Girimānanda Dhammā Sāsana Trust and Girimananda Forest Meditation Centre are Forest Monastery, and there is one basic rule of conduct that embodies the spirit and essence of all the other rules that are followed: to act properly at all times, showing respect and consideration for each other. As the Lord Buddha encouraged his followers, let us live the same way: “In concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.” Meditators must strictly observe the fourfold purification during their stay in the Monastery. This purification consists of:
(1) The 227 rules of the Pātimokkha (and all other Vinaya rules) for Theravāda Monks; the 10 precepts and 75 Sekhiya (training) rules (and all other Vinaya rules that apply) for Novices; and the 8 or 10 precepts for laypersons and Nuns.
(2) Restraint of the six sense faculties – of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind.
(3) Purification of mind and those accords with the precepts.
(4) Reflection on (and moderation in) the use of the four requisites – food, shelter, clothing and medicine.
Rules:
The requisites and services available at the Monastery are offered by supporters, stewards and donors for the maintenance and benefit of the yogis (meditators). The offer is made on the understanding that the yogis (meditators) support the Monastery’s lifestyle and that they are willing to abide by the rules and regulations.
1. Meditation Method: While in the Monastery, all yogis will practice the meditation method Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta taught by the Buddha (as referred to in the Theravāda Tipiṭaka) and as enunciated by The Most Venerable Girimananda Mahathera and teaching by the Meditation Teachers. All yogis must attend group seating at their respective mediation hall (unless permission is given by their Meditation Teacher to do otherwise).
2. Interview: All yogis must attend regular interviews with the Meditation Teacher on a schedule or time determined by the Teacher.
3. Daily Schedule： All yogis are to observe the Monastery’s daily meditation schedule. (For details, please refer to Daily Schedule below).
4. Seclusion & Noble Silence: As silence and seclusion are important aids to meditation, yogis (meditators) are to observe noble silence. Socializing is not encouraged.
5. Attire: Theravāda monks and novices should wear only allowable robes, sandals, etc. Robes must be kept clean. Highly colorful robes (red, bright yellow, etc.) are not acceptable.
Lay practitioners should dress modestly at all times:-
Men – No bare shoulders, no open knees, no shorts and sleeveless shirts, no vests or undershirts; ripped and any improper attire that is not acceptable by the competent authority of the Centre.
Women – No bare shoulders, midriff, calves or knees; No short skirts, No shorts, No sleeveless shirts or blouses; No thin, transparent, tight, revealing, brightly colored and any improper attire that is not acceptable by the competent authority of the Centre.
10 (ten) Days Special Meditation Course Time table:
3.00 am. Morning wake-up (Bell) & Walking Meditation (Med. Hall)
4.00am. – 5.00am. Sitting meditation (Med. Hall)
5.00am. – 6.00am. Walking Meditation
6.00am. – 7.00 am. Cleaning and Breakfast break.
7.00am. – 8.00 am. Sitting Meditation (Med. Hall)
8.00am. – 9.00am. Walking Meditation & Interviews
9.00am. – 10.00am. Sitting Meditation (Med. Hall)
10.00am. – 11.00am. Walking Meditation & Personal Activities (Bathing)
11.00am. – 12.00 Noon Lunch Break
12.00pm. – 1.00pm. Walking Meditation
1.00pm. – 2.00pm. Sitting Meditation (Med. Hall)
2.00pm – 3.00pm. Walking Meditation
3.00pm. – 4.00pm. Sitting Meditation (Med. Hall)
4.00pm. – 5.00pm. Walking Meditation & Juice (30 Minutes)
5.00pm. – 6.00pm. Sitting Meditation (med. Hall)
6.00pm. – 7.00pm. Walking Meditation
7.00pm. – 8.00pm. Dhamma Talk (Med. Hall)
8.00pm. -9.00pm. Sitting Meditation (Med. Hall)
9.00pm. – 9.30pm. Rest & Continue Practice (Sleeping)
9.30pm. Retire to your Room (Lights out)
Total: 7 Hours of Sitting Meditation & 6-7 Hours of Walking Meditation Daily.
The following timetable for the course has been designed to maintain the continuity of practice. For best results, Meditators / Yogies / Students are advised to follow it as closely as possible. (NB. No Talking, No Writing, No Reading, Not looking here & there.)
FOOD DANA:
We welcome all to offer daily food dāna for the Venerable residing at our Centre except for the days when the Centre is closed or when there is no Venerable in residence (please asks at the office). You may bring cooked food, fruits and drinkable things to the Centre and participate in the offering of food ceremony. In order to allow time for the preparation of food, please reach the Centre at least half an hour before:
• Breakfast Dana: 6.00 am
• Lunch Dana: 11 am
You may contact our Centre’s Kappiya (Attendant to the Venerable): Abbot – (+91 966 788 3612 ) to make arrangements for the food offering.