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 a maximum of three days (two nights). If your first stay goes well, you may request to stay longer when returning for a second visit. All guests staying at the monastery are expected to observe the eight precepts, including not eating food again after the main meal at 10:30 a.m. Guests are also expected to participate in all aspects of the routines in our community. Such routines include helping in the kitchen with food preparation and cleanup, assisting with the monastery's daily chores and occasional work encountered during the day, as well as group chanting and meditation sessions.

If you have a medical condition or other compelling reason to be exempted from having only one meal per day, please inform us of your situation in advance. Since the food available to lay visitors is the same as what is first offered to the monks, the monastery is unable to accommodate strict vegetarian or special dietary requirements. Please also 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 scope to accommodate the stay of anyone who may require particular care or supervision.

If you would like to come for an overnight visit, please call, write, or email to make a reservation. Guests are expected to bring their own toiletries and sleeping gear (including a pillow and anything needed to stay warm at night). Please also be prepared for the Forest-Tradition way of life, as there are no permanent structures, electricity, or piped water on the forested land. You can stay in a simple screened meditation hut or a tent pitched over an 8' x 8' platform. Guests share the only public bathroom and shower room near the house property, which is immediately adjacent to the forested land, and can request a private compost toilet if they prefer.

Generally, there is no need to inform us of a day visit unless you wish to speak with the monks or plan to meditate in the forested area. (Please note that entering the forested land requires prior permission from the monks.) You can expect to meet the monks around 11:30 a.m., which is when they usually finish their meal at the main building.

In keeping with our tradition, there is no charge for the 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.