Participants are expected to observe the traditional eight Buddhist precepts while residing at Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha. They are as follows:
- To refrain from taking the life of any living beings.
- To refrain from taking what is not offered.
- To refrain from all sexual activity.
- To undertake noble silence during the retreat; and during interviews to refrain from false speech.
- To refrain from intoxicating substances that obscure clarity of mind and cloud mindfulness.
- To refrain from taking food after 12 noon. (Exceptions include clear fruit drinks and sutumadu, an emulsion containing honey, molasses, ghee and sesame oil.)
- To refrain from dancing, singing, and listening to music and from the use of perfumes, cosmetics, adornments and ornaments.
- To refrain from using luxurious seats. (Chairs may be used in meditation, if required.)
Additional guidelines, considerations and general information:
- Bring whatever meditation cushions you may need.
- Most daily necessities can be purchased in Yangon prior to the retreat.
- Bring loose fitting clothing, with buttoned white shirts for men and white blouses with sleeves that cover the shoulder for women.
- Bring the vitamins/supplements you may need, along with toiletries, soaps, shampoo etc.
- Food is served in the dining hall with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- Emailing, texting, and all mobile phone use must be suspended during the retreat.
- One must follow the retreat schedule and practice as a group in the meditation hall.
- Yogis must maintain noble silence during their retreat as well as refrain from reading.
- Yogis must remain within the grounds of the meditation center during their entire retreat.
- Yogis must neither invite nor receive guests during their retreat.
- Yogis must not smoke any substance or use non-medical drugs during their time at MSY.
- During the retreat, mail or messages will not be distributed to the yogis unless it is clearly an emergency situation.
- Alan Clements, Dr. Ingrid Jordt and Dr. Jeannine Davies are available to assist when required.
Mahasi Sayadaw’s instructions to yogis entering a meditation retreat.
Audio (in English, 33 minutes)