The Upāsikā Program

Upāsikā Program

The term upāsikā means “one who sits close by,” and it has come to refer to lay people who join with the monastics in the practice of the Dhamma. Following the model established in England, Abhayagiri Monastery has created its own Upāsikā Program to provide a structure for lay people to practice and study together. Regular Upāsikā Days are held at the monastery each year at which upāsikās renew their commitment to the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, participate in a study session focusing on a Dhamma topic, and practice meditation. Over the course of the year, topics cover the five themes of sutta study, daily life practice, meditation, devotion/ritual, and Dhamma in the broader world. A list of suggested readings is also provided for those wishing to delve more deeply into each topic.

Typical Upāsikā Day Schedule

10:30 am - Refuges and Precepts

10:45 am - Meal offering (bring a dish to share) [11am DST]

1:00 pm - Meditation, teachings & discussion

4:30 pm - Tea with monastics (optional)

Attendance at Upāsikā Days is open both to those who have made a formal commitment to the program and to those who may simply wish to attend for the day. (Each year’s commitment ceremony takes place in the spring.) All are welcome.

Purpose
Following are the primary purposes of the Upāsikā Program:
• To enhance individual practice and increase self-discipline through making a formal commitment to spiritual training.
• To deepen both the intellectual and experiential understanding of Dhamma.
• To have more supportive contact with like-minded people and the ordained Sangha.
• To be better equipped to communicate the Teachings to others.

Guidelines
The following Upāsikā Program guidelines are meant as an outline for spiritual training of the individual and are intended to provide a structure for those seeking support and encouragement in their practice.

• Undertake to live by the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
• To take the Theravada Thai Forest Tradition as the focus of one's Buddhist practice.
• Attend regular gatherings with other Upāsikās, either at the monastery or in our own homes.
• Visit the monastery and formally take the Refuges and Precepts at least quarterly.
• Observe the Uposatha days of the full and new moons in some fashion appropriate to our living situation.
• Practice meditation daily.
• Find some time each year to go on retreat.
• Attend at least one festival day or communal gathering at the monastery each year.
• Cultivate a basic working knowledge of the Teachings.
• Support the sangha according to our means and abilities.
• Keep to the training for at least one year after having made the formal commitment.

2011 Upāsikā Days

Sunday, April 17 -- Devotion and Ritual: Elements of Pūjā. We will explore the meaning, value, objects and mechanics of the shrine room, making offerings and requests, and gestures of respect.

Saturday, June 11 -- (Upāsikā Renewal Day): Meditation: Standing, Walking and Lying Down - Meditation in the Other Three Postures

Sunday, August 21 -- Sutta Study: The Three Cardinal (Chanting) Suttas

Saturday, October 8 -- Practicing in a Global Context: The Fourfold Sangha Engaged in the Community

Sunday, December 4 -- Practice in Daily Life: Applying the Four Noble Truths

This is a brief outline of the planned themes. Each one will be developed more fully prior to its date, with readings, reflection questions, and more background to be provided. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.

Here are directions to Abhayagiri Monastery. And if you'd like to carpool, please feel free to utilize the upāsikā Yahoo group as a means of contacting others planning to attend.