Precepts and Observances
- Details
- Category: Visiting
The life at Cittaviveka is held within an ethical framework, which visitors and guests are expected to follow while they are here. This centres on the Eight Precepts:
The Eight Precepts
- Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature
- Trustworthiness: not taking anything that is not given
- Celibacy: refraining from any sexual activity
- Veracity: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech
- Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drink or drug
- Renunciation: not eating after mid-day
- Restraint: refraining from games and attending shows, and from self-adornment. (Guests are asked to dress modestly, and not to play radios, musical tapes or instruments)
- 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 quiet in the House, using the lodgings 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. The Guest Monk or Nun can advise you on the basic standards.