Part 1 - Moral Conduct

Purification of moral conduct is a prerequisite for a meditator to achieve progress in his practice. Only then will he be free from a guilty conscience and be detached and able to concentrate easily. In a meditation retreat, the meditators are required to observe the eight precepts: -

1. I undertake the precept to abstain from killing.
2. I undertake the precept to abstain from taking things not given.
3. I undertake the precept to abstain from incelibacy.
4. I undertake the precept to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake the precept to abstain from taking distilled and fermented liquors and intoxicants.
6. I undertake the precept to abstain from taking food at an improper time.
7. I undertake the precept to abstain from dancing, singing, music and and unseemly shows, from the use of garlands, perfumes, and unguents, and from things that tend to beautify and adorn (the person).
8. I undertake the precept to abstain from using high and luxurious seats and beds.