All students attending the course observe “noble silence” — that is, silence of
body, speech and mind. They agree to refrain from communicating with their co-meditators. However,
students are free to contact the management about their material needs, and to speak with the
instructor. Silence is observed for the first nine full days. On the tenth day, speech is resumed as a
way of re-establishing the normal pattern of daily life. Continuity of practice is the secret of success
in this course; silence is an essential component in maintaining this continuity.