Can anyone visit the monastery in Washington DC?
If you have never visited a Buddhist monastery before, it may seem like something exotic. That you have to climb to the top of a mountain. That some stoic guru will be sitting in a cave and greet you with riddle you can't possibly answer.
That's the sort of thing you see in movies, not in Washington DC. There aren't even any mountains here. Or caves.
This monastery is located in a house, so you'll walk through the door, take your shoes off, and say hello to one of the monks or lay people. They will be happy to see you and help answer any questions you have. They will show you around the public areas of the house, including our lending library. If there is an activity happening, they will explain what is going on and make sure you are comfortable
You don't need to be worried about doing something wrong or offending us. Basic politeness is all you have to bring with you. We just ask that you remove your shoes inside. Monks don't shake hands, so you can greet them with a smile or by placing your palms together in front of your chest.
The Buddha encouraged people to ask questions and we are here to help answer them. Even if your question doesn't seem profound or interesting feel free to ask. This is the best way to learn.
After you are here for a few minutes you will probably notice that the monastery seems like a very ordinary place. Physically, this is absolutely true. What makes a monastery special is the things we do. We are trying to learn and practice the very special teachings of the Buddha. We are trying to help each other overcome our greed, hatred and delusion. We are trying to develop compassion for all living beings. We are trying to find a lasting happiness that is not dependent on material things. We hope that through your time here you will begin to experience some of these things for yourself.
To make sure someone is here to greet you, we ask that you call before you visit when there isn't an activity scheduled. ( 301 570 1573 )
We hope to see you soon!
That's the sort of thing you see in movies, not in Washington DC. There aren't even any mountains here. Or caves.
This monastery is located in a house, so you'll walk through the door, take your shoes off, and say hello to one of the monks or lay people. They will be happy to see you and help answer any questions you have. They will show you around the public areas of the house, including our lending library. If there is an activity happening, they will explain what is going on and make sure you are comfortable
You don't need to be worried about doing something wrong or offending us. Basic politeness is all you have to bring with you. We just ask that you remove your shoes inside. Monks don't shake hands, so you can greet them with a smile or by placing your palms together in front of your chest.
The Buddha encouraged people to ask questions and we are here to help answer them. Even if your question doesn't seem profound or interesting feel free to ask. This is the best way to learn.
After you are here for a few minutes you will probably notice that the monastery seems like a very ordinary place. Physically, this is absolutely true. What makes a monastery special is the things we do. We are trying to learn and practice the very special teachings of the Buddha. We are trying to help each other overcome our greed, hatred and delusion. We are trying to develop compassion for all living beings. We are trying to find a lasting happiness that is not dependent on material things. We hope that through your time here you will begin to experience some of these things for yourself.
To make sure someone is here to greet you, we ask that you call before you visit when there isn't an activity scheduled. ( 301 570 1573 )
We hope to see you soon!