Meditation Hall Regulations

The GTMC specializes in Zen practice, maintaining the tradition of the Buddha and Ancestors. The Meditation Hall serves as the central space within the monastery, facilitating collective vitality and illuminating the Dharma. The Meditation Hall operates according to established rules by Truc Lam Zen School that encourage continuous cultivation and uphold a strong, enduring foundation of practice. Accordingly, every Zen practitioner entering the Meditation Hall is expected to adopt a respectful and sincere attitude, setting aside all external distractions. The following regulations are to be observed with utmost sincerity:

 

1. Upon entering the Meditation Hall, practitioners must maintain solemnity and purity in both body and mind, refraining from conversation or any behavior likely to disturb others.

2. Chanting the Meditation Invocation Gatha is regarded as a solemn occasion; individuals participating must preserve a calm and pure mindset, support fellow practitioners in uplifting their spirits, and avoid personal deviations or informal conduct.

3. When a Meditation Surveyor uses a Zen wooden stick to assist practitioners in maintaining alertness and upright posture, practitioners are expected to respond with humility and gratitude, offering respectful thanks and refraining from anger or dissent. Similarly, a Meditation Surveyor is required to treat all practitioners with respect and without disdain.

4. During period of sitting meditation session, practitioners are not to be disturbed or called out except under exceptional circumstances with approval from the Meditation Surveyor.

5. Practitioners are advised to maintain an upright posture and composed demeanor to uphold dignity throughout the meditation session. Refrain from looking around, excessive movements, or making any actions that may disrupt others.  

6. The Meditation-Releasing Technique should be performed following completion of sitting meditation, strictly in accordance with the methods established by the Zen monastery. Unapproved alterations or actions inconsistent with proper decorum are not permitted.

7. Following completing of the meditation session, meditation mat, cushion, and other supportive items must be orderly returned to their designated locations in a composed manner; practitioners should not rush or leave personal items behind in the Meditation Hall.