Code of Conduct
Code of Discipline for Participants of the VIB Vipassana Course
The Basis of Practice: Sīla (Moral Conduct)
Sīla provides the foundation for samādhi — the development of concentration of the mind; and the purification of the mind is achieved through paññā — the wisdom of insight.
The Precepts
All participants of a Vipassana course must conscientiously observe the following rules for the entire duration of the course:
- Honor all life by choosing not to harm or take the life of any living being.
- Cultivate generosity by respecting what belongs to others and taking only what is freely offered.
- Embrace purity and inner clarity through the renunciation of sexual activity.
- Speak with truth and integrity, nurturing trust through honest communication.
- Maintain a clear mind and heart by avoiding intoxicants and substances that cloud awareness.
In addition, there are three further rules which students are encouraged to follow throughout the course if they find no great difficulty in doing so:
To cultivate mindful nourishment by refraining from eating after midday.
A conscious practice that supports clarity, inner stillness, and deeper meditation.
To nurture the body with awareness by refraining from milk consumption.
A mindful choice to support lightness, clarity, and spiritual practice.
To honor simplicity by letting go of sensual entertainments and external adornments.
An invitation to turn attention inward, embracing presence over distraction.
Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique
Students must declare their willingness to follow the instructions and guidance of the teacher(s) throughout the entire course. This means they undertake to observe the rules, meditate exactly as instructed without omitting or adding anything. Acceptance of this discipline should arise from each participant’s own understanding, not from blind obedience. Only with trust can students work diligently and thoroughly. Confidence in both the teacher and the technique is an essential prerequisite for progress in meditation.
Other Techniques, Rituals, and Forms of Worship
During the course, it is essential to suspend all forms of prayers, worship, or religious ceremonies such as burning incense, reciting rosaries, chanting, singing, dancing, fasting, etc. Likewise, the practice of other meditation or healing techniques must be discontinued. This does not imply criticism of such practices, but ensures the opportunity to experience the Vipassana technique in its pure form.
Interviews with the Teacher
Teachers are available for personal interviews between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. Questions may also be asked publicly in the meditation hall between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. These opportunities are intended for clarification of the meditation technique and for answering questions arising from the evening discourse.
Noble Silence
All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. All forms of communication with fellow students — including gestures, sign language, and written notes — are prohibited.
Students may, however, speak with the teacher, and with the management staff regarding matters of food, lodging, or health problems. Even so, such communication should be kept to a minimum. Students should feel as though they are working in isolation.
Separation of Men and Women
Complete segregation of men and women must be maintained. Married couples, partners, friends, or family members should have no contact with one another during the course.
Physical Contact
No physical contact is permitted between persons of the same or opposite sex.
Yoga and Physical Exercise
Although physical yoga and other exercises are generally compatible with Vipassana, they must be suspended during the course due to the lack of suitable, separate facilities. Jogging is also not allowed. Students may walk in the designated areas during breaks.
Religious Objects
No religious objects, rosaries, crystals, talismans, etc. may be brought to the course. If any are in possession of a student, they must be deposited with the management for the duration of the course.
Intoxicants and Medicines
No drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants are permitted on the course site. This includes tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and other sedatives. Students taking prescribed medication must inform the teacher.
Tobacco
For the health and well-being of all participants, smoking, chewing tobacco, or snuffing is not permitted.
Food
It is not possible to cater to individual preferences or expectations regarding food. Students are respectfully asked to be content with simple vegetarian meals. The management will do its best to provide a balanced and healthy menu suitable for meditation. Anyone requiring a special diet for medical reasons should inform the management at the time of application. Fasting is not permitted.
Clothing
Clothing should be simple, modest, and comfortable. Tight, transparent, revealing, or otherwise distracting attire (such as shorts, short skirts, stockings, sleeveless or tight tops) is not allowed. Sunbathing and wearing immodest clothing are also prohibited, in order to avoid distracting others.
Washing and Bathing
A washing machine is available in both villas, but laundry service is also available for a minimal fee. (Delivery, washing, return) Students should bring enough clothing for the course. Small items may be washed by hand. Washing and bathing should be done only during breaks, not during meditation hours.
Contact with the Outside World
Students must remain within the course site for the entire duration. Leaving is only permitted with special approval from the teacher. Communication with the outside world is not allowed before the end of the course. This includes correspondence, phone calls, or receiving visitors. All communication and electronic devices must be deposited with the management until the end of the course. In case of emergency, family and friends may contact the organizers.
Music, Reading, and Writing
The use of musical instruments, radios, etc. is prohibited. Students should not bring reading or writing materials. Taking notes is also not allowed, as it distracts from the practice. The restriction on reading and writing underscores the strictly practical nature of this meditation technique.
Recording Devices and Cameras
These devices may not be used without the express permission of the teacher.
Serious Psychiatric Disorders
At times, individuals suffering from serious mental health problems have come to Vipassana courses with unrealistic expectations that the technique will cure or alleviate their condition. Unstable personal relationships or prior treatments may further complicate their experience, making it difficult for them to benefit from or even complete the course.
As a non-professional volunteer organization, we cannot provide adequate care for such individuals. While Vipassana meditation is beneficial for many, it is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and is not recommended for those suffering from serious psychiatric disorders.
Summary
The spirit underlying these principles and rules may be summarized as follows:
- Take great care not to disturb others.
- Do not be disturbed by the actions of others.
- If a student does not understand the practical purpose of a rule, instead of giving way to negativity or doubt, they should immediately seek clarification from the teacher.
Only with disciplined conduct and maximum effort can students grasp the essence of this technique and enjoy its beneficial results. The emphasis during the course is on work. The golden rule is: practice as if you were alone, with an inward-turned mind, disregarding any discomforts or distractions.
Finally, students should recognize that progress in Vipassana depends solely on their own personal qualities, development, and on the following five factors: earnest effort, faith, sincerity, health, and wisdom.
May this information help you to gain the maximum benefit from the course. We are pleased to serve you, and we wish that through your experience of Vipassana you may find peace and harmony.
