Class Guidelines

In attending classes and retreats at Downtown Meditation, students are asked to follow certain guidelines and the Five Precepts. We can think of these guidelines as “healthy boundaries.” By respecting these boundaries, we help to create conditions that are suitable for practice of the dharma.

The following guidelines are offered in the spirit of maintaining an environment that is safe and nurturing:

• Please arrive on time to all classes. Wednesday night classes begin at 7 pm. Please arrive between 6:30 and 7 pm. If you are late, please wait until the meditation sitting ends before entering the room.

• Please do not use any electronic devices in the meeting space, before, during, or after the class or retreat.

• Please observe silence at all times. Classes are held in silence, except for teacher instruction, talks, and question and answer periods.

• Please do not leave your seat during sitting meditation. If for some reason you have to get up, please move quietly so as not to disturb other meditators.

• Please do not read, write, eat, drink or lie down while meditation is in progress.

• Please remain in your seat during the class. If you have to get up, please move quietly.

• When the teacher is offering a dharma talk, please do not read, eat, lie down, or leave your seat.

• Please remain in a sitting position throughout the class. If, for medical reasons, you need to lie down, please notify the teacher before the class.

• When speaking in classes, it is asked that participants speak from their own experience. It is asked that when sharing that we do not criticize what other people say, give feedback, or offer advice. Please also follow these suggestions before, during, and after classes.

• Please respect the privacy of all students. Please keep confidential what you hear at classes.