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Monastery Etiquette:
Monastery Etiquette:
Please dress conservatively. Casual and comfortable is fine, but no shorts, and nothing provocative or revealing. This applies to both sexes. Shoes are to be removed prior to entering any building (except for the restrooms).
Right Speech:
Right Speech:
The Monastery is not a place for total silence. Visitors are encouraged to be quiet to perpetuate an atmosphere conducive to meditation. However, there are certain chores to be done and cooperation necessary among the guests, so some speech is necessary. The Buddha taught the principle of Right Speech. Before speaking, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it useful? Is it the right time?
Precepts:
Precepts:
In the context of visiting the Monastery, we ask that each visitor practice the Five Precepts. For a more dedicated practice, visitors may practice the Eight.
The Five Precepts:
The Five Precepts:
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from taking life.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from stealing.
3. Kamesu micchacara verami sikkhapadam samadiyami- I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from telling lies.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from taking alcohol or intoxicating drugs.
The Eight Precepts:
The Eight Precepts:
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from taking life.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from stealing.
3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from telling lies.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from taking alcohol or intoxicating drugs.
6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the wrong time. (i.e., after midday and before dawn.)
7.Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana-mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying myself with cosmetics.
8. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami - I undertake the precept to refrain from sitting or lying on high and luxurious seats and beds.
Spending the Day:
Spending the Day:
Visitors are welcome to participate in the daily activities of the Monastery. Alternatively, you are welcome to spend the day meditating in the sala. Day visitors are not required to observe the Eight Precepts while at the Monastery, only the (first) Five of them.
Meal Offering:
Meal Offering:
The daily meal offering is at 11:00am every day, held in the sala (meal hall) next to the kitchen, which is located on the property by the last gate. Occasionally, monks go on alms round for special occasions, depending on the weather conditions on those particular days. Check the events calendar for the annual special events.
The Monks:
The Monks:
Please avoid the monks’ areas of the Monastery where their kutis (small huts/houses) are.
Guests are asked to be supportive of the Vinaya rules that the monks follow. When interacting with the monks they might alert you to certain protocols or restrictions. First, be respectful of their requests. Second, they do not expect the laypeople to know all the Vinaya rules, and will be happy to explain them to you, time permitting. If you want to learn more about the monks’ rules, you can download and peruse the eBook version of the Buddhist Monastic Code.
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