iMEDITATION

General Guideline:

*1. Harmlessness- Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals.

*2. Refrain from taking things not freely given

*3. Faithfulness & Responsibility-  Being aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and  a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others.  I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.

*4.Right speech- Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire confidence, joy and hope.  I am committed to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to relieve others of their suffering. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.

*5. Refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness in words, thoughts, and action-  Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to ingest only items that preserve peace and well-being. I am determined to not use alcohol , drugs, any other intoxicant or to ingest harmful materials, such as a certain TV programs, magazines, books, films , and conversations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by responsible consumption.

Also Obsverved During Meditation Retreats:

*Abstain from all sexual activity ( Sexual activity tends to disperse too much energy, which can leads to physical and mental fatique. The mind is not in the optimal condition for deep samadhi.)

6. Refrain from taking untimely meals

7. No dancing, singing, music , TV, attending performances.  No use of garlands, perfumes and make-up/ personal adornment .

8. Abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping

Note: The idea is to turn our attention within,  instead of allowing the mind to flow outward , or towards the 5 senses.  This is conducive to good meditation.

Monastics also observe :

*Chastity ( let go of sensuality, sexuality, lust): Through personal resolve or will power alone, it is possible to be celibate for some years.  But to permanently remove lust it is necessary to have jhana. Without jhana, the underlying tendency to lust will arise when the condition  is right. The desire to disrobe and get marry may come up .

9.  Abstain from luxurious places for sitting, or sleeping, use of high seats.

10. Not accepting gold , silver, money. ( This keeps the practitioner from following desires)

Note: The cultivation of purity and simplicity.