Orientation

[Eight Precepts] [Noble Silence] [Activities] [Service] [Conduct] [Etiquette] [Clothes] [Health]
[Natural Environment] [Lodging] [Food] [Generosity] [What to Bring] [Arrival and Departure]

In order to facilitate your practice to obtain the maximum benefit from your stay at the Dhamma Vihara, we have prepared the following orientation sheet. Please read it carefully.

Eight Precepts » Every person that stays in the Dhamma Vihara (this includes overnight visitors and residents) must follow the Eight Precepts. A resident monk or another designated person will administer the Eight Precepts. In addition, everyone at the monastery will be under the supervision of a monk or a designated person. The Eight Precepts are as follows

1. Abstention from killing or harming living beings,

2. Abstention from taking what is not given,

3. Abstention from sexual conduct,

4. Abstention from harsh, abusive, frivolous or untrue speech,

5. Abstention from alcohol, drugs and intoxicants,

6. Abstention form eating after mid-day,

7. Abstention from dancing, singing, music, visual entertainment (i.e. movies, television). Also abstention from the use of perfumes and cosmetics,

8. Abstention from the use of high and luxurious chairs and beds.

If you have special circumstance (like health problems) that might prevent you from keeping these precepts during your stay please contact us beforehand.

When observing the eight precepts it is permitted to drink tea and juice in the afternoon (however no milk is allowed). During meditation retreats it is also recommended to avoid visual contact with other people and to refrain from reading and writing. These actions can negatively affect the practice. (Back to top)

Noble silence » During retreats you should observe Noble Silence in all of the areas of the Dhamma Vihara. This means that you do not talk except during interviews and with the instructor and any absolutely necessary personal communication. If you are not in a retreat we ask that you observe Noble Silence in the designated areas. These areas include the meditation hall and the rooms. If you choose to talk in areas like the kitchen, we request that you keep your conversations brief and that you refrain from frivolous language. The use of the telephone of the Dhamma Vihara is restricted to emergencies only. (Back to top)

Activities » It is requiered that any person who stays at the Dhamma Vihara follows the program of daily activities.

Service » Any person who stays at the Dhamma Vihara should do service work (2 or more hours daily). These activities include, but are not limited to, helping in the kitchen and cleaning the meditation hall, rooms and bathrooms. (Back to top)

Conduct » It is required that during your stay you remain within the property of the Dhamma Vihara. If, for some reason, you may need to go out, you should get permission before leaving the compound.

We advise against other types of practice (like yoga) or physical exercise apart from walking while you are staying in the monastery. We suggest that you maintain only the practice that is assigned to you by a resident monk or other qualified instructor. You should pay attention to all of your movements and avoid physical contact with other people. (Back to top)

It is not permitted to speak after 9:00 p.m. During retreats we also require that you follow the program of activities. In the compound of the Dhamma Vihara:

Etiquette » The rules of conduct for Theravada Monks require that monks refrain from physical contact with women. Because of this it is best if women keep a comfortable distance between themselves and the monks. When addressing a monk we also ask that you address them respectfully by using either the term “Bhante” or “Venerable Sir”. (Back to top)

Clothes » Following the Burmese tradition lay dress is as follows. Men should wear black or dark brown pants and a white shirt or t-shirt. Women should wear black or dark brown pants/skirt and a white shirt or blouse. The clothes should be of such a nature as to not expose areas of the body (other than the face, hands, feet, etc.). Also shorts are not appropriate even on hot days and men must wear their shirts at all times while in the monastery. In addition it is best if the clothes are loosely fitting both for the sake of modesty and for the sake of comfort during your meditation. The use of footwear is not permitted inside the buildings of the monastery except in the kitchen. (Back to top)

Health » The Dhamma Vihara is located in an isolated location. Access to medical services is extremely limited. If you have any health problems or disabilities please inform us before your arrival at the Dhamma Vihara. In the case of medical emergency we will do our best to aid and assist you in any way possible. However, without exception, it is the responsibility of the visitor to pay for his or her own health care and medical treatment. (Back to top)

Natural Environment » All animal and plant life must be respected during your stay. You should not cut flowers, fruits, plants or trees. We do not permit the use of products which may contaminate or damage the natural environment. And we ask that during your stay you refrain from littering, putting all trash and waste only in designated areas and receptacles. We thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep both the monastery and the surrounding natural environment clean and unpolluted. (Back to top)

Lodging » A room will be assigned to the guest, upon arrival, by one of the residents or the administrator. It is not permitted to prepare or consume food in the rooms. Also receiving visitors and the use of incense are not permitted. We ask that before your departure you take the time to clean your room and put everything you have used back in its proper place. In addition we ask for your assistance in the continual maintenance of a clean environment in the bathrooms. (Back to top)

Food » The food offered in the Dhamma Vihara is mainly ovo-lacto vegeterian. We do not use any meat (although fish is sometimes offered sparingly). All food must be consumed only during the proper times and within the appropriate areas. During retreats it is not possible to make special food nor can meditators prepare their own food. Entrance to the kitchen is forbidden except for authorized persons to assist in the preparation of the meals and cleaning of dishes. (Back to top)

Generosity » In conformity with the Buddhist tradition we offer at no cost the teachings by the monks or other instructors. We offer the teachings to all who are interested without making any distinctions. The maintenance and construction of the monastery is funded solely through donations. We welcome the donation of money, work or other goods. To see the list of articles currently required by the Vihara click here aquí. (Back to top)

What to Bring » We advise you bring any medicine that you are currently taking or may need at the monastery. In addition we also recommend the following personal items: toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, towel, flashlight, batteries, insect repellent, alarm clock, sandals, a sleeping bag or other bedding and clothing adequate for a rainy and cool climate, and a bench or meditation cushion. (Back to top)

Arrival and Departure » It is advisable that you plan to arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The ideal times to depart are after breakfast (between 7:00- 8:00 a.m.) and after lunch (between 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) During the established times we can give you a ride to/from Coacoazintla (6 kilometers distance from the Dhamma Vihara). If you do ask us to provide you with this service, we ask that you make a contribution to help cover the costs of transport. Also please contact us in advance if you will need transportation from Coacoazintla to the Dhamma Vihara. (Back to top)

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts or questions. It is our wish that you have a pleasant and beneficial stay at the Dhamma Vihara.