Inside the monastery
An Overview of the Daily Life of Buddhist Monks
In the monastery, the purpose of the daily schedule is to help a monk maintain good physical and mental conditions for learning and virtuous practice. Everything from classes, to prayers and prostrations, to chores, even to eating and sleeping – it is all part of a good day of learning and spiritual cultivation!
3:50 am Wake-Up Call
At 3:50 am sharp, each day, crisp morning calls are sounded within the monastery with a traditionally designed small wooden hammer and board. To the monastics, awaking to the new day is symbolic for the spiritual awakening from the illusions and sufferings of cyclic existence.
4:20 am Morning Prayer
Shortly after waking up, we gather for Morning Prayer in the prayer hall. There, in front of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, we pray earnestly for the blessings of our spiritual teachers and the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the teaching, and the spiritual community), as well as for the peace and happiness of all living beings in the world.
6:00 am & 11:30 am Morning Meal & Mid-day Meal
At each meal, we join our hearts to offer the first portion of our food to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and all living beings. We reminisce that each meal comes from the hard work and good will of many generous donors. As is also true for everything we are blessed with, the food is a lesson in humbleness and gratitude.
7:20 am Scripture Recitation
Reading scriptures and letting them sink into our minds is a profoundly appeasing and enlightening experience. Not only that, but in our daily lives, the scriptural lines we have memorized are very useful to us as well. Whether we are pondering the biggest questions about world peace and life, or simply dealing with a bad mood, the scriptures are always a timely source of insight and inspiration.
8:25 am Lectures
Lectures are conducted by learned instructors, who make use of extensive scriptural knowledge, experience, and perspectives to enrich our scriptural understanding and spiritual aspirations.
9:30 am Group Discussions
Spiritual practice is rooted in understanding. In group discussions, fellow monastics share thoughts, experiences, and contemplations about the scriptures and about our teachers’ teachings. This way, we give rise to new insights and deeper understandings for everyone.
10:30 am Chores
Chores within the monastery include all the tasks necessary to keep the monastic community running — cooking, clothing repair, transportation, health, maintenance, and so on. We work together to maintain a good environment for everyone’s practice and studies. In doing so, we also cultivate a heart to help and serve others.
1:45 pm Prostration
While prostration can also strengthen the body, it is ultimately a practice to cultivate virtue and engage in honest self-reflection.
2:15 pm Scriptural Debate
Scriptural debate, in its format, consists of a question-and-answer exchange between two fellow practitioners. This centuries-old dialectical process is rigorous and down-to-earth. It leaves no questions unanswered, and no misconceptions or blind points untreated. It is a powerful tool for us to accurately examine our own views and discern the scriptures’ meanings. In turn, it allows us to better apply the teachings in our daily lives.
4:30 pm Extracurricular Activities
After a day’s classes, monastics engage in various after-class activities. Some also spend the time reviewing their day of learning or sharing their growth with peers.
7:00 pm Night Prayer and Daily Reflection
Nearing the end of a busy day, the night prayer helps us settle down, reflect on the conduct of our mind and body, and strengthen our aspirations for a life of virtuous cultivation.
Before going to sleep, we gather by class to rejoice in the good deeds of ourselves and others, as well as to reflect on areas for growth and improvement. As we prepare for sleep, we strive to sustain a virtuous mindset in calmness and awareness, grateful for the gift of today, and ready to make the best of tomorrow.