Can the monks do blessing chants for me?
Absolutely. Just ask. They can also give you blessing threads. There is no charge for this or any other services of the monastery.
Can I really get meditation instructions when I visit.
Yes, as long as a monk is available. To be sure one is available, send us an e-mail or call.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely. Children come with their families to the monastery all the time. We even carry some English children's books on Buddhism in our bookshops.
Is there an entrance fee?
Absolutely not. There is no fee for anything, although some our locations have a small bookshop with moderately priced English language Buddhist books.
Can I have my photo taken with the monks?
Feel free to ask them. If they say yes, please avoid physical contact. Please don't hug the monks!!
Can I take photos?
Unless posted, you are very welcome to take photos anywhere in the monastery. Try to avoid selfies with Buddha statues behind you. If you post them on Instagram or Facebook please make sure they are dignified, and be sure to tag them with #mahamevnawa.
Is there a dress code for day visits?
Try to wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
Does virtue help in following the path to Nibbāna?
Buddha taught us the Noble Eight-Fold Path as the path to Nibbāna. In fact, this path has to be fulfilled with respect to virtue, concentration, and wisdom. The Samma Vacha (virtue relates to the speech that leads to Nibbāna), Samma Kammanta (virtue relates to occupation that leads to Nibbāna), and Samma Ajeeva (virtue relates to life style that leads to Nibbāna) are the three parts that have been categorized under the virtue in the Noble Eight-Fold Path. Thus, one completes the Noble Eight-Fold Path by protecting his virtue because it is a part of the path to Nibbāna. Therefore, it is [...]
What are the merits one can accumulate by observing and protecting these precepts?
The Supreme Buddha taught us the merits of protecting the precepts as follows: Virtuous person will grow in wealth by protecting his precepts. His virtuous life will promote his good name among people. With one’s cultivated virtue, one becomes courageous to go and work among any kind of crowd. By the time a virtuous person dies, he will be able to face the death with a good mindfulness. Once he died, he will be born in an upper level world like heaven. Furthermore, a virtuous person can get many merits as a result of his effort on protecting the precepts.
What are the precepts that monks need to observe?
There are two types of precepts that monks should observe and protect. They are the “Sāmanēra” (novice) ten precepts and “Upasampada” (ordained) precepts. The novice ten precepts are, Refrain from killing beings. Refrain from stealing belongings of other people. Refrain from all sexual activities. Refrain from lying. Refrain from using alcohols and misusing of drugs. Refrain from eating food after midday (prevent taking any food between after the noon of a day until the Sun rises in the morning of the next day). Refrain from performing dancing, singing, participating in music, watching unseemly shows. Refrain from using garlands, perfumes, unguents, ornaments. [...]