Overview
The term upasika means “one who sits close by,” and refers to lay people who join with the monastics in the practice of the Dhamma. Four Upasika Days are held at the Pacific Hermitage each year at which practitioners renew their commitment to the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, participate in a study session, and practice meditation. Attendance at Upasika Days is open both to those who have made a formal commitment to the program and to those who wish to attend for the day. There is an opportunity to renew precepts each summer at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.
Purpose
Following are the primary purposes of the Upasika Program:
- To enhance individual practice and increase self-discipline through making a formal commitment to spiritual training.
- To deepen both the intellectual and experiential understanding of Dhamma.
- To have more supportive contact with like-minded people and the ordained Sangha.
- To be better equipped to communicate the Teachings to others.
| GuidelinesThe following Upasika Program guidelines are meant as an outline for spiritual training of the individual:
- Take the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts as a foundation for your spiritual life. (ABM Chant Book, pg. 72 )
- Take the Theravada Thai Forest Tradition as the focus of your Buddhist practice.
- Attend scheduled Upasika gatherings at the Pacific Hermitage.
- Observe one day a week on which a heightened importance is given to your spiritual practice, such as following the eight precepts on the quarter moons and adding in more time for meditation. (ABM Chant Book, pg. 74)
- Practice meditation daily.
- Find some time each year to go on retreat. This could include self-retreats, daylong retreats, weekends or, if possible, longer.
- Come to the Pacific Hermitage at least twice a year, for gatherings such as meals, work days and festivals or to participate individually in projects as needed.
- Cultivate a basic working knowledge of the Teachings.
- Support the Sangha according to your means and abilities.
- Keep to the training for at least one year after having made the formal commitment.
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