LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FAITH COMMUNITY
The term “upāsikā” means “one who sits close by” and it has come to refer to lay people who join with monastics in the practice of the Dhamma. Following the model established in England, Watpah has created its own Upāsikā Program to provide a structure for lay people to practice and study together. Regular Upāsikā Days are held at the monastery each year, where Upāsikās renew their commitment to the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, participate in a study session focusing on a Dhamma topic, and practice meditation. Over the course of the year, topics cover the five themes of sutta study, daily life practice, meditation, devotion and ritual, and Dhamma in the broader world. A list of suggested readings is also provided for those wishing to delve more deeply into each topic.
Typical Upāsikā Day Schedule
10:30 am – Refuges and Precepts
10:45 am [11 am EST] – Meal offering (bring a dish to share if you would like)
1:00 pm – Meditation, teachings & discussion
4:30 pm – Tea with monastics (optional)
Attendance at Upāsikā Days is open both to those who have made a formal commitment to the program and to those who may simply wish to attend for the day. Each year’s commitment ceremony takes place in the spring. All are welcome.
Purpose
• 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 Upāsikā 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 Upāsikās, 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.
2023 Upāsikā Days
This is a brief outline of the planned themes. Each one will be developed more fully prior to its date, with readings, reflection questions, and more background to be provided. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.
Attendance at Upāsikā Days is open both to those who have made a formal commitment to the program and to those who may simply wish to attend for the day. Each year’s commitment ceremony takes place in the spring. All are welcome.
Individuals can support the Wat Pasantidhamma by becoming a member. All of our services are available regardless if you are a member or not.
We invite you to choose the form of affiliation that is most comfortable to you. Members and friends receive all mailings and publications. Neither category requires a fee, but of course donations are always welcome.
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