Whoever serves must become strongly established in Dhamma, and as one does so, all attachments to sects, philosophies, and rituals are left behind. One then sees that Dhamma is a way of life. Living in peace with oneself and with all others. Our actions must be pure, and this is possible only when the mind is freed of defilements such as anger, hatred, passion, and ill-will. When these are eliminated, good qualities naturally arise in the mind: love, compassion, good-will. This is Dhamma - a universal path. - S. N. Goenka
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There is no opportunity more precious than the chance to serve in Dhamma. When servers stay in the healthy atmosphere of the Center for longer durations, and get established in their own practice and service, it helps further their understanding and application of Dhamma in daily life. |
Long-term Dhamma Seva is for those who wish to develop their practice by serving for longer periods of time. It gives students the opportunity to bring depth and maturity to their meditation practice by integrating what they have learned during courses and applying it while serving. Students will learn to serve properly with an attitude of humility and renunciation. This extended period of service provides a great opportunity to deepen one’s practice as well as helping the centre to run smoothly.
To read frequently asked questions on long term Seva, please click here.
The following programmes for long term seva are available at Dhamma Vatika:
1. Sit & Serve programme
This programme has been designed for serious old meditators who wish to grow in dhamma by staying in the Center for an extended period. In this programme, students serve one course and sit for one course. Schedule for serving & sitting will be decided after discussion with ATs.
Students can serve for a 10-day course or serve in any of the supporting activities essential for the smooth running of the center like course management, communication, gardening, kitchen or housekeeping. Generally, a commitment of 3 months is required from students for this programme and progress will be discussed with ATs on a bi-weekly basis. Under this programme, if a student has opted for serving 10-day courses, the duration of his/her stay will be decided on a course-by-course basis.
2. Remote Seva/Offsite Long Term Seva
Under this programme, students can serve without staying at the center. There are variety of activities that can be included such as registration, accounting, communication with servers or students, office work, managing first-aid box and computer related activities. Seva involving professional/special skills are also included under this programme.
This programme offers flexibility to students to serve as per their convenience. However, firm commitment is required from the student once he/she undertakes to serve a particular activity. Commitment of time is different for each activity and is generally decided after discussing with the concerned server about expertise required for the activity and his/her available time period.
If you are interested in joining this programme, please email us at dhammavipula@gmail.com.
For current opportunities under this programme, please click here.
Guidelines for Residential Long Term Dhamma Servers
Five Precepts - All Dhamma servers must observe the five precepts for the entire duration of their seva.
Daily Meditation Practice – All residential servers must meditate for at least 3 hours a day, and are also required to attend evening Metta. Offsite long term servers are also required to maintain their daily meditation practice at home.
Accommodation - Long-term Dhamma servers will be given priority in the assignment of accommodations for Dhamma servers. Accommodations may be changed often, however, to meet the immediate needs of the course. There should be no sense of “entitlement” to better accommodations even if one has been at the centre for some time.
Meeting with Assistant Teachers - All long-term Dhamma servers, whether sitting or serving, are required to meet with the assistant teacher after each course. They may also meet with the AT by arrangement to discuss any questions or problems they are experiencing or to ask questions about the meditation.
Sitting Courses – Residential long-term Dhamma servers should alternate between serving and sitting courses, depending on the course needs. Offsite long-term servers can decide their sitting schedule depending upon their daily responsibilities and nature of activities they have undertaken. Offsite dhamma servers are encouraged to sit short courses/one day courses to maintain continuity of practice.
Serving Courses - While serving on a course, long-term Dhamma servers should put aside their daily routines and give their full attention to the course. As far as possible, personal affairs, medical appointments etc., should be attended between the courses. Unless they are given permission to leave by the conducting teachers, Dhamma servers should remain at the Centre during courses.
Between Courses - In addition to serving during courses, there are a lot of service requirements to keep the centre running smoothly. The centre manager will delegate various tasks in this regard. Residential long-term Dhamma servers are also encouraged to join one of the seva groups that oversee the centre's needs on an ongoing basis.
Long-term Dhamma servers may leave the centre between courses. But they should notify the centre manager beforehand and inform him or her of the date when they will return. These breaks will be for rest or to conduct personal business. The centre should never be used as a base to go from one social affair to another. If a server feels a need for a longer break, then arrangements should be made for outside accommodation.
Segregation of the Sexes - To protect the Dhamma atmosphere of the Centre, segregation of the sexes should be maintained at all times, both during and between courses. There are separate accommodations for men and women, and separate dining areas as well. Dhamma servers must be very careful to treat those of the opposite sex as their Dhamma brothers or sisters.
Reading Material - Dhamma servers may use the small centre Library of Dhamma books. Reading other material is strictly forbidden at the centre.
Telephone and Email – Just like students, servers of 10-day course, should deposit their mobile with administration on Day 0. They are also not allowed to use centre telephone, except with the permission of the conducting teacher.
The Office has a computer with email facility. But during the course, access to computer is not allowed, except with the permission of the conducting teacher. Long term servers may use computer to check their emails only between the courses.
Use of Centre Property - As a Dhamma server, one lives the life of renunciation. The centre will provide the basic requirements of food and shelter; other expenses are the responsibility of the servers themselves. As everything at the centre is the result of Dana by other students, Dhamma servers should take care that they are not using the property of the centre for their own use without permission.