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Silacarini Day (nuns)

Day RESIDENTIAL RETREAT FOR THAI LADIES
At THE BUDDHAPADIPA TEMPLE
14 Calonne Rd., Wimbledon, London SW19 5HJ

Meditation classes are held for Thai ladies to practice at the Buddhapadipa Temple for 9 days around July. These ladies will be following the female monk-tradition by observing the eight precepts called Silacarini or lay Buddhist nuns. The Eight Precepts are as follows;

To abstain from:

  • Killing living beings;
  • Taking/ stealing others’ possessions which have not been given;
  • Taking part in any sexual acts;
  • Lying or engaging in negative speech;
  • Taking intoxicants;
  • Taking food after the sun has crossed the zenith;
  • Dancing, singing, listening to music, watching unseemly shows, use of garlands, perfumes, and any accessories to adorn the body;
  • Using high and luxurious seats.

Please assemble at the Temple at 09.00 hrs on the ordination day for the allocation of accommodation. The retreat commences with the taking of the Eight Precepts and itinerary at 13.30 hrs. The strict silence rule begins at 5.00 a.m. the next day. The retreat ends with a Dhamma talk, discussion, and refreshments at approximately 16.00 hrs on the becoming layman day.

Rules of the Retreat

Observe the time-table strictly ~ Eat and drink moderately ~ Do not eat after 12:00 noon, until the next day ~ Only vegetarian meals will be supplied ~ consume food from the bowl you are provided with ~ stay in solitude and apart from other retreatants ~ Refrain from speaking by staying quiet and unobtrusive ~ Do not read, write, telephone or communicate with others, except in an emergency ~ Wear white clothing ~ Dress modestly in loose, comfortable and unrevealing clothing.

OBSERVE YOUR ACTIONS AND TAKE GREAT CARE NOT TO DISTURB OTHERS ~ AVOID DISTRACTIONS CAUSED BY OTHERS ~ IN PARTICULAR, DO NOT ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION AND AVOID EYE-CONTACT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ~ WORK WITH THE MIND TURNED INWARDS

Programme

Saturday:

09.00 am The Silacarinis to be register,
10.00 am The monks perform blessing for the Silacarini to be,
11.00 am The Silacarinis to be offer lunch for the monks,
12.00 am The Silacarinis to be and friends have lunch,
13.30 pm The Silacarinis to be change their clothes to white clothes,
14.00 pm The Silacarinis to be do circumambulation around the main temple,
14.15 pm The Silacarinis to be go into the main temple room, pay respect to the triple gem,
15.00 pm The Silacarinis ordination ceremony,
16.00 pm Refreshment,
18.00 pm Evening chanting, insight meditation instruction,
20.00 pm Meditation (walking and sitting),
22.00 pm Go to bed.

Practical programme for 9 days

04.30 – 05.30 am Wake up,
05.30 – 06.30 am Morning chanting and Dhamma talk,
06.30 – 07.00 am Meditation (walking and sitting),
07.00 – 08.30 am Breakfast,
08.30 – 09.00 am Rest,
09.00 – 10.30 am Meditation (walking and sitting),
11.00 – 12.00 am Lunch,
12.00 – 13.00 pm Rest,
13.00 – 16.00 pm Meditation (walking and sitting),
16.00 – 17.00 pm Interview,
17.00 – 18.00 pm Refreshment,
18.00 – 19.30 pm Evening chanting and Dhamma talk by the abbot,
19.30 – 19.45 pm Rest,
19.45 – 21.30 pm Meditation (walking and sitting),
21.30 – 22.00 pm Go to bed.

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