Residence

Precepts & Rules

At Pa-Auk Forest Monastery, there is one basic rule of conduct which embodies the spirit and essence of all the other rules that follow:

To act properly at all times, showing respect and consideration for one another. As the Buddha encouraged his followers, let us live "in concord , with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes."

Meditators must strictly observe the fourfold purification during their stay in the Monastery. This purification consists of:

1.  The 227 rules of the Pātimokkha (and all other Vinaya rules) for Theravāda monks; the 10 precepts and 75 Sekhiya (training) rules (and all other Vinaya rules that apply) for novices; and the 8 or 10 precepts for laypersons and nuns.
2. Restraint of the six sense faculties – of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind.
3. Purification of livelihood (Right Livelihood) – livelihood that accords with the precepts.
4. Reflection on (and moderation in) the use of the four requisites – food, shelter, clothing and medicine.

Rules

The requisites and services available at the Monastery are offered by supporters, stewards and donors for the maintenance and benefit of the meditators. The offer is made on the understanding that the meditators support the Monastery's lifestyle and that they are willing to abide by the rules and regulations. (For details, please refer to Rules and Regulations for foreign meditators).

1. Meditation Method：While at the Monastery, all yogis will practise the meditation method taught by the Buddha (as referred to in the Theravāda Tipiṭaka) and as enunciated by The Most Venerable Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw, and taught by the Meditation Teachers. All yogis must attend group sittings at their respective mediation hall (unless permission is given by their Meditation Teacher to do otherwise).
2. Interview: All yogis must attend regular interviews with the Meditation Teacher on a schedule or time determined by the Teacher.
3. Daily Schedule： All yogis are to observe the Monastery daily meditation schedule. (For details, please refer to Daily Schedule below).
4. Seclusion & Noble Silence: As silence and seclusion are important aids to meditation, meditators are to observe noble silence. Socializing is not encouraged.
5. Attire: Theravāda monks and novices should wear only allowable robes, sandals, etc. Robes must be kept clean. Highly colourful robes (red, bright yellow, etc.) are not acceptable.

Lay practitioners should dress modestly at all times:

Men – no bare shoulders, no bare calves, no bare knees; no shorts, no sleeveless shirts, vests or undershirts; no ripped or otherwise improper attire.

Women – no bare shoulders, midriff, calves or knees; no short skirts, no shorts, no sleeveless shirts or blouses; no thin, transparent, tight, revealing, brightly coloured or otherwise improper attire.

Conduct Inside the Meditation Hall

Think of the other meditators. Try not to disturb them. Do not be careless.

BE CONSIDERATE.

Attend to your meditation subject at all times.

• Before sitting, check that your alarm clock is not set to ring during the meditation period, and switch off any other devices that make a sound.
• Be considerate: when coming and going, please make special effort to make no sound. Even though you may think quick light steps do not disturb, they do disturb: there are many complaints. Be careful to walk slowly and softly, with small steps.
• When adjusting you cushion/mat, do it slowly and quietly.
• Be careful not to knock over your bottle of water, torch, clock, etc.
• When coughing, please cover your mouth so there is little sound.
• When breaking wind, please ensure that there is little sound. This may be achieved by relaxing the sphincter. If necessary, pull with your hand.
• Do not clear your throat noisily or blow your nose around the meditation hall. Go to the toilets.
• Do not fold up your mosquito net during the meditation period. Return to fold it afterwards.
• Do not open/close any window and curtain during the meditation period.
• When drinking water, be careful to make little noise opening the bottle, drinking the water, closing the bottle, and putting the bottle down. Try not to drink again and again.
• When applying balm, etc: be careful to make little noise taking the jar out, opening the jar, closing the jar, and putting it back. Do not keep it in a plastic bag as this makes much noise.
• Please try in every way to be considerate: make very little sound, when yawning, sighing, shifting your posture, getting up, sitting down, putting on your clothes, opening and closing your bag, etc.
• Do not use very strong-smelling balms, etc.
• Use your torch only when there are no lights. Direct it only downwards and hold your piece of cloth in front to reduce the brightness. Take care not to shine it into the face of others.
• Do not leave (or prepare to leave) the meditation hall before the meditation period is over unless you are going for your meditation interview.

TRY TO SIT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

Daily Schedule

This timetable provides a general overview. Actual schedules may vary.

Facilities

Supported by faithful devotees, PATVDH-Medan Kutalimbaru will provide  air ticket, visa, meal dana and health support for all ordained persons (Theravada Monks) from all over the world who wish to practice meditation seriously according to Buddha’s Teaching. 

Diet

The diet at PATVDH-Medan Kutalimbaru is vegetarian & non vegetarian which will specially prepare suitable food to support the practice of the meditators. Since the food is provided daily by that day's donors, there are no facilities for providing special diets. Lay meditators, however, may go to the monastery office to ask help to get what they need.

Climate

There are 2 (two) seasons in Indonesia:

1. Hot season (March-July); 
2. Rainy season (August-February); 

Temperatures range from 25° to 33° Celcius (77° to 91.4° Fahrenheit).

What to Bring

Theravāda bhikkhus need to bring the obligatory set of three robes: under robe, upper robe, and double robe, and an alms bowl. Other necessary items may be obtained/borrowed from the Saṅgha Office. 

• Foreign lay yogis may bring the following:
• suitable clothings- light and easy-to-wash type, towels, slippers/sandals, a jumper, socks, blanket, and maybe a sleeping bag for the colder periods of the rainy/cold seasons
• a large umbrella, meditation mat and cushion, yoga mat (if yogi has preference)
• a set of eating utensils, mosquito net, insect repellant, a canteen for water
• toiletries (+ spare razors), dental floss, talcum powder, ear plugs, washing powder/detergent, torch/batteries, alarm clock, writing paper/envelopes, 10-12 (or more) passport size photos (for visa extension), a spare pair of prescription glasses
• medicine, vitamins/health supplements
• sufficient financial means to meet all expenses other than food (special food excepted) and lodging, which is provided free of charge by the Monastery.

It is advisable to get your dental work done before coming.

For advice on suitable clothings, please refer to the Monastery Rules above and Information for Foreigner Meditators.