| The following rules apply to all
participants for the duration of any Enlightenment Intensive.
- USE ONLY THE TECHNIQUE THAT IS TAUGHT.
There is nothing
wrong with other techniques, but you will dilute your efforts if you
combine them with the EI technique. Refrain from adding anything to this
technique.
- NO REACTIONS OR REFERENCES TO OTHER PARTICIPANTS.
Everyone must feel certain that nothing they say will be judged or
responded to by others. Therefore, make no reactions or communications
that express an evaluation (whether positive or negative) or an
invalidatation of another participant or something they have said or
done. In other words, no trip-laying. Communicate in a way that does not
involve other participants at all, even if what is occurring for you is
in response to someone else in the group. In such cases communicate
about your reaction only, without identifying (or even implying) who it
is about.
- NO SEXUAL ACTIVITY.
This includes all sexual release
whether on your own or with another. For one thing, you need the energy.
For another, it's just a distraction from the process and a potential
inteference with the safety of the group. It is fine to feel sexual and
to communicate any sexual thoughts and feelings you experience as a
result of contemplating (without making any reference to other
participants). But simply set aside acting out on the sexual urge for
the duration of the Intensive.
- NO UNNECESSARY COMMUNICATION.
This includes gossip or any
other form of communication that is irrelevant to the process.
Basically, all interactions with other participants outside the dyad
structure should be for practical purposes only (e.g., "Could you pass
me that cushion, please?").
- NO JEWELRY.
This is part of letting go of all
distractions and attachments to your everyday identity. Yes, this
includes wedding rings. Just put them aside for three days.
- NO WRIST-WATCHES.
Let go of time-keeping and leave it to
the staff. You will always be given at least 5 minutes' notice of what
exercise or period is coming next. This frees you to go into your
contemplation without having to think about time.
- NO MAKEUP, NO SHAVING, NO SCENTS OR PERFUMED DEODORANTS.
You will have time to wash and shower, but set aside the extras
for the duration. This is partly because there isn't time for everyone
to spend as much time as they'd like in the bathroom. It is also the
case that, in the context of seeking enlightenment, these things are
unnecessary distractions and attachments.
- FEEL FREE TO GO TO THE TOILET AT ANY TIME EXCEPT:-
- During a lecture.
- During a sitting contemplation.
- When you are being a listening partner in a dyad.
- Just before the start of a dyad.
- NO SMOKING, ALCOHOL, DRUGS OR CAFFEINE.
If you need to
take medication, inform the Master beforehand. You are strongly advised
to wean yourself off all drugs (including caffeine) before the
Intensive. Coffee drinkers in particular are prone to having a severe
headache for the first day, if they haven't already detoxified. The
withdrawal symptoms do pass, however.
- FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE.
All exercises and periods are timed
to the minute. The staff will keep you informed as to what's happening
next on the schedule.
- NO READING, WRITING, RADIOS, STEREOS, TV, LAPTOPS, CELLPHONES,
etc.
None of these will be needed during the process, and it's
best not to have them around to tempt you. If you bring any of these
things with you, that's okay but store them away from sight. You can
leave them either in your car or with a member of staff.
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