What is awareness meditation?

In each of our seminars, we practice meditation in presence and pure awareness (in short, awareness meditation). We are completely present in the present moment and aware of what is happening. In this way, we strengthen the consciousness that is present in all living beings. By strengthening consciousness, we develop the ability to clearly perceive life in the present moment, in our bodies, in our minds, and in the environment around us. This leads to the development of joy in living in the present moment, appreciation and gratitude for everything that life gives us and increasing serenity in everyday life. During long-term practice, we discover that the nature of our true self is completely free. We experience the natural peace of pure awareness and unconditional loving kindness for all people and all living beings. Ultimately, realizing our true nature leads to the end of all suffering.

What awareness meditation is NOT:

1. Awareness meditation is not an opportunity to collect esoteric or supernatural experiences,
But it is the development of pure awareness that helps us recognize the very concrete reality of the present moment.
2. Awareness meditation is not a means of curing physical or mental illnesses
... and it is not an escape from the difficulties of life,
…but it helps us to overcome suffering when facing unpleasant experiences.

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For whom awareness meditation is suitable:​

Awareness meditation is generally suitable for people of all ages, all faiths, and all social and cultural backgrounds. However, special caution is required for people with serious mental illnesses or other mental disabilities (see note below). No previous knowledge or experience is required to take part in our courses.

Important note for people suffering from severe mental illness:

Awareness meditation is an effective method to overcome the sufferings in life and find inner peace and calm. Through meditation, we can increase our self-confidence, learn relaxation techniques, and develop the ability to deal calmly with life's challenges. However, awareness meditation is not a cure for mental illness and cannot replace professional medical therapies. A certain level of psychological stability is required to practice awareness meditation effectively and safely. If you have any doubts about whether participation suits you, please contact us in advance for advice and support.
While attending our meditation courses at the academy, you must continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor. This is crucial to ensure your psychological stability and health. Do not stop taking medication on your own. We recommend that you speak to your doctor about attending the meditation courses.

Staying and practicing at the academy according to the scheduled seminars

Register to participate in the desired course on our official website. This information helps the academy arrange rooms and amenities properly.
Prepare personal items: Each participant needs to bring their sleeping bag, water bottle with lid and necessary personal items such as towels, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrush, hair dryer, etc. This helps ensure comfort and convenience throughout the course.

Staying and practicing at the academy outside the seminars

​If you want to live in the academy for several days or weeks outside the seminar times to meditate and practice with the Sisters, you first need to meet the following requirements:
1. Used to participate in at least two-weekend retreats (3 days)
2. Writing a letter to the community providing the following information:
- Why do you want to meditate or deepen your meditation practice?
- What specific goal do you set for yourself for this stay at the academy?
- On which day do you want to come to the academy, and on which day do you want to leave?
After the Sangha has observed your practice during at least two-weekend retreats and learned about your aspiration through the letter you have written, all nuns will decide together if they consider a stay at the academy suitable for you and if they are ready to welcome you into the community for the period in question.
Please note that the daily schedule may differ from the schedule during retreats and that you need to be flexible to follow the flow of the practicing community. During your stay, you are required to participate in all Sangha activities.

Behaving at the academy

 

All people who participate in our meditation courses commit to following the below five basic rules during their stay at the academy:

1.  Protect life - do not kill living beings

2. Protect other people's property and practice generosity - don't steal

3. Respect the celibacy of people living in the community - refrain from sexual action

4. Speak only the truth - don't lie.

5. Mindful consumption – Eat vegetarian, do not drink alcohol and do not consume drugs or other mind-altering substances. Exceptions to this rule are medications prescribed by a doctor. These must continue to be taken. In this case, please inform the course leader before registering.

 

In addition, the following rules of conduct must be followed:

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Check-in

When arriving at the academy, participants are kindly requested to wait for the academy to arrange the room until they receive it. This helps maintain order and quiet at the institution area.
Maintain silence
During the process of practice, participants always maintain silence—walk, stand, lie down, and sit all in full presence and awareness. This helps create a peaceful environment and aids concentration.
Luggage and valuables
The International Transformation Academy accepts no liability for lost luggage. We recommend that participants bring as few valuables as possible and always carry them with them.
Leaving the institute during your stay
Please inform the course leader in advance if you want to leave the academy grounds during the seminar.
Clothing
Clothing should always cover the upper body and knees.
Noble silence
Please observe the silence times at night (from 9 p.m. until after breakfast the next morning), during meals, and during the midday rest period.
Meditation hall
You are not allowed to enter the meditation hall wearing shoes. Please remain quiet and switch off your mobile phones and other electronic devices. When sitting, your feet must not point towards the Buddha. Do not turn your back to the Buddha. Only monks and nuns are allowed to use the bells and drums during the designated times (meditation, chanting, and ceremonies).
Working meditation
Participation in the working meditation is mandatory. Participants are responsible for keeping their bedrooms tidy and clean.
Garbage classification
Participants need to classify garbage correctly into the designated bins, contributing to maintaining the cleanliness of the environment at the academy.
Maintain hygiene
Always maintain hygiene and respect common property, helping to maintain a clean and harmonious space for everyone.
Save resources
Use electricity, water, and the academy’s resources economically, showing appreciation and gratitude for what is provided.
Laundry regulations
Washing machines are only available to participants attending retreats of seven days or more once a week. This helps manage resources effectively.
Daily Schedule
All participants participate in all community activities throughout the day. If you cannot participate for medical or other reasons, please inform the course leader before the activity begins. 
Example of daily schedule:
05:30 Wake up
06:00 Sitting meditation, Chanting
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Working meditation
10:00 Dharma talk
11:00 Walking meditation
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Deep relaxation
15:00 Dharma sharing
16:00 Free
18:00 Dinner
19:30 Sitting meditation, Chanting, Tea & Meditation, etc. (TBA)
21:00 Noble silence
The daily schedule may vary according to the seminar.
Clean the room
Before leaving, participants must clean, vacuum, empty trash in their rooms, and return the institute's belongings if borrowed. This helps maintain a clean environment that is ready for the next student.
Check personal belongings
Participants must check and bring all belongings and personal items when leaving to avoid forgetting or losing them.
Course financing - Dhana
The Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) is not for sale. Therefore, all events at our institute are funded by donations (Dhana). The meditation courses can take place thanks to donations from participants in past courses. We are given the opportunity to participate in a course thanks to other people's generosity who have already practiced meditation at the academy. To make future seminars at the academy possible, course participants can donate at their own discretion and according to their means.

Complying with the above regulations not only helps the meditation course run smoothly but also helps participants achieve tranquility and peace throughout the meditation process. This also contributes to creating a harmonious, peaceful, and sustainable learning environment for everyone.