​Information about staying

Guests can normally stay for a few days or longer, taking the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and themselves in an environment that encourages peaceful reflection.

Guests coming for the first time may usually stay 3 nights, but if you are coming from overseas or have extensive experience at one of our other monasteries then we may be able to be more flexible about dates and durations of stay. 

All guests are asked to observe the Eight Precepts (see below), follow the basic daily routine of the monastery, and join in with all the community activities during their stay. Individual retreats are not possible. 

Guests may request an interview with a senior monk to discuss their practice. Newcomers to meditation are encouraged to plan their first visit to coincide with one of the monthly Meditation Workshops if possible.

In keeping with tradition there is no charge for staying at Hartridge Buddhist Monastery. Financial support is needed and appreciated, however; the community has no source of funds to pay running and maintenance costs other than through donations.

To arrange a stay, please write or email the guest monk, and if you are new to us please tell us  about yourself and your interest to come and stay. 

​Please note that in January, February and March we do not have  guests as this is the winter retreat time for the resident community. At this time we only start to take bookings for later in the year during March.

Eight Precepts
Monastic life is held within an ethical framework, centred on the Eight Precepts:

1. Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything that is not given.
3. Celibacy: refraining from any sexual activity.
4. Right Speech: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech.
5. Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drink or drug.
6. Renunciation: not eating after mid-day.
7. Restraint: refraining from games and attending shows, and from self-adornment. (Guests are asked to dress modestly, and not to play radios, music, instruments etc)
8. Alertness: to refrain from over-indulgence in sleep.

These precepts are intended to moderate our outgoing tendencies, to heighten the sense of conscience and concern for others, and to encourage alertness. There are also a range of observances around maintaining a quiet atmosphere in the monastery, using accommodation and requisites with care, and dressing in a simple way. These also help to check casual or half-aware actions that we may carry out daily without really questioning them. Precepts and observances therefore form a framework for contemplation, a guide to cultivating heart and mind, and a means for daily-life Awakening.