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Upasika day
Theswingisyellow
Trying to be open to existenceSamsara Veteran
I just wanted to say I have finally made a choice in the tradition I want to follow. I am going to the Abhayagiri monestery (Thai Forest Tradition)on June 6th to become a lay member of the Sangha. 
It's known as the Upasika Program and it's designed for lay practitioners. I am excited to finally have a "home" for my practice.Here is a bit of an outline:
Purpose
Following are the primary purposes of the Upasika Program:
• To enhance individual practice and increase self-discipline through making a formal commitment to spiritual training.
• To deepen both the intellectual and experiential understanding of Dhamma.
• To have more supportive contact with like-minded people and the ordained Sangha.
• To be better equipped to communicate the Teachings to others.
Guidelines
The following Upasika Program guidelines are meant as an outline for spiritual training of the individual and are intended to provide a structure for those seeking support and encouragement in their practice.
• Undertake to live by the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
• To take the Theravada Thai Forest Tradition as the focus of one's Buddhist practice.
• Attend regular gatherings with other Upasikas, either at the monastery or in our own homes.
• Visit the monastery and formally take the Refuges and Precepts at least quarterly.
• Observe the Uposatha days of the full and new moons in some fashion appropriate to our living situation.
• Practice meditation daily.
• Find some time each year to go on retreat.
• Attend at least one festival day or communal gathering at the monastery each year.
• Cultivate a basic working knowledge of the Teachings.
• Support the sangha according to our means and abilities.
• Keep to the training for at least one year after having made the formal commitment.
http://www.abhayagiri.org/main/content/C59
Yours in the Dharma,
Todd
It's known as the Upasika Program and it's designed for lay practitioners. I am excited to finally have a "home" for my practice.Here is a bit of an outline:Purpose
Following are the primary purposes of the Upasika Program:
• To enhance individual practice and increase self-discipline through making a formal commitment to spiritual training.
• To deepen both the intellectual and experiential understanding of Dhamma.
• To have more supportive contact with like-minded people and the ordained Sangha.
• To be better equipped to communicate the Teachings to others.
Guidelines
The following Upasika Program guidelines are meant as an outline for spiritual training of the individual and are intended to provide a structure for those seeking support and encouragement in their practice.
• Undertake to live by the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
• To take the Theravada Thai Forest Tradition as the focus of one's Buddhist practice.
• Attend regular gatherings with other Upasikas, either at the monastery or in our own homes.
• Visit the monastery and formally take the Refuges and Precepts at least quarterly.
• Observe the Uposatha days of the full and new moons in some fashion appropriate to our living situation.
• Practice meditation daily.
• Find some time each year to go on retreat.
• Attend at least one festival day or communal gathering at the monastery each year.
• Cultivate a basic working knowledge of the Teachings.
• Support the sangha according to our means and abilities.
• Keep to the training for at least one year after having made the formal commitment.
http://www.abhayagiri.org/main/content/C59
Yours in the Dharma,
Todd
0
Comments
May your practice bear fruit!
And of course, have a happy Vesak Day!