The Code of Discipline

A gift to yourself and every fellow student

The process of self-purification is never easy. It requires sustained effort and a particular kind of environment — one that supports deep, undistracted introspection.

The Code of Discipline is designed to create that environment, not as an imposition, but as a gift to yourself and to every other student on the course.

  • Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone. Take no notice of distractions caused by others.

— Summary of the Code of Discipline

The Five Precepts

  • 1. To abstain from killing any being
  • 2. To abstain from stealing
  • 3. To abstain from all sexual activity
  • 4. To abstain from telling lies
  • 5. To abstain from all intoxicants

Noble Silence

From the evening of Day 0 through the morning of Day 10, students observe Noble Silence — silence of body, speech, and mind.

This means:

  • No conversation between students
  • No written communication between students
  • No gestures, signals, or eye contact intended to communicate
  • No reading or writing materials for personal use

Communication with the teacher or course management is always permitted and encouraged when genuinely needed.

Noble Silence is not isolation — it is a way of turning the mind’s attention inward.

Separation of Men and Women

Men and women are housed and meditate separately throughout the course.

Physical contact between students of any gender is not permitted.

This arrangement supports concentration and reduces distraction for all students.

Other Key Guidelines

  • No other meditation techniques, religious practices, rituals, prayers, or mantras during the course
  • No music, reading, or writing materials
  • No phones or electronic devices (held by management until the course ends)
  • No drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or intoxicants on site
  • Simple, modest dress at all times — no revealing or distracting clothing
  • Vegetarian meals provided — no fasting, no special diets except for genuine medical needs
  • Students remain within the course boundaries unless given specific permission to leave

On Accepting the Discipline

Students are asked to accept the teacher and the technique fully and to follow the instructions exactly as given — neither ignoring any part nor adding anything to them.

This acceptance should come from discrimination and understanding, not blind submission.

The discipline exists because experience has shown it to be the most effective way to work.

Progress in Vipassana depends on five factors: earnest effort, confidence, sincerity, health, and wisdom.