The keys to success for the Middle Way Meditation Technique are being relaxed, placing your mind at the center of the body, and meditating continuously. Also, in order to maximize the benefits while learning the Middle Way Meditation Technique, you must be familiar with and clearly understand the guidelines for participating in the Retreat.

These guidelines are based on the practical experience of thousands of Meditators in the Middle Way Meditation technique throughout the world. Therefore, these guidelines can be considered as one of the key foundations to your success in learning and practicing the Middle Way Meditation Technique.

1. Staying For the Entire Period of the Program

Participants are required to stay for the entire program in order to learn the complete basic Middle Way Meditation Technique and to be sufficiently familiarized initially with meditating in an environment dedicated solely to that purpose. This is very important for any further practice of the Middle Way Meditation Technique.

2. Medical Qualifications

Participants should be in good health both physically and mentally to attend this Meditation Retreat. Although meditation provides much good in many areas of life for everyone, it is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment. We do not recommend this meditation technique to individuals diagnosed with any serious mental illness and is also not suitable for those who are withdrawing from substances such as alcohol.

3. Qualifications

We welcome people from all over the world regardless of race, creed or religion. However, a keen interest in meditation is very important and these following qualifications are required:

• Participants should be above 18 years of age.
• Participants must be able to both observe the course guidelines and the teacher’s guidance throughout the duration of the program.
• Participants must be able to willingly adapt themselves to the accommodation and simple living conditions provided.

4. The Foundation of Living Together

4.1 Mindfulness Trainings

Living in a meditation community is an essential experience in learning to live harmoniously and to exercise a positive attitude for the benefit of all. Then, we would like to encourage you to practice basic mindfulness trainings as follows:

• To refrain from killing any living creature. - The thought of the destruction of any life even as small as a mosquito, can give rise to negative attitude will negatively affecting your meditation experiences.

• To refrain from taking things without permission. - This encourages us to be satisfied with what we have. We will be content and would like to share belongings or helping in communal activities; i.e. washing dishes and preparing meals etc. Sharing your kindness will create a very harmonious atmosphere. Generosity softens our mind, and peaceful thoughts are very conducive to meditation.

• To refrain from all mental, verbal, or physical/sexual misconduct. - When we meditate, your mind is supposed to be with you. If you are stimulated in a sexual manner, your mind will suffer from such distraction. A Wandering mind or a mind preoccupied with attachments is impossible to settle down to a station of stillness.

• To refrain from telling lies. - Trust and honesty are important for communal life. Endearing speech brings the community happiness. The word that encourages or inspires others to find inner peace are the most wonderful words in the world. In refraining from lies your meditation practice will progress if you are ever mindful with your speech.

• To refrain from the use of intoxicants. - There is no doubt that intoxicants weaken consciousness and both physical and mental health. These substances could be a major hindrance to your progress in meditation. To learn meditation together in a group, is necessary to cultivate and preserve peace, a real sense of well-being and joy.

4.2 Alcohol and Tobacco

As we ask our participants to please do not bring any alcoholic beverages whatsoever and/or cigarettes to the Retreat. For those that do Smoke or Drink Alcohol regularly, we request that you refrain from the use of both during the Retreat. Thank you for your cooperation.

4.3 Separation of Men and Women

A participant should join the retreat with his/her pre-determination to learn meditation. Any participants meditation experience will be adversely affected if either he or she cannot control both inappropriate feelings or emotions. Sexually oriented thoughts can cause unmindful actions affecting the quality of the meditation retreat. The separation of men and women helps move in the direction of calmness and self-realization.

4.4 Accommodations

The Middle Way Meditation Retreat provides each course participant with a shared, spacious, apartment style living accommodation that includes a standard bathroom in each apartment. Up to three people may share an apartment. Men and women have separate quarters. Sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, and soap are provided, however, for your comfort, you may bring your own if needed.

4.5 Outside Contacts

Please refrain from interacting with individuals outside the program or the facilities throughout the meditation program. To make the most of your valuable time spent at the retreat, please stay within the boundaries throughout the meditation program. Only in case of emergency should any participant leave the retreat designated property.

4.6 Communication Devices

It is very difficult to have sacrificed and left the hectic world behind, even for a short time, in search of true happiness and Peace of Mind. Therefore we believe this very special time should not be interrupted. Communication devices such as Internet accessible computers and Mobile phones are not recommended and discouraged from being brought to the meditation retreat.

4.7 Books, Magazines, or Music

Books, magazines or music that will create a distraction to meditators is not allowed at the Retreat Center.

4.8 Clothing and Laundry

For your comfort when sitting meditation, clothing should be loose, simple, and comfortable. Sleeveless shirts and short, see-through, or revealing clothing should not be worn in the Retreat Center. Light colors are highly recommended. A launderette is available for your use at the Retreat Center.


4.9 Voice and Video Recorders

Voice or video recording is not permitted during the meditation session.

5. Summary

All the things we have explained herein were planned so as to maximize the benefits of practicing the Middle Way method of Meditation. Once you decide to join this Retreat, please keep in mind that we are more than happy to serve you on the highest path of all, self-purification, real peace and a genuine happiness in life. We will and can live together in peace and harmony with compassion as one family.

 Recommendations for Preparation of Personal Belongings

To preserve your valuable time at the Retreat Center, we would like to advise that you bring necessary personal items for your individual use. Trips to the store are not encouraged. It is also advisable to bring enough clothing. Laundry facilities are available at the retreat but for small items please wash by hand.


What To Bring

• Shampoo, conditioner, toiletries, and personal hygiene products
• Personal prescriptions and medications
• Comfortable clothing and footwear (average temperature is 75-80F)
• Loose, simple, and comfortable clothing, preferably in white or light colors (Sleeveless shirts and shorts, see-through, or revealing clothing should not be worn in the Retreat Center)
• Individual bottle / flask for water
• Flashlight with batteries

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What Not To Bring