RETREAT CENTRE
Key Principles
Activities of the Centre should be guided by clear rules, embedded in principles of honesty, discipline and non-violence, thus supporting an atmosphere of trust, peace and kindness.
-1-
Not Commercial
The Centre should not be associated with commercial activities, selling of goods and services on it's territory should be banned. It's existence should depend on voluntary contributions.
-2-
Without Indoctrination
As much as possible, indoctrination of any kind should be avoided. Political propaganda should be banned.
-3-
Open to all
The Centre will be open to all those who wish to understand themselves, learn and practice the path of self-discipline and meditation – regardless of their status and believes. Providing they are able to abide by the rules of the place.
Example of a retreat centre
The Retreat Centre is proposed to be positioned near Moscow, up to 100 km from Moscow Ring Road.
SANGHA TERRITORY
Rules for the Resident Monastics
The Centre is also planned as a Residence for Buddhist Monks and Nuns. They will be mainly Russian citizens, ordained in South and South-East Asia in Theravada countries, although exceptions may be negotiable. The variety of traditions and lineages will inevitably bring confusion and misunderstandings, perhaps even interpersonal conflicts, and the establishment of clear rules and guidelines is an imperative.
Monastic discipline is a foundation of monastic life and all residents are obliged to follow the rules.
These rules are inspired by principles, taught by Ajahn Chah and stemming from the Thai Forest Tradition.
All monks and nuns, wishing to avail themselves of the hospitality of the Centre, registered in the Centre with an "accommodation agreement", or simply visiting the Centre, will need to:
1. Abide by the precepts, received at the ordination of bhikkhu/bhikshu, samanera/samaneri.
2. Not to ask for money, not to receive or use them.
3. Not to ask for food, things or services from those who are not immediate relatives or those who didn't make an invitation to ask for a particular thing or service. This kind of invitation should be considered valid no longer then 4 months.
4. Not to intrude on laypeople, offering advice, service or friendship uninvited.
5. Not to engage in fortune-telling, occult sciences, casting spells, etc., not to act as a healer for lay people.
6. To be part of the monastic community, not to avoid group activities, for example work, meditation, etc. To fulfil one's duties without having to be reminded, without complaints and laziness.
7. Be satisfied with the dwelling provided, keeping it clean and not trying to "improve" it.
8. Not to store food in one's dwelling, not to overfill it with things and not to cram one's belongings into communal spaces.
9. To show respect to all people using the Centre, and particular to the senior Monastics.
In case any of the rules above or other rules, imposed by the Administration are not clear, or are conflicting with one's understanding of monastic discipline, one should consult the Administration or the Senior Monk as soon as possible.
A monk or a nun, who did not enter an "accommodation agreement", may use the amenities of the Centre for up to 3 days only.
In case of malicious non-compliance with the above rules, the agreement with the violator may be terminated, and he himself may be considered an unwanted guest for a certain period or indefinitely.
Monastic discipline is a foundation of monastic life and all residents are obliged to follow the rules.
These rules are inspired by principles, taught by Ajahn Chah and stemming from the Thai Forest Tradition.
All monks and nuns, wishing to avail themselves of the hospitality of the Centre, registered in the Centre with an "accommodation agreement", or simply visiting the Centre, will need to:
1. Abide by the precepts, received at the ordination of bhikkhu/bhikshu, samanera/samaneri.
2. Not to ask for money, not to receive or use them.
3. Not to ask for food, things or services from those who are not immediate relatives or those who didn't make an invitation to ask for a particular thing or service. This kind of invitation should be considered valid no longer then 4 months.
4. Not to intrude on laypeople, offering advice, service or friendship uninvited.
5. Not to engage in fortune-telling, occult sciences, casting spells, etc., not to act as a healer for lay people.
6. To be part of the monastic community, not to avoid group activities, for example work, meditation, etc. To fulfil one's duties without having to be reminded, without complaints and laziness.
7. Be satisfied with the dwelling provided, keeping it clean and not trying to "improve" it.
8. Not to store food in one's dwelling, not to overfill it with things and not to cram one's belongings into communal spaces.
9. To show respect to all people using the Centre, and particular to the senior Monastics.
In case any of the rules above or other rules, imposed by the Administration are not clear, or are conflicting with one's understanding of monastic discipline, one should consult the Administration or the Senior Monk as soon as possible.
A monk or a nun, who did not enter an "accommodation agreement", may use the amenities of the Centre for up to 3 days only.
In case of malicious non-compliance with the above rules, the agreement with the violator may be terminated, and he himself may be considered an unwanted guest for a certain period or indefinitely.
