Sangharama is dedicated to supporting the monastic life rooted in the Dhamma-Vinaya. We welcome Bhikkhus who wish to deepen their spiritual practice in a serene, disciplined, and contemplative environment.

1. Fundamental Principles

• Bhikkhus at Sangharama shall live in accordance with the Vinaya Pitaka, upholding the monastic discipline as laid down by the Buddha.
• The monastic life is dedicated to the pursuit of Nibbāna through virtue (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā).
• The monastery is a refuge for sincere practice; all bhikkhus must uphold harmony, respect, and self-discipline.
• Bhikkhus should always conduct themselves in a way that inspires faith and confidence in the Triple Gem.

2. Personal Conduct and Discipline

• Follow the 227 rules of the Pātimokkha and maintain the fourfold purification (restraint according to the Vinaya, restraint of the senses, purity of livelihood, and reflection on suitable requisites).
• Observe noble silence during appropriate hours, especially at night and in meditation spaces.
• Avoid idle talk, gossip, and unnecessary engagement with worldly affairs.
• Practice right speech—truthful, beneficial, and spoken at the right time.
• Maintain mindfulness in daily activities, including eating, walking, speaking, and interacting with others.
• Participate respectfully in community schedules and meetings when required.
• Avoid touching money or engaging in financial transactions.

3. What to Bring

• Valid Proof of Identity like Passport and Aadhaar Card for documentation and Verification

4. Community and Interactions

• Foster a spirit of harmony and respect among fellow bhikkhus.
• Maintain noble silence during appropriate hours.
• Avoid unnecessary interactions, especially with members of the opposite gender.
• Do not impose personal traditions or teachings from other schools unless invited.
• Abstain from using electronic devices or internet without permission.
• Follow communal norms regarding shared spaces and requisites.

5. Meditation and Study

• Commit to daily meditation practice.
• Participate in sutta studies, Vinaya classes, and discussions on the Dhamma.
• Avoid distractions such as excessive social interactions or engagement insecular knowledge unrelated to the path.
• Strive to deepen understanding through direct experience rather than mere theoretical knowledge.

6. Monastery’s Daily Schedule (Indicative)

• 4:00 am – Wake up, Exercise
• 4:30 am – Group meditation
• 6:00 am – Alms round (where practiced) or breakfast
• 8:00 am – Personal meditation, study, or seclusion
• 9:30 am – Interview
• 10:50 am – Main meal
• 12:00 pm – Rest
• 1:00 pm – Walking meditation, study
• 5:00 pm – Refreshment
• 6:00 pm – Personal meditation, study, or seclusion
• 10:00 pm – Lights Out

7. Simplicity and Renunciation

• Maintain contentment with basic requisites—robes, alms food, shelter, and medicine.
• Live simply and avoid accumulation of unnecessary possessions.
• Eat mindfully, taking only what is needed for sustenance, without attachment totaste or variety.
• Use monastery resources wisely, ensuring minimal waste and respect for nature.

8. Relations with Lay Supporters and Volunteers

• Be a field of merit for lay supporters by upholding impeccable conduct.
• Accept alms and donations with gratitude, without expectation or preference.
• Offer Dhamma teachings when requested, keeping them aligned with the Buddha’s words.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with laypeople, especially with members of the opposite gender.

9. Service and Duties within the Monastery

• Participate in monastery chores with mindfulness, seeing them as part of the practice.
• Maintain cleanliness in personal and communal spaces.
• Take turns in assigned monastery responsibilities such as teaching, guiding meditation, and overseeing Vinaya adherence.
• Show hospitality to visiting bhikkhus and lay supporters, ensuring their needsare met within the monastic rules.

9. Resolving Disputes and Addressing Violations

• If conflicts arise, follow the Vinaya-based conflict resolution methods (adhikaraṇa-samatha).
• In case of minor offenses, acknowledge mistakes, confess to fellow bhikkhus, and seek purification.
• Serious breaches of Vinaya should be addressed through Sangha meetings, ensuring fairness and adherence to the monastic code.
• Maintain transparency in all dealings, avoiding secretive or deceptive behavior.

10. Leaving the Monastery or the Bhikkhu Life

• If a bhikkhu decides to disrobe, it must be done formally, in front of a Sangha member, following proper Vinaya procedures.
• Bhikkhus should not leave the monastery without informing the Saṅgha, especially for extended stays outside.
• Those who depart should do so with respect, gratitude, and mindfulness of the impact on the monastic community.

Final Reflection

“Bhikkhus, be islands unto yourselves, refuges unto yourselves, seeking no external refuge. Let the Dhamma be your island, the Dhamma your refuge, seeking no other refuge.” — Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16)

May all bhikkhus at Sangharama uphold these guidelines with sincerity, leading to the purification of the mind, the welfare of the Sangha, and the realization of the ultimate goal—Nibbāna.