Dos and Don'ts
DO THIS
Do clean up after yourselves. Please do not leave cups, bowls or cutlery on the dining table when you leave for meditation, chanting, or to go to bed. The table should be clear before the next activity.
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:
​
-
5:00am - in the kitchen for breakfast preparation
-
7:30am - setting up the meditation cushions
-
4:00pm - leaf raking on the monastery grounds
-
5:30pm - setting up the meditation cushions
Be respectful to the monks. The monks are a direct line to the teachings of the Buddha. In Thai Buddhism, monks are respected like the Buddha himself. Please keep this in mind during all interactions. For example, do not talk during a class. During a blessing, place your palms together.
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 mediation. Please try to avoid causing hindrances to others. For example, talking loudly in the evening while another person might be trying to meditate.
Take the opportunity to grow spiritually, to learn, and to become a better person. Tam Wua offers an amazing, unique opportunity; it really is a special place in a special setting. You have the choice of challenging yourself, turning inwards and exploring... Or you can do the bare minimum, and spend as much time as possible playing on your phone or talking to other people. The choice rests entirely in your hands. When it comes time to leave, how will you have wanted to have spent your time? On Facebook, talking about the time you got drunk in Pai, or on an internal journey of discovery and understanding that changed your life forever?
It is entirely up to you.
DO NOT DO THIS
Do not practice yoga where you are visible to others! We understand that for many people yoga is helpful on their spiritual path. However, we ask that you remember that you are in a Buddhist monastery. It should be obviously inappropriate to practice the “Happy Baby” position when visible to monks. We are not against the practice of yoga, but provocative poses are a distraction to others. Please do yoga ONLY in your kuti, dorm room, or other private place.
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 Dharma teaching or offering. This implies boredom and 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.