This regulation defines the conditions and duration of Buddhist monks’ wish stay at Chittaviveka Monastery to practice meditation. All visiting monks must observe the monastery rules and follow the instructions of the chief incumbent at all times. Considering the diverse goals and intentions of potential monks, the duration of stay at the monastery is divided into three categories:
- short-term;
- medium-term;
- long-term.
The duration of each category above is indicative and can be customized based on an individual’s circumstances solely by the discretion of the chief incumbent. Everyone must obtain prior approval at least two weeks prior to the visit.
Short-term stay (usually about 2 weeks), for local and foreign monks
For monks wishing to undergo a short retreat or get acquainted themselves with the Theravada forest monastic traditions (Sri Lanka). It is necessary to agree on the conditions of stay with the incumbent in advance. Currently, the monastery has limited resources and cannot accommodate a large number of monks.
Medium-term stay (usually about 1 month), for local and foreign monks
For monks who wish to become more deeply acquainted with the practice of meditation according to “Satipattana” in Theravada forest monastic traditions (Sri Lanka). Requires prior approval from the incumbent before making any arrangements to visit.
Long-term stay (3 months or more), for foreign monks only
For monks who are considering the possibility of being re-ordained in Theravada forest monastic traditions (Sri Lanka) wish to stay permanently at the monastery or at any branches of the same traditions; or Theravada monks wish to stay permanently at the monastery or at any branches of the same traditions.
Allows the monk 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 the forest monastic life in different circumstances. Often monks discover that their mind behaves unexpectedly in unfamiliar conditions, which helps to understand oneself and one's true intentions more deeply.
Gives the incumbent an opportunity to assess the sincerity of the monks’ intentions. The incumbent observes the behavior and attitude of the monk over a long period of time. This allows seeing how a monk copes with difficulties, interacts with other monks, 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 monk 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 monk 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
- It is advisable to practice Buddhist meditation methods with the guidance of the chief incumbent or any other resident senior monastic monk
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 monk who has been approved for a long-term stay or re-ordain as a samanera in Theravada, 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 monk 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.
- 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.
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