Buddhashrama Theravada Forest Monastery

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. General Information

What is Buddhashrama?

Buddhashrama is a Theravāda Buddhist monastery in Karnataka, India, dedicated to the study, practice, and teaching of the Dhamma as preserved in the Sutta-Piṭaka and the Vinaya-Piṭaka.

The monastery provides a peaceful environment where monastics and lay practitioners can develop their understanding and practice of the Buddha's teachings through meditation, Dhamma study, mindful living, and monastic training.

Location:
Chattanahalli Palya, Varuna Hobli,
Mysore – 570010, Karnataka, India.

For directions and contact information, please visit our Contact & Directions page.

Buddhashrama follows the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, with particular emphasis on the early Buddhist teachings found in the Sutta-Piṭaka and the monastic discipline preserved in the Vinaya-Piṭaka.

Are visitors welcome at Buddhashrama?

Yes. Visitors are welcome to visit the monastery.

As Buddhashrama is a place of spiritual practice and monastic life, visitors are requested to respect the peaceful environment and follow the monastery's guidelines regarding dress, conduct, photography, electronic devices, and visiting hours.

Please read our Visitor Guidelines before planning your visit.

2. Staying at the Monastery

Can lay people stay at Buddhashrama?

Accommodation may be available for those participating in approved meditation retreats, Dhamma programs, training, or other activities organized by the monastery.

Availability is subject to the monastery's schedule and accommodation capacity.

Prior permission or registration may be required.

Please contact us or check our Upcoming Retreats page before planning your stay.

Does Buddhashrama offer meditation retreats?

Yes. Buddhashrama supports meditation retreats and Dhamma programs based on the teachings found in the Sutta-Piṭaka.

Programs may include practices such as Ānāpānasati, Satipaṭṭhāna, Mettā, walking meditation, and mindful daily activities, according to the particular program.

Lay practitioners can apply for suitable retreats through Early Buddhist Teachings (EBT).

Please see our Upcoming Retreats page for current programs and registration information.

Is there a fee for meditation retreats or accommodation?

Buddhist Dhamma is traditionally offered without a commercial fee.

Buddhashrama and its Dhamma programs are supported through voluntary donations (dāna) and the generosity of supporters.

What should I bring if I plan to stay?

Please bring:

  • Modest and comfortable clothing
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medicines and essential health items
  • Personal identification and necessary travel documents
  • Any other items specifically mentioned in the program instructions

Basic accommodation facilities and bedding may be provided, depending on the program.

Please check the Packing List before arriving.

3. Monastic Life and Ordination

Can I train to become a monk at Buddhashrama?

Yes. People who have a sincere interest in monastic life may apply for training.

The training generally progresses through different stages, beginning with Anagārika training, followed by Sāmaṇera (novice) training, and eventually, where appropriate and subject to the requirements of the Vinaya and the monastery, Bhikkhu ordination.

Ordination is not simply a change of lifestyle. It involves training in Sīla, meditation, Dhamma study, community life, and Vinaya discipline.

Please visit our Ordination & Monastic Training page for detailed information.

What are the requirements for monastic training and ordination?

Applicants should have a sincere and sustained aspiration to undertake monastic life and should be willing to live according to the monastery's training and the Vinaya.

Requirements may include:

  • A genuine commitment to Buddhist monastic life
  • Willingness to follow the Vinaya and monastery rules
  • Sufficient physical and mental capacity for monastic training
  • Resolution of significant family, employment, financial, and legal responsibilities
  • Being free from debts and other obligations that would prevent responsible monastic training
  • Appropriate arrangements regarding parents and family responsibilities, where applicable
  • A period of residency and preliminary training before ordination

Because ordination involves significant legal, financial, family, and personal considerations, applicants should discuss their circumstances with the monastery before making final commitments.

Specific requirements may differ according to the stage of training and the circumstances of the applicant.

Please contact us for the current Ordination Requirements.

Do I need my parents' permission to ordain?

Applicants with family responsibilities should make appropriate arrangements with their family before entering monastic training.

Where parental consent or other family considerations are applicable, these should be discussed with the monastery during the application process.

Please refer to the detailed Ordination Requirements for current requirements.

Do I need to close my bank accounts before ordination?

Financial arrangements are an important part of preparing for monastic life.

Before higher ordination, an applicant should resolve personal financial responsibilities and make appropriate arrangements for bank accounts, property, employment, debts, and other possessions in accordance with the monastery's guidance and the requirements of monastic life.

Please discuss your individual circumstances with the monastery before making irreversible financial decisions.

Is there an opportunity for women to undertake training at Buddhashrama?

At present, Buddhashrama primarily supports the training and accommodation of male monastics.

We hope to develop suitable facilities and opportunities for women for Dhamma training and accommodation in the future.

Please contact us for information about current opportunities available to women.

4. Online Dhamma Resources

Are online Dhamma resources available?

Yes. You can follow our online Dhamma resources through our official channels.

5. Supporting Buddhashrama

How can I support the monastery?

There are many ways to support Buddhashrama and the monastic community.

