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Committed lay practitioners may apply to spend longer periods of time at the temple, e.g. a month or more. Long term residents join the daily life of the temple, helping to maintain the buildings and the grounds as part of their practice. The purpose of the daily schedule is to provide a structure that supports our meditation practice by letting us know what we can be doing when. It fosters harmony in the Sangha, giving us a framework in which we can practice willingness to let go of our opinions, whilst cultivating generosity and gratitude for the Dharma.
We do not, strictly speaking, offer work-study situations. Since contributing to the work of the temple is always a part of the practice, we do not have paid staff members or offer a reduced rate for those who stay for longer periods of time in the temple as a lay resident. Those who are interested in spending time on private retreat should work out the details of their stay with Rev. Master Phoebe; we are always willing to accommodate the needs of individuals to the extent we are able, making it possible for people to stay in the temple and make a donation which they can afford financially. This is an aspect of Dana, the Buddhist ideal of generosity, giving and receiving.
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