Mindfulness (being aware of the moment) is an essential part of MBW practice. We are especially mindful when entering the meditation hall. When we are mindful we are aware of what we are doing right here and now. Since this runs against the grain of our ordinary forgetful lives we have to make a special effort at first; and attentive and sensitive conduct in the meditation hall is a good place to start. We begin mindfulness in the ‘special setting’ of the meditation hall, and then we can begin to carry it into all aspects of out lives. (In truth, meditation has no special setting.) The following are not strict rules, but some useful mindfulness observances.

* Please arrive on time. A session will begin promptly on the hour. Since in meditation we wish to concentrate our minds, the distraction of people coming and going is unhelpful. If you do arrive late then please wait in the lobby until you hear the bell ending a meditation session (whether sitting or walking meditation). Then you may enter without speaking, but bowing at the door to acknowledge your friends.

* We always walk around the outer edge of the meditation room to our cushions or seats, and not across the centre of the room where the candle and incense are placed.

* Entering the meditation hall, we endeavour to be aware (but not in a tense way) of every move we are making and of the setting we are in throughout our time in the hall, so as to be ‘fully present’.

* When we arrive at the meditation hall reception area we may greet our friends, of course, but we do not need to get too deep into chat. Like everything in meditation, this observance is a means to an end. We come to the hall to calm ourselves and let go – chatting stirs up the mind. (However, should I happen to mention the weekend’s DIY disaster I have not done anything ‘wrong’. It is just that thoughts about DIY may intrude into my meditation.) There will be plenty of time for chatting in the tea break and outside when the session has finished.

* During a fixed break we either remain in the meditation room in silence or go outside to the reception area to talk. Mobile phones should be switched off in the meditation room. When we have to use a mobile, we go outside the building.

* We always remove shoes in the lobby. The reason for this is not very profound – it is probably better not to sit in dirt brought in from the outside. And we all prefer clean mats and cushions. (Also, we leave food and drink in the lobby.)

* Clothing: There is no special clothing. However, there are two practical considerations. 1) Clothing which is too tight will inhibit breathing and posture, and may even interfere with circulation. So we suggest putting on loose clothing or loosening the clothing we are wearing, such as a tight belt. 2) Modest clothing is less likely to cause distraction.

* Cushions: You are encouraged to bring your own cushion and/or mat. We try to provide these, but it is always possible that we won't have sufficient if we have a very large group.

* Treat every object in the hall with respect and care. The cushions, mats, bell, books, etc. are all to be handled mindfully. E.g. Throwing down cushions is not mindful. When something is to be given, passed or received , it is better to use both hands. Handling things mindfully is part of meditational practice. Also, clumsiness and accidents are distracting.

* English language: We try to say everything in English during the practice and instruction. To practise meditation we do not need to know technical or foreign words, although there are many in 'Buddhist' books. We try to avoid such words, although occasionally they are unavoidable (e.g. when reading some text together), and will be explained. We practise chanting in English only.

* If, when meditating, a desire to sneeze arises, then there are one of two things that can be done 1) press the finger nail into the ball of the thumb as hard as is necessary to make the thumb more important than the itchy nose. 2) sneeze (it's OK).

* No one in the hall is more or less important than you are. Try to focus on what you are doing, not on what others are doing. The person who is guiding the practice is not a 'master' or 'guru' but is helping us to coordinate our actions and non-actions. The practice is no one’s, except yours when you are actually doing it. One day, when you are doing it, you may delightfully find it is not even yours.

This page is merely intended to help us to do what we came to the meditation hall to do, and as fully as we can in the time that we have. Anything else that helps, we may do; and anything that obstructs, we let go of.