A guest, not a customer
Some Buddhist monasteries and temples offer a bed to visitors, whether for a night or longer. These may be simple guesthouses beside a Himalayan gompa, rooms in a Japanese temple, a retreat centre run by a monastic community or a basic hut in a forest monastery. They are not hotels. The people who live there are following a way of life, and a guest is invited to fit in with it for a short time. This article gives general expectations only. It does not list or recommend any providers, and each place sets its own rules.
Arrange it first
Do not turn up and expect a bed. Most monasteries need advance contact, and some accept only certain visitors or only at certain times of year. Points to settle in advance, directly with the monastery or through an established official channel:
- whether overnight guests are accepted, and for how long;
- whether men and women are housed separately;
- any minimum or maximum stay, and the expected arrival time;
- whether a donation is requested and in what form;
- what you must bring, such as bedding or a torch;
- house rules, and whether any course or practice is expected.
Conditions, availability and prices change, so rely on current information from the monastery itself. For travel to remote or high-altitude places, the medical and weather guidance in our pilgrim health basics is worth reading.
Early rising and the daily rhythm
Monastic days often begin before dawn. A bell, drum or gong may wake the community around 4 or 5 in the morning in many places, followed by chanting or meditation. Guests are usually welcome to join the morning practice or to stay out of the way, but are rarely expected to be late. The rhythm of monastery daily life is built around practice, work, study and rest, and guests are asked to respect quiet hours and lights-out times, which can be early.
Do not be surprised if there is no heating, hot water or Wi-Fi. Rooms can be basic, with shared bathrooms, floor mats or narrow beds.
Silence and conduct
Many monasteries ask guests to keep voices low and sometimes to observe periods of silence. Common expectations include:
- no loud conversation, music or phone calls;
- no smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs or intimate behaviour on the grounds;
- modest dress at all times, since you are living within a religious community;
- no killing of insects, as many traditions place weight on not harming living beings. Ask how to deal with mosquitoes and ants;
- no wandering into monks’ quarters or restricted areas;
- following the local customs on shoes and sitting, as described in guides to temple entry customs.
Some Theravada monasteries ask lay guests to keep the eight precepts, which include not eating after noon and avoiding entertainment, while the rules in Japanese or Korean temples vary. In a temple stay you may be given a schedule to follow. If you are uncertain about any rule, ask politely.
Simple meals
Food is often vegetarian and plain. Meals may be eaten at set times, sometimes in silence, and in some Theravada monasteries the last meal is before noon. Guests may be asked to help with serving or washing up. Points to remember:
- do not expect a menu or special orders;
- tell the host in advance about allergies or medical dietary needs, and understand that the kitchen may not be able to adapt;
- eat what you are served, and take only what you can finish;
- do not bring meat, alcohol or strongly scented foods into the grounds without permission.
Food at some places is described in more detail in articles such as Korean temple food, for visitors interested in how monastic cooking varies by country.
Taking part in chores and practice
Guests are sometimes asked to sweep, tidy or help in the kitchen. This is usually offered as part of the experience, not as a charge. Joining meditation or chanting is generally optional, but if you do, sit where you are directed and stay for the whole session. The article on meditation practice gives a general idea of what you may encounter, though a monastery’s own instructions come first. Do not ask monastics to teach privately or to explain restricted practices, and do not expect a counselling service.
Giving back
Many monasteries rely on donations, and it is customary to leave a contribution in a box or to give it to the person designated. The amount is personal. Do not hand cash to monks directly if that is not the local practice. Leave your room clean, strip the bed if asked, and write a thank-you if appropriate.
What to pack
- modest, comfortable clothes and layers for cold mornings;
- slip-on shoes and warm socks;
- a torch or headlamp, since lighting can be limited;
- any personal medication;
- a small gift or donation, if it fits local custom;
- earplugs, which some guests find helpful in shared rooms.
Leave behind items such as revealing clothing, strong perfume, noisy gadgets and anything that will disturb the quiet. A stay in a monastery can be demanding, and it may not suit everyone. Travelling with the right expectation, humility and flexibility makes it far more likely to be a good experience for you and for your hosts.