RULES FOR MEDITATORS IN PAAUK ANGTHONG 

IN GENERAL 

Meditators must strictly observe the fourfold purification during their stay here. This purification consists of: 

1.The 227 rules of the Pātimokkha for Theravāda monks; the 10 precepts and 75 Sekhiya (training) rules for novices and nuns; and the 8 and 5 precepts for lay persons;

2. Restraint of the six sense faculties –of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind;

3. Purification of livelihood (Right Livelihood) – livelihood that accords with the precepts;

4. Reflection on (and moderation in) the use of the four requisites – food, shelter, clothing and medicine.

CONDUCT IN THE MEDITATION HALL 

Think of the other meditators. Try not to disturb them.  

Do not be careless. BE CONSIDERATE. 

Always attend to your meditation subject. 

1.Before sitting, check that your alarm clock is not set to ring during the meditation period, and switch off any other devices that make a sound. Do not bring to meditation hall is the best choice. 

2.Be considerate: when coming and going, please make special effort to make no sound. Even though you may think quick light steps do not disturb, they do disturb there are many complaints. Be careful to walk slowly and softly, with small steps. 

3. When adjusting your cushion/mat, do it slowly and quietly. 

4.Be careful not to knock over your bottle of water, torch, clock, etc. 

5.When coughing, please cover your mouth so there is little sound. 

6.When breaking wind, please ensure that there is little sound. This may be achieved by relaxing the sphincter. If necessary, pull with your hand. 

7.Do not clear your throat noisily or blow your nose around the meditation hall. Go to the toilets. 

8.Do not fold up your mosquito net during the meditation period. Return to fold it afterwards. 

9.Do not open/close any window and curtain during the meditation period. 

10.When drinking water, be careful to make little noise opening the bottle, drinking the water, closing the bottle, and putting the bottle down. Try not to drink again and again. 

11.When applying balm, etc. be careful to make little noise taking the jar out, opening the jar, closing the jar, and putting it back. Do not keep it in a plastic bag as this makes much noise. 

12.Please try in every way to be considerate: make very little sound, when yawning, sighing, shifting your posture, getting up, sitting down, putting on your clothes, opening and closing your bag, etc. 

13.Do not use very strong-smelling balms, etc. 

14.Use your torch only when there are no lights. Direct it only downwards and hold your piece of cloth in front to reduce the brightness. Take care not to shine it into the face of others. 

15.Do not leave (or prepare to leave) the meditation hall before the meditation period is over unless you are going for your meditation interview. 

16.Everyone must attend group sittings at their respective meditation hall, except for those who are meditation teachers, those who are on duty in the monastery and those whose permission have been granted by the Venerable meditation teacher to meditate in one’s kuti after date of this regulation. The permission must be re-obtained by every three months. 

17.Group sittings are held at the meditation halls according to the daily schedule. 

18.New arrival should come to report the abbot after register and come to interview with the meditation teacher in the first day and every other day for male and female, according to the teacher’s schedule. 

19.Meditators must practice according to the instructions of their meditation teacher. 

20.For one’s own benefit and out of respect to your teacher, please describe your meditation experience with absolute honest. The report should be brief and to the point, and should reflect your personal experience. 

21.Do not discuss your meditation practice with others or speak about your attainments. Questions about your meditations practice should be directed to your meditation teacher only. 

22.Practice mindfulness. Move slowly and quietly when entering and leaving the meditation hall, while going to your seat, sitting down and in making any other movements. Please be considerate of others. Do not bring extraneous book, bottles, plastic bags, etc. that may make a noise when handled. Do not make noise when handling items such as keys or your meditation manual. Although the need for silence applies particularly during scheduled meditation hours, you should try to observe it at all times, as there are meditators who practice beyond the scheduled hours. 

23.If you go barefoot, according to the Vinaya, you should wash your feet before entering Sangha buildings. 

24.Speak only when necessary. The rest of the time you should keep noble silence and attend solely to your meditation practice. 

25.In general: Please be mindful in thought, speech, and action; avoid finding fault with others; practice contentment and tolerance. When misunderstandings arise, please discuss them with your meditation teacher. 

TRY TO SIT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE!