Retreat Preparations >> Pre-Course Preparations >> Dos & Don'ts
Dos & Don'ts ❗❗
As Metta Lodge is a Buddhist centre, there are certain rules that all students have to comply with while on Metta Lodge premises. We seek your cooperation in this matter.
General
Students must remain inside the compound of Metta Lodge for the entire duration of the retreat. If any student needs to leave the retreat due to an emergency, please inform the teacher or the staff beforehand.
No shoes or sandals are to be worn inside the Metta Lodge building. Indoor slippers are allowed, but they should not be worn inside the meditation hall.
Meditation Hall
The start of each meditation session will be signaled by the striking of a bell.
Please leave your indoor slippers (if you are wearing them) outside the meditation hall. No footwear of any kind is allowed inside the meditation hall.
Male and female students are seated in 2 different zones in the meditation hall.
Every participant is to sit at the assigned place. Students with back problems, pain or sore legs may sit on the chairs at the back of the meditation hall.
Please do not bring books, drinking bottles, plastic bags, or anything that will create noise when handled, or use beeping clocks or noisy watches in the meditation hall.
Move slowly and quietly when entering and leaving the meditation hall, while going to your seat, sitting down and in making any other movements.
There are daily interviews with the teacher where each student is given personal guidance. Students should provide a true and accurate account of their experiences.
Students should practice according to the instructions given by the teacher. Any questions about the meditation practice should be directed to the teacher only. The student is free to approach the teacher during his free time outside the meditation hall.
If a student falls sick, please inform the staff and the teacher. Adjustments will be made as appropriate to your daily programme and meditation.
Dining Hall
Male and female students are seated in 2 different zones in the dining hall.
Breakfast, lunch and light evening meal will be provided daily. For old students keeping the 8 precepts, appropriate beverages will be provided in the evening.
Outside of the mealtimes, students are welcome to go to the dining hall at any time to eat or drink. Students may take any food in the dining hall and refrigerator for their consumption.
After your meal, please help to clean up your table with the tissues provided before leaving. Then proceed to wash your utensils in the washing area.
Kindly refrain from throwing anything that could cause blockage into the basin. All solid waste and leftover food should be thrown into the waste bin before you wash your utensils.
Please take measures to avoid attracting ants, flies, and other insects.
All food and drinks should only be consumed in the dining hall; however, you may bring plain drinking water into your room.
During sleeping hours (9pm~4am), please switch off all lights when you leave the dining hall. Also ensure that the glass door to the car park is closed before you leave the dining hall.
Dormitory
Male and female students are separated into different rooms. During the retreat, males are not allowed to enter into a female rooms and vice-versa.
The last person to leave the room should switch off the lights, fans and/or air-conditioning and keep the door closed.
Please do not bring any food or drinks into the room (except for bottled drinking water and medicine).
Please do not bring any valuables to the retreat. The organizers will not be held liable for any mishaps, damages or losses incurred during this retreat.
Kindly hang your wet towel in the respective laundry rack (there is one for men and one for ladies) at the basement. Do not hang them in your room.
Toilet
For showers, students may use the toilets on the ground floor, level 1 and level 2. Each level has one cubicle (the innermost cubicle) with hot water for students who would like to take a warm shower.
Kindly clean up after using the toilet as a courtesy to the next user.
You are welcome to use the disabled toilet.
