To foster a supportive, contemplative, and simple atmosphere in the monastery, we follow the Eight Precepts.

Eight Precepts

1. Cherish life: refrain from killing or harming any living being.

2. Respect boundaries: refrain from taking what is not given.

3. Brahma-charya: refrain from sexual activity.

4. Wise and kind speech: from false and harmful speech (which includes harsh, divisive, and frivolous speech).

5. Clarity: refrain from consuming drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

6. Mindfulness: refrain from entertainment, beautification and adornment.

7. Simplicity: refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.

8. Contentment: To undertake the precept to refrain from eating at inappropriate times (i.e. refraining from eating after mid-day).
   Exceptions are made for special circumstances (i.e. medical reasons, special events, etc.).

• We follow a vegetarian, egg-free diet. We also do not eat garlic, onion, chives, leeks or green onions (plants from the allium family). Please refrain from bringing these items to the monastery.

• To support the monastic setting, please wear modest clothing that is comfortable for meditation. (Loose clothes that fully cover the legs, shoulders and chest are best.)