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Who here has stayed in a monastery/temple?
There is a Theravada Temple/monastery/community center about 20 miles from where I live. After I become more knowledgeable in Buddhism, I've considered perhaps staying there for a little bit of time.
To those who have stayed in temples or monasteries: a.) What should I expect and b.) How should I conduct myself?
To those who have stayed in temples or monasteries: a.) What should I expect and b.) How should I conduct myself?
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See if they have a website...usually they post first
time/visiting info. Especially if they are newly established.
All my introductions (here in the deep south, few and far
between) with the Buddhist community, .....well,there
is only one way to find out. Only one way to experience
it, if you will. Walk in there with intention and purpose.
Ask questions.
I'm sure some others can/will provide the
daily-routine-boring stuff.....but to us women....that's
just everyday housework/caregiving/mothering/running stuff .
Setting the rules.
I run this here monastary 365....24/7.
It will be full-time teaching in a structured enviroment.
You are the student.
You should expect to be respected and should be respectful. Conduct yourself better than a monk, examples should be available. Take every opportunity to help, before going ask what Danna is most useful . . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dāna
In my experience, the day begins relatively early, generally between 4:00am-5:30am. The times vary from temple to temple, but usually fall in between these times. Everyone rises and gathers in the sala (meditation hall) for morning chanting and meditation.
After the morning chanting, everyone either has a light breakfast or begins their chores, which usually consist of sweeping, mopping, cleaning, yard work, building repairs, etc. Certain traditions are more strict than others and only eat one meal a day before noon (usually around 11am), while others might have a small breakfast, then chores, followed by the main meal.
After the meal, the rest of the work is completed by the junior monks, anagarikas, and upasikas, while the more senior monks receive visitors, give Dhamma talks, answer questions, etc. If there isn't too much to do, or if one is staying during a meditation retreat, this is a good time to practice sitting and walking meditation.
In the evening, generally around 6:00pm, everyone gathers in the sala once again for evening chanting and meditation. After the evening chanting, a Dhamma talk is often given and the senior monk will answer any questions, especially during retreats. When the Dhamma talk is over, each person is allowed to practice meditation or study on their own until bedtime.
The only advice regarding conduct I can think of at the moment is to try not to point your feet out in front of you and towards monks, statues of the Buddha, or other people. In Thai culture, it's considered rude. Other than that, just be on your best behaviour.
Conduct yourself in whatever way minimizes the feeding of your ego.
just visit , dont stay there.
Why not?
It is also possible to go on Christian retreats and practice Buddhist meditation. A lot them don't mind what you do on retreat, just turn up for meals.