1. Refraining from Killing: Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I will cultivate the precept of not killing. In undertaking this precept, I acknowledge the interconnection of all sentient beings.

2. Refraining from Stealing: Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, injustice and stealing, I agree not to take anything that does not belong to me or has not been freely offered, and to respect the property of others. I will be honest in my dealings with money.

3. Refraining from Sexual Misconduct: Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I will avoid creating harm through sexuality, and will refrain from all sexual activity while on retreat.

4. Refraining from False Speech: Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful and untrue words, I will undertake the training of Noble Silence for the duration of this retreat. I will cultivate deep listening in individual or group interviews, and I will attempt to speak with kindness and honesty. In writing notes or feedback to teachers, staff or other participants I will be kind and honest.

5. Refraining from the Use of Intoxicants: Aware of the suffering caused by the consumption of intoxicants, I will refrain from using them while on retreat, including non-medicinal drugs and alcohol.

• Arrive at all sessions 2 to 5 minutes prior to the meditation bell
• It is respectful to stand when teacher(s) arrive until they take their seat
• It is respectful to stand and wait until the teacher(s) leave the hall
• It is respectful to bow, honoring Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha when entering the hall
• Do not enter after a sitting session bell has been rung
• Remain in the hall until the bell at the end of the sitting session has been rung
• It is respectful to not point the soles of your feet toward the teacher(s) or the alter
• Moderate stretching to ease back and legs is ok between sitting sessions, however do not perform yoga routines, qigong and other practices in the meditation hall. Utilize Misthaven, or outdoor areas.
• It is disrespectful to lie down or to nap in the meditation hall. Please alert the teacher(s) if a medical condition requires you to lie down in the hall

• Please be mindful when opening/closing doors , and when moving about indoors and out, especially in and around the meditation hall.
• Limit eye contact with other participants.
• Leave cell phones and pagers in your car unless you are on emergency call in which case you need to use the "vibration" mode only. Any calls on cell phones should be made in the parking lot, or off site.

• Don't approach the staff quarters except in emergency. You can leave a note for staff on the bulletin board in the Dining Hall for requests, or facility repairs.
• Don't ring the wake up bell at staff quarters.

• It is respectful to wear clothing that is not too tight or revealing, especially when monks and nuns are present on retreat

• It is disrespectful to place Dhamma written materials or Dhamma objects directly on the floor. Place them on your cushion, a cloth or a proper sutra bench.

• Covered water bottles are permitted in the Dhamma hall, all other food or beverages are not permitted in the hall, or your rooms

Walking meditation is permitted in many places on the property.
• During rain you can:
   a. Borrow one of the umbrellas located outside the dinning hall entrance.
   b. You can use Misthaven.
   c. You can walk under one of the building overhangs.
• If you walk on the lawns, be mindful not to damage the grass. Move your location periodically.
• Do not walk in the dining hall
• Do not walk on the staff residence deck. If you walk on the lawn in front of the staff residence, please stay out nearer the driveway.
• Do not walk in the path by Diamond hall that leads to the teacher's cottage.
• Do not walk where you will block the normal flow of passage for other participants and staff. Rule of thumb: if there is no space to let others by, then please walk somewhere else.

• Walk only on the roads and trails indicated on the maps provided.
• Stay on the roads, and do not stray into fields, and do not approach or cross fences.
• If you encounter or see dogs, horses, other animals or pets, do not stop to pet or play with the animals. Do not approach roadside fences to pet horses. Dogs are unpredictable and on occasion follow participants back to the retreat center leaving the staff to deal with the wayward animal.
• Do not cross our next door neighbor's boundaries on the south which runs from the top of the hill by Misthaven to the bottom past the sauna area, and on the west boundary line along the top of the hill. You will see the metal posts along both boarders. Please refer to a property map. You will find all maps in the dining hall.

• Flashlights: Please use your flashlights after dark when walking outside. Even lighted trails and paths can be difficult to navigate at night. If you forgot to bring a flashlight, then borrow one of ours to use while you are here. The loaners are located in the dining hall, in the sitting area on the mantel above the gas stove.
• Paths: Please be mindful and careful when walking the paths, and watch for rocks that may have tumbled from a bank, or limbs and fir cones that may have fallen onto the path. If you see a hazard, please remove it yourself if possible, or report it to staff.
• Decks and trails can be slippery at any time, especially after a rain, so please walk with care at all times.
• Shoes: Please put your shoes on the shoe racks, or against the wall under the benches. Do not leave shoes outside the main door of the meditation hall, or in general out where others can stumble on them.

• Emergencies: medical, fire, police call 911
• Castle Rock Pharmacy: call 360-274-8211

• Retreats begin in the evening of the first day. The confirmation letter will specify exact times. Participants are asked to make every effort to arrive on time, as the spirit and continuity of the retreat is greatly facilitated by starting together.
• Retreats end in the afternoon of the last scheduled day. Participants are asked to stay until the scheduled end of the retreat. This consideration supports the continuity of the environment and minimizes disruptions caused by packing and departure activities while others are still in retreat. Late arrivals and early departures of a non-emergency nature fall outside the retreat center guidelines and can result in suspension of retreat participation at Cloud Mountain.

• Participation in daily and final chores is a part of the retreat structure at Cloud Mountain. Unless there is a physical limitation or some compelling reason to be excused from these activities, all participants are expected to participate.