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Harmonious
Living at Gampo Abbey
1.
Keeping the Five Precepts
- On
Protecting Life
Aware of the suffering brought about by the destruction
of life, I vow not to kill any living being. I will do
my best to cultivate nonaggression and compassion and
to learn to protect life.
- On
Respecting What Belongs to Others
Aware of the suffering caused by stealing or taking anything
that belongs to others, I vow not to take what is not
offered. I will do my best to respect the property of
others.
- On
Protecting Celibacy
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful or aggressive
sexual energy, I vow to keep the vow of celibacy. I will
do my best to be aware of what harms myself and others
and to nurture true love and respect, free from attachment.
I aspire to serve and protect all beings.
- On
Mindful Speech
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech , I
vow to cultivate right speech. Knowing that words can
create happiness or suffering, I will do my best to not
lie, to not gossip, or slander, to not use harsh or idle
speech or to say things that bring about division or hatred.
I aspire always to speak the truth.
- On
Protecting the Body and Mind
Aware of the suffering caused by alcohol, drugs and other
intoxicants, I vow not to drink liquor or to use drugs.
I will do my best to live my life in a way that will increase
my inner strength and flexibility as well as my openness
to all beings and to life itself.
2.
Practicing Individually and as a Community
a)
While staying at Gampo Abbey, everyone practices at least
4 hours each day. Shamatha practitioners practice together
in the main shrine room. Everyone attends morning and evening
chants. A Meditation Instructor (MI) assists each individual
with their practice on a regular basis.
b)
As a Monastery, Gampo Abbey observes Sojong and Yarne, two
key activities in the monastic calendar.
Sojong
occurs on the days of the new and full moon. Ceremonies
held at these time focus on replenishing and purifying.
All members of the community participate.
Yarne
is a 49-day monastic retreat which Gampo Abbey holds during
the winter.
3.
Respecting the Monastic Environment
a)
The menu at the Abbey is vegetarian. On Saturdays a communal
meat meal is often prepared by those who are interested.
Tuna is also available on Saturdays. In accordance with
monastic tradition, garlic and onions are not eaten.
b)
Music (including singing, whistling, humming, and the playing
of musical instruments) is not permitted, except for liturgical
purposes.
c)
When planning your clothing for the Abbey, let your respect
for the monastic environment guide you. Tank tops and shorts
are not worn on Abbey property but may be worn at the beach.
Sleepwear and bathrobes are not worn in public areas. Tight-fitting
or other provocative clothes are not acceptable at the Abbey.
In the Shrine Room we ask people not to wear jeans or shirts
with logos or writing on them.
d)
On weekdays, silence is observed from 6:00 pm until noon
the next day. (Talking is still permitted on the lower and
upper floors from 6 pm until 8 pm.) On Sundays we observe
silence all day. During programs, additional silence guidelines
may be announced.
Downloadable Movie of Yarne-Shedra 2006
(NOTE: Requires Windows Media Player, file is VERY LARGE 54MB)
Archive of earlier information on Life at Gampo Abbey
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