Support may include:

  • Dāna – voluntary financial donations
  • Offering food
  • Offering robes and other monastic requisites
  • Offering medicines and essential supplies
  • Volunteering time and skills
  • Helping with gardening, cleaning, maintenance, administration, website work, or events
  • Supporting Dhamma activities and educational programs

Please visit our Support / Dāna page for details.

Can I offer food to the monks?

Yes. Offering food to the monastic community is a traditional form of dāna.

Food may be offered according to the monastery's daily schedule and the requirements of the Vinaya.

If you would like to arrange a meal offering, please contact the monastery in advance.

Can I offer non-vegetarian food?

Theravāda monks may accept food offered to them when the offering is permissible under the Vinaya.

However, there are specific Vinaya considerations regarding meat and other foods. If you are unsure whether a particular food is appropriate, please contact the monastery before making the offering.

Vegetarian food is also welcome.

Can I volunteer at Buddhashrama?

Yes. Volunteers may be able to assist with activities such as:

  • Cleaning and maintenance
  • Gardening
  • Cooking and food-related work
  • Administration
  • Website and digital work
  • Translation
  • Event organization
  • Other monastery activities

Volunteer opportunities depend on the monastery's current needs.

Please contact the Monastery Contact us if you are interested.

6. Visiting Guidelines

What should I wear when visiting the monastery?

Visitors should wear modest, clean, and comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.

For meditation retreats, white or light-colored clothing may be recommended.

Very short, tight, transparent, or revealing clothing should be avoided.

Are children allowed at the monastery?

Children are welcome to visit when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Parents and guardians are requested to ensure that children maintain appropriate behavior and respect the quiet atmosphere of the monastery. But During the intensive Retreat, Children are not allowed.

Can I take photographs or videos?

Photography and video recording may be restricted within the monastery.

Please ask for permission before photographing monks, residents, meditation sessions, ceremonies, or other people.

Some areas may be designated for photography, while other areas may be photography-free.

Can I use my mobile phone at the monastery?

Mobile phones and other electronic devices may be brought to the monastery, subject to the rules of the particular program.

Visitors are requested to keep devices silent and use them mindfully and only when necessary.

During meditation retreats or intensive training programs, additional restrictions may apply.

Please follow the instructions given by the monastery or retreat organizers.

Is Buddhashrama open throughout the year?

Buddhashrama operates throughout the year, but access and accommodation may vary according to the monastery's schedule.

Certain periods may be dedicated to intensive practice, retreats, Vassa (Rains Retreat), training, or other monastic activities.

Visitors and guests should contact the monastery before travelling, particularly if they require accommodation.

7. Travel and Directions

How do I reach Buddhashrama?

Buddhashrama is located at:
Chattanahalli Palya, Varuna Hobli,
Mysore – 570010, Karnataka, India.

Detailed travel information will be provided here:

For the latest directions and transportation information, please contact us before travelling.

8. Meeting Monks and Dhamma Guidance

Can I speak with a monk for personal Dhamma guidance?

Yes. Monks may be available for Dhamma discussions and spiritual guidance, depending on their schedule and responsibilities.

Because monks have daily duties and periods dedicated to meditation, study, and other activities, visitors are encouraged to request an appointment in advance whenever possible.

Can I ask questions about Buddhism or the Buddha's teachings?

Yes. Questions about the Dhamma are welcome.

You may discuss topics related to Buddhist practice, meditation, the Suttas, Vinaya, monastic life, and other aspects of the Buddha's teachings.

For detailed or personal guidance, please arrange an appropriate time with a monk.

9. Buddhist Festivals and Special Events

Does Buddhashrama observe Buddhist festivals?

Yes. The monastery may observe important Theravāda Buddhist occasions and organize special Dhamma programs.

These may include occasions such as:

  • Vesākha (Vesak)
  • Kathina
  • Vassa-related observances
  • Dhamma talks
  • Meditation programs
  • Special ceremonies and community activities

Please check our Events Calendar for upcoming programs.

10. Donations and Dāna

Can I make an online donation?

Yes. Online donations may be made through the available payment methods.

Please visit our Donation / Dāna page for current payment information and instructions.

If you are donating from outside India, please check the available international payment options before making a transfer.

Why does Buddhashrama not charge for Dhamma?

In the Buddhist tradition, the Dhamma is not treated as a commercial product.

The monastery and its activities are supported through dāna — voluntary generosity.

Donations help support the basic needs of the monastic community, monastery facilities, Dhamma activities, meditation programs, and other necessary expenses.

11. Before You Visit

What should I do before coming to Buddhashrama?

Before visiting or planning a stay, we recommend that you:

  1. Check the monastery's current visiting arrangements.
  2. Read the Visitor Guidelines.
  3. Check whether accommodation is available.
  4. Review the relevant retreat or program information.
  5. Contact the monastery if you have special requirements or questions.
  6. Follow the monastery's guidelines regarding clothing, food, photography, mobile phones, and conduct.

Please do not travel long distances for accommodation or a program without confirming arrangements in advance.

How can I contact Buddhashrama?

For enquiries regarding visits, accommodation, Dhamma programs, ordination, dāna, or volunteering, please contact us through our Contact Us page.

We will respond according to the availability of the monastery's administration and monastic community.