Guidelines on staying at Sunyata: 

Sunyata provides an opportunity for people to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and themselves, to practice mindfulness, or simply take time away from their everyday lives to reflect. Ethical guidelines, meditation practice and community work all help to maintain an environment conducive to these practices.

The rhythm of life at Sunyata is an essential part of our spiritual practice. Using the ordinary activities of daily life, we try to bring mindfulness and composure into our experience, whether in activity or in stillness, in relationship or in solitude.

Daily Routine

Although there is much time for individual meditation and contemplation, guests are expected to take part in the following daily schedule:

7.00am Morning puja
8.00am Breakfast
9.15am Daily meeting
9.30am -12.30pm Morning chores
12.30pm Main meal
3.00pm -5.00pm Afternoon chores [optional, depending on workload]
7pm  Evening Puja
   

 

Living in Community

At Sunyata there is a range of jobs which need doing around the centre such as in the kitchen, garden, the forest and with keeping the buildings clean. The working time set aside each morning and afternoon helps to maintain the centre and also gives us the opportunity to practice mindfulness in ordinary tasks.

We are grateful for your help. We hope that the structure of the day, with its times of silent contemplation together, individual reflection and more engaged work, can help each of us to find a balance in our practice.

We would appreciate it if you could be mindful around the conservation of energy and protecting the beautiful natural environment here at Sunyata. Please keep communal areas clean and tidy and avoid using candles or incense in any of the buildings. Sunyata grounds are non-smoking.

Guests are asked not to listen to music or engage in other forms of entertainment whilst at Sunyata. We also ask you to refrain from using phones and electronic devices in the common areas. As with other guidelines, these are simply ways of creating an environment conducive to contemplation. We also ask guests to keep noise to a minimum after 9 pm.

 

Additional Information

Guests are asked to respect the sanctity of the meditation hall by using it only for meditation and following the guidelines related to its use.

We do not supply bedding unless you are travelling from overseas – please let us know in advance if this is the case.

Initial stays are limited to 3 – 5 days for people coming to visit Sunyata from Ireland (longer stays by overseas visitors may be considered), after which subsequent visits may be of longer duration.

As is traditional in this lineage of Buddhism, everything at Sunyata is offered free of charge so that the teachings and practice are available to everyone. As the centre is supported solely by donations, any contribution you are able to make for your stay here is much appreciated. The donation box can be found in the foyer of the dhamma hall.

 

 

Health questionnaire:

Guests are required to commit to the following guidelines

  • A person who feels unwell on the intended day of arrival, should cancel their visit
  • A person who is confirmed case, a suspected case or a close contact of a suspected case within 14 days of their visit should cancel their visit 
  • A person who becomes unwell while here, needs to return home.
  • If after being here, a person contracts the virus, they should let us know.

Please do not attend the centre if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • a fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above)
  • a cough – any kind of cough, not just dry
  • shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
  • loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

 

 

    Please confirm below that you agree to the above guidelines

    Full Name

    Contact number

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    Proposed Arrival Date

    Proposed Departure Date

    Have you stayed at Sunyata previously as a volunteer? Please state when: