Monastery rules

We work to keep Tam Wua welcoming and hospitable for people beginning or deepening their practice. It is also a monastery and Vipassana meditation retreat, not a relaxation centre or resort. Please behave appropriately and attend every activity highlighted as mandatory on the timetable.

The required activities cannot be skipped without a serious reason. Please do not arrive late; we recommend coming at least 10–15 minutes early. The daily timetable clearly marks which activities are mandatory.

Day visitors may join the morning or afternoon meditation class and leave afterwards. Residential guests normally stay for at least 3 days and 2 nights, up to a usual maximum of 10 days.

Register at Information between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you arrive later, the monastery may not be able to register you until the following day.

If this is your first monastery stay, the first-visit guide explains what to bring and what the first day is like. The daily timetable shows which sessions you need to attend.

Conduct and behaviour

Tam Wua is a Theravada Buddhist monastery in the Thai Forest tradition. While visiting, your behaviour should reflect this. We aim to welcome beginners and people with little retreat experience without creating obstacles for guests who wish to practise more intensively.

While at Tam Wua, guests are under the Eight Precepts:

1. I undertake the rule of abstinence from taking life.
2. I undertake the rule of abstinence from taking what is not given.
3. I undertake the rule of abstinence from unchastity.
4. I undertake the rule of abstinence from false speech.
5. I undertake the rule of abstinence from intoxicants which cause a careless frame of mind.
6. I undertake the rule of abstinence from taking food at the wrong time.
7. I undertake the rule of abstinence from dancing, music, visiting shows, flowers, make-up, the wearing of ornaments and decorations.
8. I undertake the rule of abstinence from a luxurious or high sleeping place.

Tam Wua shows some practical flexibility; for example, a small amount of fruit or biscuits may be available in the evening, and small items of jewellery are permitted. Please remain aware of the conduct expected from guests and show respect for the monastic community, the monastery space and other people’s practice. We have zero tolerance for smoking, drug use, stealing and sexual activity.

Generally, ask yourself: Is my behaviour appropriate for a Theravada Buddhist monastery? Could it disturb another person’s practice?

Do not:

• Do not practise yoga where you are visible to others. If you need to practise yoga, use your kuti, dorm room or another private place. The monastery asks that it not be practised in communal or visible areas.
• Do not cuddle, hug, hold hands with or lie down with a member of the opposite gender. This is not appropriate in a monastery.
• Do not take blankets on to the grass. The blankets are difficult to clean; please use one of the red mats instead.
• Do not take glass and ceramic cups into the Dharma hall; they get knocked over and broken. We are barefoot in that area. Plastic bottles are fine!
• Do not sleep in the garden. If you are tired, please sleep inside.
• Do not lie down during sitting meditation, or during Evening Chanting.
• Do not sit hugging your knees during a Dhamma teaching or offering. At this monastery, that posture is understood as showing boredom or disinterest.
• Do not point your feet towards any image of the Buddha or the monks. Showing the Buddha your feet is considered rude. This goes for ANY image of the Buddha, including those on the chanting books.
• Please do not step on or step over the chanting books. Generally, avoid touching or moving anything with your feet.
• Do not stay in or near the caves after 5pm. Please return before that time. Ladies should not enter the caves, but are free to sit outside.

Do:

• Help out whenever help is needed. Tam Wua is operated totally by volunteers, with the help of guests. If you pass somebody carrying bags of rice, lend a hand. If someone has a stack of serving pots to wash, take one and clean it. If we all help a little, the workload doesn't fall on just a couple of people.
  Additionally, help is appreciated during these periods:
  • 05:00 — in the kitchen for breakfast preparation
  • 07:30 — setting up the meditation cushions
  • 16:00 — leaf raking on the monastery grounds
  • 17:30 — setting up the meditation cushions
• Be respectful to the monks. Monks are senior members of the monastic community, and Thai Buddhist etiquette gives them a high level of respect. Follow the local instructions: do not talk during a class, keep an appropriate distance, and place your palms together during a blessing. If you are unsure how to offer food or ask a question, check with the information desk rather than guessing.
• Be respectful to other guests and their practice. Tam Wua is a place for people to progress spiritually, in a friendly, open environment with a focus on Vipassana meditation. Please try to avoid causing hindrances to others.
• Do clean up after yourselves.