Visitors are most welcome at Aruna Ratanagiri, for the day or for longer. There is no need to contact us in advance if you are visiting just for the day.
Getting Here
Information on how to get to the monastery: contact.
All visitors to the monastery, including those who visit only for the day (with the exception of children), are expected to observe the eight precepts. These principles are a standard for personal training and give rise to determination in the mind as well as laying the foundation for a sense of community:
Precepts
Harmlessness: to refrain from intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
Trustworthiness: to refrain from taking anything which is not given.
Chastity: to refrain from all intentional erotic behaviour.
Right Speech: to refrain from false, malicious or abusive speech.
Sobriety: to refrain from taking intoxicating drink or drugs.
Abstinence: to refrain from eating at the wrong time (food is not consumed between midday and dawn).
Modesty: to refrain from attending shows, playing games and self adornment.
Moderation: to refrain from over-indulgence in sleep.
We ask that you wear clothing that reflects a respect for modesty. Trousers, skirts, and dresses should cover the knees; loose fitting clothes would be ideal. We operate a strict 'no social media' policy encouraging visitors and guests to appreciate the benefits of living simply.
Staying as a guest.
Those interested in staying as a guest are generally offered an initial three nights after which a longer stay in the future could be arranged. A longer initial visit might be possible if we receive a recommendation from another of our monasteries or, in some cases, after a Skype interview. Also for those who are considering taking up monastic training.
As well as maintaining the eight precepts, guests are expected to follow the monastic schedule, which usually includes a three-hour work period in the morning for five days of the week, attending the communal formal meditation periods and joining in with the daily meal.
Internet use is not generally provided. Exceptions can be made, for instance for overseas visitors who have unavoidable travel requirements. Guests are encouraged to make the most of being disconnected. Mobile phone reception at Kusala House is unreliable.
We hope you will have a rewarding visit. Please note though that, if for any reason your stay is not working out, we reserve the right to ask you to leave, without explanation.
Booking
If you would like to come for an overnight stay, please contact the monastery via email or phone with proposed dates for your stay. The guest master will then check the availability of accommodation and answer questions you might have about staying at the monastery.
If you are requesting a longer stay, please present us with an overview of your previous experience with Buddhism/monasticism/retreats. Also your age, gender and anything else you feel might be relevant to living in community.
Interviews
If guests wish to speak directly with one of the Ajahns it is usually best to ask the Guest Monk for an appointment before arriving. Please contact us. Visitors can also speak with the Kusala House Manager about arranging an interview.
Arriving
When booking a visit, please note that we try to avoid having guests arrive on Mondays, which is a quiet day in the monastery. The best times to arrive are either in the morning before 10.45 am, or in the afternoon around tea time. Generally the monastic community is not available between 12 pm and 5 pm. If you are unable to arrive at these times, kindly contact the Guestmaster in advance to make alternative arrangements. Please do not arrive at the monastery after 9 pm.
On arrival, proceed to Kusala House which is just down the hill towards the east from the main monastery. If you are arriving at the expected time there will usually be someone around to meet you. If not, slow down, be comfortable and brew yourself a cup of tea and someone should be there shortly. In case of missed connections or misunderstanding etc. guests are welcome to telephone the Kusala House manager, Anagarika Giovanni: 0795 839 4796
Medical
If you have an infectious disease (including a cold or flu) or have been in close contact with anyone who has one, we ask that you postpone your stay until later. Please contact our Guestmaster to arrange another date.
Limitations
All visitors (male or female) are welcome to the monastery, but please be aware that visitors under the age of 18 must come with adult supervision. We do not accept overnight guests under the age of 16 and all guests under 18 staying overnight still need to be able to abide by the 8 precepts.
Also, we would ask you to carefully consider your intention to visit if you are uncertain of your commitment or ability to arrive on the requested dates.
Further, if you are claiming state benefits you must have permission from the relevant authority before arranging to stay here.
Please be aware that the monastery does not offer to provide for special dietary needs. Bringing food for your own personal consumption is not an option.
The monastic community observes a retreat period from January until March during which time overnight accommodation is usually not available, although you are always welcome for a quiet day visit.
Donations
Support for Aruna Ratanagiri monastery is entirely obtained by alms-offerings in the form of food, money or personal skills. There is no obligatory charge for staying here. Guests can consider how best they may respond to the needs of maintaining the monastery.
To Bring
If you are driving to the monastery, where possible please bring the items below. If you are coming by public transport we appreciate you will wish to limit your luggage so the list does not apply.
Warm working clothes
A towel and toiletries
An alarm clock
Waterproofs and walking boots
Bed linen: we have plenty of duvets, but if possible do bring duvet cover, sheet and pillow case as this keeps our laundry costs down. (If you wish to bring your own sleeping bag then please be certain it is free from bedbugs, especially if you have been travelling).
Easily removable shoes (as shoes are not worn inside the monastery buildings)
In accordance with monastic training, guests are asked to take responsibility for their living space, cleaning it before leaving and preparing it for the next guests.
Electrical Appliances
For safety reasons visitors are requested not to bring their own heat producing electrical equipment like hair dryers, electrical blankets or kettles, or other electrical equipment that could be a fire hazard if malfunctioning. A hair dryer is made available for guests by the monastery.
