Visiting and Staying > The The Daily Routine

The daily routine at the monastery varies depending on the day of the week and the time of year, but the following is a fair example of what to expect.

• There is often morning chanting and meditation, which begins at 4.30 a.m. (5.00 a.m. at Rocana Vihara (for female guests)), so please be prepared to wake up at 4.00a.m.
• Morning chores begin at 6.15 a.m. (6.30 in winter), followed by a light breakfast at 7.00 a.m. (7.15 in winter). Breakfast usually consists of a hot drink, porridge, muesli and yoghurt.
• At 8.00 a.m. guests help with meal preparation or attend the community work meeting if one is held.
• The community gathers at 10.30 a.m. (Winter Time) or 11.30 a.m. (Summer Time) for the main meal. This is generally vegetarian, but the community’s requisites are offered by lay supporters, so alternative foods for special diets cannot be provided.
• Following the post-meal clean-up, there is often a period of free time unless the work period is scheduled for the afternoon.
• Tea is at 5 p.m.
• The day concludes with evening meditation at 7.30 p.m. On Saturdays this is usually followed by a Dhamma talk, and on Sundays there is usually a guided meditation. After the evening meeting, silence is observed in the House.
• Occasionally the community will hold a meditation vigil, which begins at the evening puja and lasts until either midnight or 4.00 a.m. Guests are encouraged to participate as best they can.

Group meditation periods and communal work do not take place every day. So a willingness to be flexible is the norm.

In the integrated context of Cittaviveka, there are many opportunities to practise the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path. Right Aim, Right Speech, Right Action and Right Mindfulness are the fabric of the monastic life, practised every day while working alongside members of the community in the kitchen, the gardens, the workshop, or the forest. If you have any skills that may be useful to the community — e.g., gardening, building, decorating, etc. — please mention this to the Guest Monk or Nun.
If there is a need to go into town during their stay, guests should ask the Guest Monk or Nun beforehand. To use the telephone in the office please check with one of the monks. The monastery does not offer email access or computer facilities.

Visiting
Visiting for the Day
Staying as a Guest
Precepts and Observances

Other Practical Considerations
Advice for Visiting Monks and Nuns
Becoming a Monk or Nun
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