General Guidance
Meditation centers traditionally have certain codes of conduct that support practice. During the retreat, set aside personal desires and opinions and follow the common rules without exception. A key principle is to be considerate of others in everything you do. Use your retreat time well by focusing wholeheartedly on your practice. You may experience mentally or physically difficult moments during the retreat—do not be discouraged; continue practicing patiently and persistently. Remember the impermanence of all things: situations can change suddenly, and sometimes the beneficial effects of a retreat only become clear after it has ended and you have returned home.
Silence
We observe Noble Silence throughout the retreat. Avoid all talking as well as unnecessary communication through gestures, facial expressions, and so on. No humming either. Avoid unnecessary eye contact. Focus on your own inner practice and do not observe or follow what others are doing.
If communication is necessary, do so with gestures or by whispering without disturbing others. In practical problems or unclear situations, contact the retreat coordinators. For practice-related questions, contact the teacher.
Mobile phones must be kept turned off for the entire retreat. If there is a compelling reason to use a phone, you may request permission for limited use from the retreat coordinators. Family members may be given the Dharma teacher’s phone number, which will be provided before the retreat for necessary contact.
Silence also applies during breaks, outdoor walking, yoga sessions, sauna, and so on. Do not read, draw, or write during the retreat. There will be a group photo session at the end of the retreat. Do not take photos during the retreat.
If someone tries to engage you in unnecessary conversation, do not respond. On retreat, it is kind not to reply, as this helps maintain everyone’s peace for practice. If someone repeatedly breaks silence unnecessarily, they must perform 108 repentance bows. In cases of ongoing or deliberate disturbance of others, the retreat teacher may ask the person to leave.
Cleanliness and Order
Keep your bed, sleeping bag, pillow, and other belongings tidy. When entering indoor spaces, place your shoes neatly in a row by the door. Do not spread your clothes or belongings around; keep them in your bag or in neat piles.
Leave the toilets clean after use. If toilet paper or other supplies run out, replace them.
Use common sense and take initiative in maintaining cleanliness.
Meals
We eat mindfully and with consideration for others. Take food in a way that ensures each dish is sufficient for everyone. Maintain good posture while eating; do not lean on the table with your elbows.
Try to eat as quietly as possible; do not clatter dishes with utensils. After eating, put hot water or tea into your bowl, use it to clean your eating utensils, and finally drink the “broth.” The meaning of this practice is to
- make thorough use of all the food taken,
- make dishwashing easier later,
- remember hungry beings, and
- go beyond the duality of what is pleasant (food) and what may sometimes feel unpleasant (the washing liquid).
Work Practice
During work periods, we divide into groups, each with a leader. The group leader’s instructions should be followed. If you need to ask something while working, do so as quietly as possible. See also: Silence.
Meditation Hall and Sessions
When the moktak call is sounded, proceed to the hall as quickly as possible.
Sit in the place assigned to you at the beginning of the retreat. Women sit on one side of the hall and men on the other. Keep your place tidy (blankets, cushions, stool, etc.).
Try to sit without moving. If movement is necessary, change posture calmly and with as little noise as possible.
During walking meditation, walk at the same pace as the person in front of you and keep a constant distance from the next walker. If you must leave during walking meditation, when you return wait by the door until you can rejoin the line at your place.
Chant the Finnish-, Korean-, and Pali-language recitations by following the leader’s rhythm and keeping your voice in harmony with others. Through sincere group chanting, our voices merge and the recitation becomes beautiful. If you are unsure of the melody, chant softly so as not to create disharmony.
Clothing and Appearance
Dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing; shoulders, knees, chest, and stomach should be covered. Wear long trousers suitable for sitting that do not tighten at the waist, or a fairly long skirt. Choose calm-colored and comfortably loose clothing for the retreat. Socks should be clean and odorless.
Do not use strong perfumes or similar scents during the retreat. Avoid excessive jewelry.
Miscellaneous Rules
Smoking should be avoided, but if it is necessary, it is allowed only in a separately designated place or far from others, out of sight.
All sexual behavior must be avoided; during the retreat we relate to each other like brothers and sisters.
During the retreat, all activities are meditation. Strive to maintain mindfulness also during nature walks and other “free-form” parts of the program.