These guidelines are established to help maintain a peaceful, harmonious, and safe environment conducive to spiritual practice and moral development for yourself and the general community.

All residents abide by ethical guidelines which are summed up by the five precepts of Buddhism which are:

  • (1) not killing,
  • (2) not stealing (which includes not taking anything that is not given),
  • (3) not engaging in sexual misconduct,
  • (4) not lying, and
  • (5) not using intoxicants (drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, etc.).

By following the precepts, our lives become freer and more peaceful because we avoid the confusion and the negative consequences that come from going against these guidelines.

1.

You will be expected to attend the Morning Recitation (4:00-5:00am), Meal Offering & Three Refuges (10:30-10:50 & 11:50-12:00pm), Evening Recitation (6:30-7:30pm), and Evening Lecture (7:30-9:00pm). These ceremonies are the structure and mold for the spiritual practice within the community. Please do your utmost to attend these recitations.

2.

You are encouraged to attend the Universal Bowing (5:00-6:00am), Avatamsaka Recitation (7:00-8:00am), Great Compassion Repentance (12:30-2:00pm), and Mantra Recitation (9:00-9:30pm).

1.

Please maintain an atmosphere of study and contemplation in the residences. Sounds in one room are easily heard in another, so please be mindful and considerate of others.

2.

Men and women are not allowed in each other’s residences or surrounding areas.
3.
Refrain from carrying on conversations in the residences after 10pm since people are going to sleep.
4.
Do not make any permanent changes to your room or move furniture out of your room without permission from the guest prefect.
5.
Please keep your room orderly and clean. Our external environment is often a reflection and an influence on our internal state of mind.

The food that comes to the monastery is given as an offering for those practicing a spiritual path. The Five Contemplations gives the spirit of how food is eaten in the monastery:

This offering of the faithful is the fruit of work and care,
I reflect upon my conduct, have I truly earned my share?
Of the poisons of the mind, the most destructive one is greed.
As medicine cures illness, I take only what I need.
To sustain my cultivation and realize the Way,
So we contemplate in silence on this offering today.

We are grateful for the food we receive, and take only as much as we need to sustain the body. By being mindful of the food we eat and regulating our eating schedule, we are developing the discipline and concentration that develops our inherent wisdom.

Hours at the Dining Hall:

Breakfast 6:15-6:45am
Lunch 10:30-12:00pm
Dinner 5:15-5:45pm

1.

Please come to the meals on time so that the kitchen staff does not have to wait for you to finish.

2.

Please eat in silence while maintaining proper mindfulness.

3.

Please finish all the food you take. (You are welcome to go back for seconds or thirds if you are not sure how much you need in the beginning.)

4.

When finished, please throw the organic food in the organic bin and the normal trash in the trash bin, put your dishes and utensils in the buckets for washing, and wipe your table clean.

5.

Please do not take any food from the dining hall. This food is an offering and should not be taken for personal consumption.

6.

Please refrain from eating the food on the school student’s table during breakfast. These were purchased with governmental funds specifically for the students.
Working in the monastery is an opportunity to continue the practice and be part of the community. Please work in a mindful and considerate manner. As a volunteer, you will be expected to work 30 hours/week.
Please sign in and out in the binder labeled “Sign In/Out for CTTB Residents” at the Administration Office whenever you are leaving the grounds. If you are planning on leaving overnight, please fill a “Leave of Absence Request Form,” which is available at the Administration Office. This lets us know where you are in case an emergency arises or one of your relatives or friends needs to get a hold of you.
Please email vc@drbavolunteers.org if you have questions or comments.