The Bhikkhus Rules
A Guide for Laypeople
by Bhikkhu Ariyesako | 1998 | 50,970 words
The Theravadin Buddhist Monk's Rules compiled and explained by: Bhikkhu Ariyesako Discipline is for the sake of restraint, restraint for the sake of freedom from remorse, freedom from remorse for the sake of joy, joy for the sake of rapture, rapture for the sake of tranquillity, tranquillity for the sake of pleasure, pleasure for the sake of conce...
You will find [at the forest monastery] that locker space is provided for your food (you must not take anything edible out of the kitchen area) and there is usually a thermos of ice cubes, an ice box for perishables, theres a shower room and toilet. You wash your clothes by the well pump — not from the rain water tanks! There is no electricity so you will need a torch and plenty of candles and a good lighter or matches.
Ask for a place to put your valuables in a lock up. You will be shown where you are to stay which is in a separate area of the monastery away from where the monks stay. However, please remember to dress suitably. The lay women on eight precepts wear white tops and black wrap over skirts. If you are not going to keep the full eight it does not matter much what you wear as long as it is modest and the colors are muted.
You are provided with a mosquito net, blankets and pillow and pillow case. (But dont just take anything until you are sure it has been made available to you.) I also take anti mosquito cream, antiseptic wipes, bandaids, tissue, cold water washing powder, soap, prickly heat powder. Torch (flash light), flip flops (slip on sandals), sleeping bag sheet, towel, and such like.
Allowables for the afternoon include: butterscotch, boiled sweets, dark chocolate, cheese, tea or coffee. (Ovaltine, soy milk and coffee whiteners are not allowed in the afternoon at this Wat.)
It is customary to bow three times when one sees ones teachers and when one goes to the main hall (sala). If you notice what the Thais do you will soon get the hang of it. You will probably feel rather lost for the first 24 hours but then with patience and mindfulness everything should come together. The Thais — and especially ones teachers — are so good and generous to us that I feel its important not to offend them.
In the afternoon (or evening) there is usually a chance to listen to a Dhamma talk. In the morning one can prepare food to offer to the monks and to share with ones fellow meditators. The rest of the day one can work out a meditation routine which suits one.
Most people make a donation — there is no charge at all — before they leave. Tan Acharn (the abbot) doesnt like people to give more than they can afford. You must find out exactly how to do it.