This information is intended as a guide to lay people staying Watpah. People from non-Buddhist backgrounds may find the discipline and customs somewhat unfamiliar. It is hoped that the following information will help in giving greater understanding and sensitivity to the various conventions of monastic life.

Although Watpah is not a regular retreat or meditation center, people are welcome to visit, or to stay as guests and share the lifestyle of the monastic
community for a time. The community’s meditation and work provides visitors with living examples of the Buddhist path.

In keeping with the tradition there is no charge for staying at Watpasantidhamma, which is funded entirely by voluntary donations. Financial support is needed and
appreciated however, to cover the costs of running and maintaining the monastery and looking after the guests.

The monastic community observes a silent retreat in December, January, February, and March. During this time a quiet day visit is possible, however overnight guests
cannot be accommodated.

6:00 am :   Morning group meditation and chanting (Puja).
7:00 am :   Daily cleanup
7:30 am :   Light breakfast and discussion of tasks for the day.
8:00 am :  General work begins.
11:00 am : Meal offering to the community. The meal, eaten in silence, is the last meal of the day.
12:30 pm : Time for individual meditation and study
05:30 pm :  Evening group chanting and meditation (Dhamma talk on lunar quarters).

First-time visits are limited to one week. For those who have previously spent time with the community, it is possible to arrange longer stays. Accommodations are presently few. You are welcome to bring a tent, or check ahead of time for availability of a Kuti.

THE EIGHT PRECEPTS
1. Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything which is not given.
3. Celibacy: refraining from any sexual activity.
4. Right Speech: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech.
5. Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drink or drugs.
6. Renunciation: not eating after mid-day.
7. Restraint: Not seeking entertainment, playing radios or musical instruments. Dressing in a modest, unadorned way that does not attract attention.
8. Alertness: refraining from over-indulgence in sleep.

The Vinaya, the code of monastic discipline, establishes a relationship with lay people, without whose daily support the Sangha could not continue. Monks and nuns are prohibited from possessing money or property and from storing food. They are completely dependent on the laity in many simple ways, like having food offered, cutting grass or digging the earth.

In monasteries, emphasis is placed on establishing harmony, by mindfulness and consideration for others. Guests are invited to share in these observances of beautiful
behavior and sensitivity. Before entering a shrine room or living space it is necessary to remove the shoes. Although visitors are not obliged to, there is the custom of bowing to the shrine or teacher. The triple bow, to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, is usually done upon entering or leaving the meditation hall. At the end of a formal meditation period, respect is usually paid to the senior monk with the triple bow. When in the meditation hall concern need be taken in moving with as little noise as possible. When sitting one should avoid lolling and lounging and sitting with one’s back against the wall, especially during a Dhamma talk. Care should be taken not to point the feet at the shrine or at the monastics generally, as this is considered impolite.When offering something to the monks or talking with them, one should not stand looming over them but rather approach them at the same level at which they are sitting.

Monks are allowed to collect and consume their daily meal in the period between dawn and noon. Anything they intend to eat or drink, except water, must be formally offered into the hands or placed on or into something in direct contact with the hands.

A monastery is a sanctuary from the usual worldly concerns, for those who have dedicated themselves to spiritual practice. As guests are sharing in this life as visitors,
it is not appropriate to come and go without notice or engage in external business during your stay. It is customary to ask one of the senior monks if you wish to make a telephone call.

In our tradition monks lead lives of total celibacy. This includes suggestive speech or physical contact with lustful intent, both of which are serious offenses against the Vinaya discipline. To avoid this and to prevent gossip or misunderstanding from arising, a monk has to be accompanied by another male whenever he is engaging in a long conversation with a woman.

The abbots are usually addressed as “Ajahn,” which comes from the Thai and means “teacher.” Other monks can be addressed as “Venerable” or the Thai equivalent, “Tan.” These designations may or may not be followed by the ordained name of the individual. Alternatively, any monk can be called “Bhante,” a more general term. In this tradition it is considered impolite to refer to monks by their ordained names without the appropriate form of address preceding it.

“Anjali” is a gesture of respect. The hands are held together in prayer-like fashion raised to the slightly lowered forehead. It is used particularly when conversing with a senior monk and as a means of greeting and bidding farewell.

To bow correctly, kneel with the buttocks on the heels and with the hands in Anjali. Bring the palms to the floor about four inches apart, then bring the forehead down to touch between the palms, the elbows close to the knees. Bow three times.