To stay at the monastery, it is necessary to contact in advance either in person, telephone, or by a written letter (allow reasonable time for the written response), in order to verify availability. There are no fixed dates for meditation retreats as these are made on a individual basis.
All guests are received for three days for meditation practice. If they wish to stay longer, the abbot or the monk in charge should be consulted beforehand.
It is expected that all lay guests that stay in Wat Noen Phra Nao abide by the Eight Precepts of the monastic code of conduct, intended as a means of promoting harmony withing the community, developing mindfulness and awareness, helping on the practice of meditation. These are:
- Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature
- Trustworthiness: not taking anything that is not given
- Chastity: refraining from any sexual activity
- Right Speech: avoiding false, abusive, malicious or idle speech
- Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drink or drug
- Renunciation: not eating after midday
- Restraint: refraining from attending games and shows, and from self-adornment (guests are asked to dress modestly, and not to play radios, musical tapes, instruments, or conduct any other activity that hinders the meditation practice)
- Alertness: to refrain from overindulgence in sleep and comfort
What to bring
Although the monastery supplies the basic requisites (such as a dwelling suitable for meditation practice, food, bedding, mosquito net), the lay guests are encouraged to bring their other requisites such as flashlight, alarm clock, comfortable and modest clothing, toiletries, washing powder, mosquito repelent/mosquito coils, candles, etc. Prescribed medicine, contact lenses, and other special needs also should be brought.
Guests should be in good physical and mental condition and also are advised to have health insurance.
Advice
- The purpose of the visit of the lay guests is to give themselves to the practice of meditation. Please try to avoid activities that disrupt the harmonious way of the practice (such as reading, listening to music, dancing, etc.) and also, be mindful about the indications and instructions of the meditation Ajahn (teacher).
- It is expected from the guests visiting the monastery to take special care to dress and act with modesty. In a place where chastity is observed, it is fitting to tone down the attractive qualities of personal appearance and behaviour.
- When in the company of a monk, nun, or novice, keep in mind that their discipline prohibits physical contact with members of the opposite sex.
- Women should not have a private conversation with a monk or be in the same room without a male person being present.
- A monastery is a sanctuary from the usual worldly concerns, for those who have dedicated themselves to spiritual practice. As lay guests are sharing in this life as visitors, it is not appropiate to come and go without notice, or to engage in external affairs during their stay.
- The property of the monastery has come from someone's generosity to the Sangha (Buddhist community) and guests are asked to treat it respectfully. Please clean and look after the dwelling place that was assigned to you.
- After midday, all members of the community should refrain from taking any kind of food. If there is an special request due to health reasons, permission should be asked from the Abbot.
- It is considered disrespectful to point the feet or the back to a monk or a Buddha statue.
- Please do not disturb the monks when they are resting or meditating. Remember that the monks also need to rest and therefore do not engage in lengthy discussions.
- Visitors should be aware of the proper mode of conduct for men and women within the setting of a forest monastery. They should be aware that some behavior, quite acceptable and normal enough for foreigners, is open for misinterpretation by the Thai community, whose standards naturally differ.
- The best way of learning and of keeping out of potentially embarrassing situations is to seek guidance from others present or, if there is a language barrier, to follow the example of those around you. But please remember, too, that rules for men and women are very different so make sure you are following the example of a member of the same gender.
- The existence of the meditation centers such as Wat Noen Phra Nao monastery is due to the incredible generosity, faith and goodwill of the Thai people. Since the community is entirely dependent on donations from the people, there is no charge for visiting or staying at Wat Noen Phra Nao.
