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These training rules are moral guidelines to help devotees to maintain practise, and develop a higher understanding of the teaching through the clarity of one's own mind. They are observed by lay practitioners during periods of intensive meditation practice.

Also by following these rules, one gradually develops a respect for the life of others, for their property, and their dignity. 

The Buddha called the practice of these rules a consideration to others which creates love and respect and which is conducive to helpfulness, non-dispute, harmony and unity (A.III,287).

On another occasion he called virtue freedom-giving and conducive to concentration (A.III,132).

 

He also mentioned that one of the most important benefits of practicing the Precepts is that one experiences the happiness of being blameless (D.I,70).

Precept & Practice

Every participants of a meditation seclusion during their stay in the ārāma is bound to keep eight ethical precepts:

1. «I will abstain from being harmful to living beings.»

I will not kill, I will not harm other beings, whatever and whoever they are. Not even to the mosquitoes that bite me, they are as hungry as we are. 

2. «I will abstain from stealing.»

I will not take what is others' property, I will not take possession of that which has not been given to me. 

3. «I will abstain from all sexual practices.» 

4. «I will abstain from uttering lies.»

I will not lie, I will be honest while facing any situations. I will avoid speaking ill of anyone, swear and indulge in idle talks. I will not verbally harm any being.

5. «I will refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.»

I will not consume any substance likely to intoxicate my body or my mind, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc. I will avoid indulging in eating and drinking too much coffee. 

*Due to health reasons, the medicines are authorised.

6. «I will abstain from eating after noon time.»

I will never consume any solid foods after the solar noon (12:00) until the following dawn. During this period, I will not drink milk, which is considered as solid food, as it is very nourishing. 

*If you have any health issues, please contact us, and we will provide more details

*no cooking after noon. The kitchen will be closed.

7. «I will abstain from listening or playing music, songs, wearing flowers, jewelry and other ornaments.»

I will not listen to music, I will not watch any show or movie. I will not go for entertainment, nor read any fashion magazines or books, play games, using the phone etc.

I will not wear perfumes, I will not arrange my body for an aesthetic purpose (makeup, fashion clothes, sophisticated hairdressing, jewelry, etc.). I will avoid dressing myself in an attractive way. 

*I wear only white clothes.

*long hair must be tied in a bun or a ponytail.

8. «I will refrain from lining or seating on high and luxurious places.»

I will not sit or lie down on places located higher than those of the noble ones (bhikkhu, bhikkhunī or sāmaṇera, sāmaṇerī) or in places reserved for them.

Lay devotees can always follow the 5 precepts that the Buddha drafted for householders to keep in their daily life. When we want to commit ourselves to follow the right practice as lay followers, we can undertake the following ethical precepts:

 

1. «I will abstain from being harmful to living beings.»

I will not kill, I will not harm other beings, whatever and whoever they are.

2. «I will abstain from stealing.»

I will not take what is others' property.

3. «I will abstain from all sexual and sensual misconduct.» 

I will not betray my husband or wife, I will restrain my desires, avoiding indulging in sensual pleasure.

4. «I will abstain from uttering lies.»

I will not lie, I will be honest while facing any situations. I will avoid speaking ill of anyone, swear and indulge in idle talks. I will not verbally harm any being.

5. «I will refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.»

I will not consume any substance likely to intoxicate my body or my mind, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc. 

You can read more about specific rules in the Library section.

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