Visiting and Visitor’s Conduct

K.P.Y. Redwood Valley

K.P.Y. is a non-profit and private self-retreat center with living examples of the Buddhist path. Although K.P.Y. is neither an established Budhhist temple (Wat) - as Thailand traditional standard nor a Western Monastery standard, normally there are monks in residence.

K.P.Y. is composed of 5 small parcels of land and grouped into two large areas (two small mountains). One is to be a site of future 16-acre Monastery; the other is a house for 75.5-acre Anakarika  laity.

Qualified persons are welcome to visit or to stay in quest for peace and practice the simple living and monastic lifestyle for a time. The K.P.Y. community ‘s annual retreat usually in last of May or early June leading by Phra Ajahn Thoon Khippapanyo. In keeping with the tradition there is no charge for annual retreat stay which is funded entirely by voluntary donations. Financial support is needed and welcome to cover the costs of retreat functions and to accommodate guests including invitee monks.

K.P.Y. community observes a silent retreat  during winter -  December, January, February and March. The winter weather is not suitable for outdoor livings. During this time a quiet day visit is welcome however overnight guests cannot be accommodated.

Address:
19721 Scenic Drive, 
Redwood Valley, CA 95470
Tel: (707) 485-0833

THE DAILY ROUTINE
  • 7:00 AM: Kitchen works and light breakfast discussion for tasks of the day.
  • 8:30 AM: Meal offering to the monks or Sangha in residence (if present)
  • 9:00 AM: Meal offering to the community - one meal per day and is eaten in silence.
  • 11:00 AM: After all morning activities. It is time for individual's contemplation, meditation and study.
  • 3:00 PM: Teatime and discussion, laundry if enough clothes collection. Notify if any mail or have outside messages.
  •  7:30 PM: Lunar Day will be observed by evening group chanting and meditation followed by Dharmma discussion and sharing.
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    GUIDELINES FOR VISITING GUESTS

    This information is intended as a guide for overnight stat at K.P.Y. People with city-background may find the living condition and customs somewhat unfamiliar and primitive. It is hoped that the following information will help in giving greater understanding and sensitivity to the various conventions of monastic life.

    DURATION OF LONG STAY

         First-time visits are limited to 3 days up to one week. For those who have previously spent time with the community, with permission it is possible to arrange longer stays.

    Accommodations are presently few. You are welcome to bring a tent, or check ahead of time for availability of a trailer.

    THE EIGHT PRECEPTS
    1. Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
      2.
    2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything which is not given.
      3.
    3. Celibacy: refraining from any sexual activity.
      4.
    4. Right Speech: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech.
      5.
    5. Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drink or drugs.
      6.
    6. Renunciation: not eating after mid-day.
      7.
    7. Restraint: Not seeking entertainment, playing radios or musical instruments. Dressing in a modest, unadorned way that does not attract attention.
    8. Alertness: refraining from over-indulgence in sleep.

    MONASTIC CODE

    K.P.Y. community adopted THE EIGHT PERCEPTS above as beginning of monastic life. This is a mandatory discipline for any resident in this community. Monks and nuns are prohibited from possessing money or property and from storing food. They are completely dependent on the laity in many simple ways, like having food offered, cutting grasses or digging the earth.

    ETIQUETTE

    As in monasteries, emphasis is placed on establishing harmony, by mindfulness and consideration for others. Guests are invited to share in these observances of beautiful behavior and sensitivity.

    Before entering a room or living space it is necessary to remove the shoes. Visitor also are obliged to; there is the custom of standing out of the way to the leaders. The triple bow, to the Buddha, Dharmma and Sangha, is usually done upon entering or leaving the meditation hall. At the end of a formal meditation period, respect is usually paid to the senior monk (if present) with the triple bow.

    When in the meditation area concern need be taken in moving with as little noise as possible. When sitting one should avoid lolling and lounging and sitting with one’s back against the wall. Care should be taken not to point the feet at the shrine or at the monastic generally, as this is considered impolite.

    When offering something to a monk or nun, or talking with them, one should not stand looming over them but rather approach them at the same level at which they are sitting.

    OFFERING

    Monks and nuns are allowed to collect and consume their daily meal in the period between dawn and noon. Anything they intend to eat or drink, except water, must be formally offered into the hands or placed on or into something in direct contact with the hands.

    GENERAL CONDUCT

         A monasteric K.P.Y. is a sanctuary from the usual worldly concerns, for those who have dedicated themselves to spiritual practice. As guests are sharing in this life as visitors, it is not appropriate to come and go without notice or engage in external business during your stay. It is customary to ask one of the senior director if you wish to make a telephone call.

    RELATIONSHIPS

         The tradition monks and nuns lead lives of total celibacy. All K.P.Y. residents live with The Eight Precepts. This includes suggestive speech or physical contact with lustful intent, both of which are serious offenses against the discipline. To avoid this and to prevent gossip or misunderstanding from arising, a monk has to be accompanied by another male whenever he is engaging in a long conversation with a woman. A similar rule applies for nuns and K.P.Y. residents.

    Guests are asked to be sensitive to the proper mode of conduct for men and women within a monastic setting. Complete segregation of the sexes is mandatory, and no men should enter the women’s lodgings, or vice versa, without permission from the senior director.

    A’JALI AND BOWING

    "A’jali" is a gesture of respect. The hands are held together in prayer-like fashion raised to the slightly lowered forehead. It is used particularly when conversing with a senior monk and as a means of greeting and bidding farewell.

    To bow correctly, kneel with the buttocks on the heels and with the hands in a’jali. Bring the palms to the floor about four inches apart, then bring the forehead down to touch between the palms, the elbows close to the knees. Bow three times.

    We hope that your stay will be peaceful, meaningful and enriching to your wisdom.

    To inquire about visiting K.P.Y. Please contact the Guest Master at 309 Northwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Tel:  (650) 742-9673, (707) 485-0833, (415) 922-9419 (Neecha’s Restaurant).