DAY AND OVERNIGHT VISITORS

Those who wish to share in the experience of monastery life for a short time are welcome to visit for the day or for an overnight stay. They can request overnight accommodation as a guest to share in the lifestyle of the monastic community, as long as they are willing to follow the established monastic routines and are supportive of the Vinaya rules (monastic discipline) that the monks follow.

Our policy at Sarasota Forest Monastery is that first-time guests are allowed to stay up to three days and two nights. If your first stay goes well, you may request a longer stay when returning for a second visit. Guests are expected to observe the Eight Precepts during their stay and participate in all aspects of the community's daily routines. This includes helping in the kitchen with food preparation and cleanup, assisting with daily chores and occasional tasks that arise during the day, as well as joining any scheduled group practice sessions.

Following the monastery residents, guests generally have one meal a day, served at 10:30 a.m. As the food available to lay visitors is the same as that first offered to the monks, the monastery is unable to accommodate strict vegetarian diets or other special dietary needs. However, visitors are allowed to bring and eat their own food, provided it is consumed between dawn and noon. Guests may also bring fruit juice or Vinaya-allowed tonics—such as dark chocolate, cheese, and honey—which they may take whenever needed to maintain their energy for the practice.

Please note that, as a forest monastery, our capacity is limited and does not allow us to provide proper care for individuals with serious physical or mental health conditions. Therefore, it is beyond our capacity to accommodate anyone who may require professional care or special supervision.

If you would like to come for an overnight visit, please call or email in advance to make a reservation. To ensure a smooth stay, please take note of the following:

• Preparation & Gear: Guests are asked to bring their own toiletries and sleeping gear. Essential items include a pillow, a flashlight, a pair of sandals, and any additional bedding or layers needed to stay warm at night. Insect repellent is also recommended, particularly during the summertime.

• Borrowed Items: If you borrow any items from the monastery, we kindly ask that they be returned in clean condition before your departure.

• Forest Living: There is no electricity or piped water on the forested land itself; we encourage guests to embrace a simple lifestyle of forest-dwelling in exchange for the opportunity to develop diligent effort and patient endurance, which are indispensable factors leading to wisdom and peace.

• Accommodations: Lodging consists of a simple screened meditation hut (shown in the photo at the top of this page) or a tent pitched on an 8' x 8' platform. There is at least one walking meditation path next to each hut and platform.

• Facilities: Guests have access to two public restrooms and showers located adjacent to the forest. A compost toilet for personal use is also available upon request.

If you wish to request an overnight visit via email, please confirm that you have carefully read the entire VISIT section of this website and are prepared to follow all of the guidelines described. In your message, please also provide a brief introduction about yourself—covering your age, gender, place of residence, and background in religion and meditation. We will notify you of availability once we receive this information.

As for a day visit, generally there is no need to inform us beforehand unless you wish to speak with the monks or plan to meditate in the forest. Please note that entering the forested land requires prior permission. If you would like to speak with the monks, the best time is around 11:30 a.m., as they have typically finished their meal at the main building by then.

In keeping with our tradition, there is no charge for board, lodging, books, or teachings at Sarasota Forest Monastery. Everything is provided in the spirit of generosity by the monks and supporters of the monastery.