Meditation and Self-discipline
The process of self-evaluation by introspection is simple but not easy – participants have to work at it. By their own efforts, participants 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 discipline, which is there for the benefit of all participants and is an integral part of the retreat.
Seven days is certainly a very short time in which to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind and loosen the complexes lying there. Continuity of the practice in group 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 retreat staff, 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 millennia and are both scientific and rational in nature. Abiding by the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.
Participants must stay for the entire period of the course. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should register. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover, will disturb others who wish to work seriously. It would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, a participant does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.
Persons With Serious Mental Disorders
People with serious psychiatric disorders have attended meditation retreats with the unrealistic expectation that the technique will cure or alleviate their mental health issue. Unstable interpersonal relationships and a history of various treatments can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from, or even complete, a seven-day retreat. Our capacity as a non-health-professional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with these backgrounds. Although Shamatha-Vipashyana meditation is beneficial for most people, it is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and we do not recommend it for people with serious psychiatric disorders.
The Code of Discipline
The foundation of the practice is shīla — moral conduct. Shīla provides a basis for the development of samādhi — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through pajñā — the wisdom of insight.
Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique
Participants must declare themselves willing to comply fully and for the duration of the course with the teacher’s guidance and instructions; 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. This acceptance should be one of discrimination and understanding not blind submission. Only with an attitude of trust can a participant work diligently and thoroughly. Such confidence in the teacher and the technique is essential for success in meditation.
Other Techniques, Rites, and Forms of Worship
During the course it is absolutely essential that all forms of prayer, worship, or religious ceremony — fasting, burning incense, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing and dancing, etc. — be discontinued. All other meditation techniques and healing or spiritual practices should also be suspended. This is not to condemn any other technique or practice, but to give a fair trial to the technique of Shamatha-Vipashyana in its purity.
Participants are strongly advised that deliberately mixing other techniques of meditation with Shamatha-Vipashyana will impede and even reverse their progress. Despite repeated warnings by the teacher, there have been cases in the past where participants have intentionally mixed this technique with a ritual or another practice and have done themselves a great disservice. Any doubts or confusion which may arise should always be clarified by meeting with the teacher.
Meetings With a Meditation Guidance Counselor
There will be two formal times where participants can meet with a Meditation Guidance Counselor. Participants may also request other times as needed throughout the retreat. Questions may also be asked in the meditation hall during discussion times on talking and functional talking days. The meetings and question times are for clarifying the meditation technique, receiving insight into issues that are arising, and for questions arising from any discourses.
Noble Silence
All participants must observe Noble Silence on the days so scheduled. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow participants, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited.
Participants may, however, speak with the teacher or a Meditation Guidance Counselor whenever necessary and they may approach the staff with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. Participants should cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation.
Physical Contact
It is important that throughout the course there be no physical contact whatsoever between persons of the same or opposite sex.
Intoxicants and Drugs
No recreational intoxicants – drugs, alcohol, or otherwise – should be brought to the retreat site. Anyone caught with recreational intoxicants will be required to leave immediately. Those taking medicines or drugs on a doctor’s prescription should notify the Retreat Master at check-in. Marijuana is a deterrent to experiencing True Nature and is illegal in the State of Hawaiʻi without a Hawaiʻi state license for the use of marijuana for health purposes.
Food
Camp Mokulēʻia strives to accommodate as many special food preferences and requirements as possible. The course management works with Camp Mokulēʻia to prepare a balanced, wholesome menu. If any participants have been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they should inform the management at the time of application. Fasting is not permitted.
Tobacco
For the health and comfort of all participants, smoking, chewing tobacco, and using snuff are not permitted at the retreat.
Clothing
Clothing for the Meditation Hall should be simple, modest, and comfortable. Tight, transparent, revealing, or otherwise striking clothing should not be worn. Partial nudity or full nudity are not permitted.
Laundry and Bathing
No washing machines or dryers are available, so participants should bring sufficient clothing. Small items can be hand-washed. Bathing and laundry may be done only in the break periods and not during meditation hours.
Outside Contacts
Participants must remain within Camp Mokulēʻia boundaries throughout the retreat. They may leave only if it is planned on the retreat schedule. No outside communications are allowed during the meditation hours. Keep any outside communication to a minimum and only if absolutely necessary.
Music, Reading and Writing
The playing of musical instruments, musical recordings, radios, etc. is not permitted in public other than at the celebratory dinner on the last night of the retreat. It is recommended that you keep any reading material to that which is dharma related. Taking notes during talks and journaling throughout the retreat is totally acceptable.
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 participant 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 or Meditation Guidance Counselor.
- It is only by taking a disciplined approach and by making maximum effort that a participant can fully grasp the practice and benefit from it. The emphasis during the retreat is on work. A golden rule is to meditate as if one were alone, with one’s mind turned inward irregardless of any inconveniences and distractions that one may encounter.
- Finally, participants should note that their progress in Shamatha-Vipashyana 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 retreat. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and harmony from your experience of the Weekthün.
THE COURSE SCHEDULE
The following schedule for the retreat has been designed to maintain the continuity of practice. For best results participants are advised to follow it as closely as possible.
6:15am – Wake Up
7:00am – Early Morning Practice Session
8:00am – Contemplative Breakfast
9:00am – Morning Practice Session, Dharma Talk, & Discussion
12:00pm – Contemplative Lunch
12:30pm – Work Period
1:00pm – Free Time
2:30pm – Afternoon Practice Session & Self-Awareness Exploration
6:00pm – Contemplative Dinner
7:00pm – Evening Practice Session/Community Gathering
9:00pm – End of Program Day
10:00pm – Quiet Hours Begin
