There are no scheduled retreats as there are at most lay meditation retreat centers. Rather, the Monastery is always in “retreat” mode. All overnight visitors are asked to observe the Eight Precepts and to participate in the Daily Schedule.

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Reservations

 

If you would like to come for an overnight visit, just call to make a reservation. Please don't send a letter. Leave a voice message if calling outside the calling hours. See the Contact Us page for contact information.

 

Try to reserve early. Particularly for a long retreat of a week or two, it’s a good idea to reserve 3 to 4 months in advance. For shorter visits of just a few days, there is more chance of an opening on shorter notice. Usually, there are five to twenty visitors at any one time. Summer is the high season despite the hot weather.

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First-time guests are allowed to stay a maximum of two weeks.

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Cost

 

The Monastery does not charge for room or board, or for the teachings. They are provided in the spirit of generosity by the supporters of the Monastery and Ajaan Geoff.

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Lodgings

 

The accommodations are very simple.​

 

There is a dormitory-style guesthouse with 8 rooms and 2 full-baths and one half-bath. The guesthouse is open to both genders but the rooms are private for a single individual. The rooms have a simple bed along with storage and a heater. There is no air-conditioning. (Please bring your own bedding and pillow case.)

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There are also 8’x 8’ wooden platforms in the avocado orchard where tents can be pitched. Most platforms have an accompanying walking path for walking meditation. You will have access to bathrooms and showers in the guesthouse or the bathhouse.

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Food

 

The sixth of the eight precepts basically limits overnight visitors to eating before “solar noon.” Monastery residents generally eat the main meal mid-morning; however, visitors are not prohibited from eating their own food so long as it's consumed before solar noon. Please store your food properly so that rodents and insects do not invade buildings and tents. If you have a medical condition or other compelling reason needing an exemption from the Sixth precept, please obtain permission from a monk at the time of your reservation.

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The food at the Monastery is not vegetarian. The Thai Forest tradition encourages monks to be easily cared for by the laypeople. Aside from a few narrow exceptions and a monk’s medical restrictions, monks will accept all offerings of food. The food available to the visitors is the same as what’s first offered to the monks during the time of the Buddha. If you have special dietary needs due to illness or allergies, please discuss this with the monk helping you with your reservation. Lacto-ovo vegetarians do well enough as long as they’re not set on absolute purity.

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Arrival

 

It is best to arrive between dawn and midday. There are more long-term lay residents available during this period to help you sign in, show you to your accommodation and provide any needed orientation. The Monastery can appear deserted in the early and mid-afternoons; if you need orientation just be patient until you see somebody you can ask. Out of consideration for the other guests, please don’t arrive after dark unless you have permission from a monk or in an emergency.

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Departure

 

Please return all borrowed items in a clean condition. If you stayed at the guesthouse, dust and wipe down all surfaces in the room out of kindness for the next guest. It’s much appreciated if you leave the space better than you have found it. Departure time is generally flexible. Please inform a monk and a couple of long-term residents prior to your departure so we are informed of your general plans.