Teenagers' Course
Code of Conduct

Learning to practice Anapana meditation is very valuable because it helps you to become a better person. Practicing Anapana meditation will help you to train your mind to become concentrated and calm. This will make your mind strong so that you will be able to avoid doing or saying things that are hurtful or harmful to yourself and to others. This strength of mind will help you to feel happier and more peaceful. Practicing Anapana and learning to concentrate will help you to become the master of your mind.

To help you succeed in practicing Anapana meditation it is important that you do your best to follow the instructions that you will be given during the meditation course and also, while you are at the course, agree to follow the Code of Conduct written below. In the same way that a house needs a good foundation to support it, so the practice of Anapana needs a good foundation. This good foundation is built by following the Code of Conduct. It will help you to avoid performing actions that are harmful or hurtful to yourself and others.

While at the meditation center you should agree to follow these rules because they will provide a good foundation for your Anapana practice and will give you mental strength.

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 taking intoxicants.

Noble Silence
There will be extended periods of Noble Silence throughout the course. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech and mind. Any form of communication with fellow students, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., must be during the designated periods. These will be clearly defined throughout the course. Talking will be permitted during meals, during Dhamma service activities and during meetings with the assistant teachers.

Segregation of the Sexes
Please observe complete segregation of the sexes throughout the course. Friends or family members should not contact each other in any way during the course.

At the bottom of your application form you will find a question that asks if you agree to try to follow this Code of Conduct while you are at the meditation center. Below that is a place to sign your name. When you sign your name, it means that you agree to try and follow the Code of Conduct.

Children's and Teenagers' Courses