Name: Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery
Item: Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery
Author: Send an Enquiry

Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery belongs to the Thai forest tradition of Theravada Buddhism. It was established on the 1st of July, 2015, when Western monks from the lineage of the late Venerable Ajahn Chah came to take up residence here, following an invitation by the Norwegian Forest Monastery Trust (“Stiftelsen Skogskloster”). The monastery, which is the first of its kind in the Nordic countries, consists of an old farm with surrounding forest ― altogether approximately 360 hectares/110 acres. It is located in the south-east of Norway, about one hour by car south of Oslo and two-and-a-half hours north of Gothenburg.

Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery is located in the quiet, peaceful countryside of Østfold County, south of Oslo, and is surrounded by fields and forests. It is a place conducive to learning about Buddhism, to practising mindfulness, and to developing peace inside. Although there is much time for individual meditation and contemplation, visitors should be aware that this is not a retreat centre.

The emphasis here is on applying the Buddhist Path in all activities throughout the day, and not just during formal meditation. During their stay, guests are expected to take part in the daily routine, and also to help out with certain tasks. The Buddhist monks’ rule, the Vinaya, does not allow monks to store and prepare their own food, nor does it allow work that involves cutting plants and digging the earth. Helping out in the kitchen and on the grounds are therefore ways in which lay guests can be of great help in the day to day running of the monastery. There may be other necessary work which guests are expected to take part in, and there is also often voluntary work available to those who would like to help. Everything in this monastery, from the property itself to the food we eat, is made available through donations by lay supporters and guests. Everything is free; nothing is charged for. Feel free to contribute as you wish.

As a place of contemplation and a sanctuary from the passions of the world, the practice of celibacy is fundamental to life and practice in a Buddhist monastery. This applies not only to the monks, but also to all visitors so long as they are within the grounds of the monastery. Please show your respect and help to support this by dressing modestly. Please wear clothes that cover the body from the neckline and the upper arms to below the knees, and avoid semi-transparent or tight clothing. At the moment, the monastery has only one guesthouse for laypeople. It consists of one communal room with bed-space for up to four people. There are no toilet facilities or running water in the guesthouse, but guests are invited to use the bathroom in the downstairs area of the main house, about fifty metres away. Men and women may not share the same lodgings while in the monastery; so at present, we can not accommodate men and women simultaneously (unless, that is, one is willing to stay in a tent). Later, we hope to get separate lodgings facilities for men and women. Guests are expected to stay within the grounds of the monastery during their stay. Please talk to the guest monk if there is a need to go to town. The monastery does not provide access to computers and e-mail/internet.

The food served in the monastery, much of it vegetarian, is all freely offered by lay supporters. We are therefore not able to cater to special dietary needs. Guests, however, are welcome to contribute to the meal offerings in whatever way they see fit.

The Eight Precepts

While in the monastery, everyone is expected to observe the Eight Precepts. They are:

Abstaining from killing. I.e., not to kill or hurt other beings, even mosquitos and other insects.
Abstaining from stealing. Literally, "not to take what has not been given". This includes not helping oneself to food and tonics which have not been served.
Abstaining from sexual activity. This includes all sexual and/or romantic behaviour, verbal as well as physical. Visitors are asked to refrain from hugging, holding hands, and other physical contact with members of the opposite sex.
Abstaining from lying. This includes even "white lies". One should also try to abstain from other forms of unskilful speech, such as coarse and/or hurtful speech. Try to minimize useless chatter and worldly topics, especially topics that are potentially controversial or inflammatory.
Abstaining from drinking alcohol. This, of course, applies to all other recreational drugs as well. Smoking is prohibited in all monastery buildings.
Abstaining from eating at the "wrong time". All food must be consumed in the period between dawn and mid-day (13:00 during summertime; 12:00 during the rest of the year). There is usually breakfast served at around 07:00. At 11:00, the community meets for the main meal. After that, no more food may be consumed until breakfast the following day. During the rest of the day, only certain types of "tonics" may be consumed for the sake of providing energy. In this monastery, they include: sugar, honey, juice, milk-free chocolate, tea & coffee, and soyamilk (but not cow's milk) to mix with the tea or coffee. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.
Abstaining from listening to music or watching movies; to abstain from beautifying the body with jewelry, makeup, or perfume.
Abstaining from luxurious beds. I.e., to not indulge in sleep. (This can be a danger when living in a place that's very quiet and with little going on...)

Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery is open during daytime on all days, until about 20:30. Visitors are always welcome, and for day visits no prior arrangement is required. If you would like to stay overnight, please send a request by e-mail to the Guest Monk ([email protected].). Please let us know which dates you would like to come and, if possible, include alternative dates in case we are fully booked. First time visitors may stay for a maximum of three days. If you are travelling from abroad, it may be possible to arrange for a longer stay. If you have previously stayed in any of the other monasteries in the Ajahn Chah tradition, please mention that as well. Staying as a guest in the monastery is an opportunity to experience the Buddhist monastic life style, and it is the closest one may come to living like a monk or nun without actually receiving the ordination.

Monastic conventions and etiquette
The conventions and etiquette of Theravāda Buddhism have developed within cultures in
many ways different from that of the modern West. It is therefore only to be expected that
some of it might feel unfamiliar and strange. The rules of etiquette listed below are, together
with the precepts, ways of promoting communal harmony and respect, and to support the
spiritual endeavours of those residing at the monastery. The important thing is to approach
it all with an open mind. Feel free to ask for clarification regarding these and other items.
 Relating to the monks. Buddhist monks in the Theravāda tradition are not supposed
to shake hands; laypeople usually greet monks by putting the palms of the hands
together in salutation. Monks may be addressed with the title "Bhante" (bun-tay);
senior monks may also be addressed as "Ajahn". Because of the Vinaya, monks must
have another man present when together with a woman.
 Bowing. It is normal to bow three times each when entering and leaving the shrine
room, especially at formal occasions such as the morning and evening meetings or
when sitting down to meditate. At arrival and departure, and also after the morning
and evening meetings, it is normal to bow three times to the senior monk; the monks
bow first, the laypeople afterwards. The monks' robes are a good indicator as to
whether an occasion is formal or not: If the monks are wrapped in their full-body
robe, that means it is formal. If it is your first time at a Buddhist monastery and
bowing feels uncomfortable, then it is not necessary to force oneself to do this. It is
always appreciated when people give it a try, but the most important thing is that one
maintain a respectful attitude.
Depending on one's state of mind, a Buddhist monastery may either feel peaceful, friendly,
and safe; or it may appear strict and intimidating. The trick is to find the right balance
between an attitude that is too sloppy or irreverent and one that is too tense and uptight. The
Buddha, in explaining this point, gave the simile of holding a small bird in one's hands: If
one holds the bird too tight, one will crush it; if one holds it too loose, it will fly away ...
We hope you will have a pleasant and beneficial stay.

Things to bring with you (if it's not too much to carry...)

Torch, water-proof shoes/boots (it can get muddy here), bed sheets, towel, alarm clock, umbrella/rain gear.

Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery

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