Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre
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Our Form
As part of Sonia Moriceau's Meditation Retreat at the 2006 School of Living Dharma we developed a code of conduct - our Form - to help support the deepening of the meditative experience during the week. Most of these guidelines are similar to other Wangapeka meditation retreats, and we also adopted a Zen form for the main meal.
1. Conversation -
Silence is to be observed at all times, including all meals, with the exception of the times between the end of the afternoon class and 7.00pm. During this time retreatants who wish to talk can do so in and around the Octagon. Begin and end these exchanges with a bow of respect to each other.
2. Interaction for service activities -
Communication for the purpose of our everyday service activities (such as caring for the land, cooking etc) is to be as-needed and kept to a minimum. Begin and end these exchanges with a bow of respect to each other. Use a gesture according to your preference; either bringing the palms together and bowing, or one hand on the heart and bowing.
3. Meeting others -
If you want to or you don't want to make eye contact that's ok (“mind your own business eyes”). Place emphasis on eye contact from a backward circle.
4. Moving from A to B -
Practise walking mindfully at all times, no matter the speed, placing your hands according to your preference. Walk slowly around buildings.
5. Moving in and out of spaces -
Bring both feet together on the threshold before entering any space.
Bow when entering and leaving the main hall for teaching (before and after class only).
Also bow at the Whare, Octagon and Pagoda.
6. Reminders to bring the mind home -
Pause to bring the mind home at the meal bell and also at other times during the day when you hear a single ring of the bell. Anyone can ring the bell (once, loudly) at any time as an invitation to mindfulness. Also, use a personal reminder in nature that touches you directly (e.g. wind, birdsong).
7. Classes and meeting with the Teacher -
Bow to the Teacher when arriving or leaving the class room.
At the end of the class stop, bow and share the merit.
Immediately after the class, if you have a small matter of clarification, approach the Teacher and bow to indicate you wish to speak (otherwise to meet privately ask Kathryn).
After class mindfully and tidily place your mats and cushions to the sides of the room, so that the space is clear for other purposes. Try putting your cushions back in a different place for the next class. It is open for you to bow to the Teacher when walking past (not in class time) if you wish.
8. Meals -
The midday meal will be eaten seated together at the table in the main hall (two people a day will have responsibility for setting up and dismantling the tables). Bring your own plate etc to the table. The cooks will place 2 pots at each end of the table, bow and serve themselves, and then pass the pots down the table for each person to do the same. Once everyone has been served the cooks will remove the pots to the kitchen, say a few words of blessing / thanks and then ring the bell so that eating the meal may begin. The cooks will ring the bell again after 20 minutes and you are then free to leave the table.
For the breakfast and evening meals, form a circle around the serving table and take a moment to breathe together in appreciation.
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Sarva Managalam - All is Blessing