The Eight Training Rules.

There is a tradition of observing The Eight Training Rules during retreats in order to create a simple and supportive framework for meditation, mindfulness, and wisdom. It is not a requirement to follow them while on retreat, but we recommend these principles to those who wish to devote themselves more fully to the meditation practice.

1. I undertake the training principle to refrain from intentionally killing any living being.

2. I undertake the training to refrain from stealing.

3. I undertake the training to refrain from sexual activity.

4. I undertake the training to refrain from false or harmful speech.

5. I undertake the training to refrain from alcohol and other intoxicants that cloud the mind.

6. I undertake the training to refrain from eating after midday.

7. I undertake the training to refrain from entertainment, as well as the use of makeup, perfume, and jewelry.

8. I undertake the training to refrain from using luxurious beds and seats.

These principles support the development of mindfulness, calm, and insight through a simple way of living during the retreat. Since the time of the Buddha, lay practitioners have observed these principles either as a way of life or on special Uposatha days (full moon or new moon), in order to deepen and strengthen their practice.