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:
Those who intend to take ordination as samaneras must possess the minimum necessary knowledge for future monks.
Short-term stay (usually about 2 weeks)
For relatives of monks, as well as people wishing to undergo a short retreat or get acquainted themselves with Buddhist practice and monastic life.
It is necessary to agree on the conditions of stay with the chief incumbent in advance (currently, the monastery has limited resources and cannot accommodate a large number of lay people and monks simultaneously).
Medium-term stay (usually about 1 month)
For practicing Buddhist lay people who wish to become more deeply acquainted with the practice and monastic life.
Requires prior approval from the chief incumbent before making any arrangements to visit.
Long-term stay (3 months or more)
For serious Buddhist practitioners or those considering the possibility of ordain as Theravada Buddhist monk.
The first 3-6 months (within the tourist visa period) is a period of mutual adaptation and evaluation of the character and behavior.
Allows the practitioner to better understand their mind and ensure the correctness of their choice and the sincerity of their intention. It is important to remember that initial enthusiasm may fade over a time. A long-term stay provides an opportunity to observe how the mind reacts to monastic life in different circumstances. Often people discover that their mind behaves unexpectedly in unfamiliar conditions, which helps to understand oneself and one's true intentions more deeply.
Gives the chief incumbent an opportunity to assess the sincerity of the practitioner's intentions. The chief incumbent observes the behavior and attitude of the practitioner over a long period of time. This allows seeing how a person copes with difficulties, interacts with other practitioners, how consistent they are in their practice, and how their initial intentions correspond to real actions. Such a period also helps to identify possible hidden motives or ill-considered decisions made in the heat of emotion.
Upon mutual agreement, the issuance of an invitation letter to obtain a religious visa for a long-term stay is considered by the chief incumbent. For this, the practitioner will need to leave Sri Lanka to obtain an invitation entry visa, with which they can re-enter Sri Lanka and apply for a religious visa. In this case, the practitioner will need to adhere to the general recommendations on how to prepare for long-term practice in Sri Lanka. Recommendations are in the appendix below.
General rules:
- Adherence to the monastery's daily schedule
- Respectful attitude towards monks and other practitioners
- Following Buddhist precepts and ethical norms
- In the monastery, only traditional Theravada Buddhist practices are allowed. It is preferable to already have basic knowledge of these practices. Otherwise, it is necessary to consult with the monks in advance regarding possible practices.
For clarification of details and coordination of stay, please directly contact the chief incumbent of the monastery.
Appendix
General recommendations on how to prepare for long-term practice in Sri Lanka.
A practitioner who has been approved for a long-term stay or ordination as a samanera, and consequently, the issuance of a religious visa under the sponsorship of Chittaviveka Monastery, needs to prepare for leaving secular life. During the period of waiting for the invitation entry visa, the practitioner should:
1. Finances:
- Prepare funds to cover transportation costs between the two countries.
- Ensure financing for religious visa application expenses.
- Settle all debts.
- Have a financial safety net to ensure the possibility of returning if monastic life doesn't suit the person. At a minimum, it should cover the cost of a return ticket and funds for the period of job searching and reintegration into the world.
2. Family matters:
- Inform close relatives.
- Obtain a written approval from wife if married to avoid further problems that may affect both the practitioner and the teacher.
- If unmarried, obtain consent from mother and father to ordain as a monk.
- It is advisable to execute necessary powers of attorney for close people.
3. Legal aspects:
- Prepare a document certifying the absence of criminal records. Federal Police clearance is a must.
4. Health:
- Re-check overall health condition.
- As the environment you are going to stay for long time is going to be different from your home country, prepare to familiarize with the peculiarities of tropical climate and associated health risks. Having relevant vaccination before travel is advisable. Once residing at the monastery please always adhere to advices and guidance of chief incumbent or senior resident monks.
- Assess your physical abilities for living in new conditions.
- Ensure a supply of necessary medicines and the possibility of their delivery to Sri Lanka.
5. Spiritual preparation:
- Familiarize yourself with the Patimokkha rules for monks.
- Have a general understanding of Buddha's Dhamma within the framework of the Theravada school and adhere to lay Right Views.
6. Adaptation to monastic life:
- Be prepared for the peculiarities of local food.
- Consider the monastic rule of not consuming food after noon.
Thorough preparation on all the above points will help you transition more smoothly to a monastic life and avoid possible difficulties in the future.
EN 
RU