This regulation defines the conditions and duration of lay people's stay at Chittaviveka Monastery. All visitors must observe the monastery rules and follow the instructions of the chief incumbent at all times. Considering the diverse goals and intentions of potential visitors, the duration of stay at the monastery is divided into three categories:
The Chittaviveka Monastery is also open to visitors daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. We kindly ask you to maintain silence while on the monastery grounds. If you need advice or consultation, you may approach the monks present.
Please note that from noon until the evening service (Vandana), the monks are usually in their kutis (huts) for individual practice.
Recommended visiting hours:
— 7:00 AM (morning)
— 10:30 AM (before noon)
— 5:00 PM (before the evening Vandana)
Монастырь — это в первую очередь место жизни и практики тех, кто совершил паббаджу (оставление мирской жизни) и живёт согласно Дхамме и Винае. Для мирян монастырь является пространством для временного углубления практики именно в духе Тхеравады: принимая Прибежище, соблюдая пять или восемь обетов, участвуя в жизни монастыря, слушая наставления, изучая Дхамму, совершая традиционные практики (ванданы, дисциплина, традиционная бхавана).
Буддийский монастырь — это не свободное пространство для любых направлений или личных экспериментов в практике. Пребывание здесь всегда связано с уважением к монашеской Сангхе, с готовностью следовать монастырской дисциплине и традиционным формам практики. В противном случае монахи вынуждены нести ответственность за гостей, которые не соответствуют этому укладу, и это отвлекает как их самих, так и других практикующих.
The monks of Chittaviveka Monastery are sustained by the faith and goodwill of the Sri Lankan people. Sri Lankan society is deeply committed to Buddhist traditions and preserves its unique cultural values, which trace their roots back to the ancient history of the island.
Guests are required to show respect and attentiveness to local traditions by adhering to the appropriate dress code and rules of conduct.
It is important to understand that all expenses of the monastery are entirely covered by voluntary donations from the devoted lay community—both local residents and international followers of the Dhamma. Their generosity and faith make it possible to sustain this place of spiritual practice.
Food and accommodation at Chittaviveka Monastery are provided to lay visitors free of charge as an expression of generosity from the local Buddhist lay community and the monastic Sangha. We ask you to treat with deep respect the faith and hospitality that the monastery receives from the local Sri Lankan community. These offerings are extended to those who sincerely seek to follow the path of the Dhamma.
In cases where a guest’s behavior does not align with the spiritual purpose of staying at the monastery, shows disregard for the established order, or is purely of a tourist nature, the monastery reserves the right to ask the guest to leave. This is necessary to maintain harmony and uphold respect for the Dhamma and the Sangha.
Short-term stay (usually about 2 weeks)
For the relatives of monks, as well as for Buddhists wishing to undertake a short retreat (currently, retreats for laypeople are not possible due to the lack of necessary infrastructure) or for those interested in learning about Buddhist practice and monastic life.
It is necessary to arrange the conditions of your stay in advance with the abbot of the monastery (currently, the monastery has limited resources and cannot accommodate a large number of laypeople and monks at the same time. At present, women are not allowed to stay in the men's Buddhist monastery. In the future, there are plans to build a separate dormitory for lay visitors, which will provide the possibility for laywomen to stay under specific conditions).
Upon arrival at Cittaviveka Monastery, you must register with the guest monk by presenting a valid passport and visa (or visa on arrival). Without these documents, accommodation at the monastery is not possible.
All guests, medium and long term stays, must prove:
Good physical and mental health.
Having medical or travel insurance.
Having sufficient funds for unforeseen expenses, visa extensions, and further travel.
Important: If you have a history of mental health conditions, including depression or psychotic episodes, we will not be able to provide accommodation, as there is no professional support available in the region for foreigners in case of symptom escalation.
You must complete and submit the form:
Application for a short-term stay in the monastery
After receiving your application, we will review the possibility of your stay at Chittaviveka Monastery and inform you about the availability of accommodation. In some cases, if the conditions of stay do not align with the monastery’s current capacity or the nature of its practice, a response may not be provided. We appreciate your understanding and respect.
Medium-term stay (usually about 1 month)
For those who observe the Five Precepts (Pañca-sīla) in daily life and the Eight Precepts (Aṭṭhaṅga-sīla) on Uposatha days, and who regularly practice Bhāvanā.
The following mandatory requirements are established:
1. Compliance with the established monastic daily routine.
2. Mandatory participation in all general meetings.
3. Regular participation in monastery duties (such as cleaning the grounds and other tasks).
Staying at the monastery implies full adherence to its internal regulations and rules. These requirements are mandatory for all lay practitioners without exception.
Prior approval from the abbot of the monastery is required. You must complete and submit an application form:
Application Form for Medium-Term Stay at the Monastery
Долгосрочное пребывание (до 3х месяцев)
The opportunity for long-term residence is provided to Buddhists who have repeatedly visited the monastery and have proven themselves on the positive side. The decision is made by the abbot during a personal meeting.
Adherence to the monastery's daily schedule
Go to the schedule of Chittaviveka Monastery
Adherence to the Rules of Residence at the Chittaviveka Monastery
Rules of Residence at the Chittaviveka Monastery
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