Visitor Information

The Buddha created a spiritual system that makes the monks entirely dependent on lay disciples for all their food. Disciples offer this food to the monks each day. Monks are limited in when and what they can eat. They may only eat food during the morning, from dawn to noon. As well, they may only eat food that has been offered to them by a lay person who has put it in their bowl or their hand. If a hungry monk finds himself sitting beside a table with a banana on it, he may not pick up and eat the [...]

Every evening the monks get together, usually around 6 pm, to have a chanting service. Often local people will join in and you are welcome as well. This is a great way to get an experience of authentic Buddhist culture. It will usually begin by placing some items on the shrine. You may be invited to place some or just touch them as they are being carried. There may be a chanting book in English for you to follow along with. You are also welcome to just listen. Below is a recording as well as the text of the first [...]

What is a blessings thread? A blessing thread, or pirit nul (පිරිත් නූල්) is a string that has been chanted over by the monks or nuns. Where do blessing threads come from? When the Buddha was alive he mentioned that there were several of his sermons that were so powerful that the mere reciting of them could bring protection to our lives. To this end, monks will often engage a spool of thread while they are chanting these discourses. Afterwards they will offer pieces of this thread to those who like. The threads can serve as a reminder of the [...]

The Buddha taught that one of the most important factors on our spiritual path is speaking with people who know his teachings. The monks at our monasteries are happy to speak with you and share the teachings they have learned. You can ask them questions about: Meditation techniques Problems when meditating Buddhist ethics Buddhist symbols Parts of a monastery Buddhist chanting Karma and rebirth Buddhist daily practice The life of a monk or nun And anything connected with living a good life You can also ask them For a tour of the monastery For blessings chants For a blessing string. [...]