.m. Wake-up time
• 05:30 a.m. Morning Practice
• 06:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 08:00 a.m. Dhamma Talk
• 11:00 a.m. Lunch
• 03:00 p.m. Reporting with your teacher
• 06:00 p.m. Evening Chanting
• 10:00 p.m. Sleep