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We know that it can be a little intimidating to visit a monastery or meditation center for the first time. We will do everything we can to make you feel welcome and comfortable. We hope that this will help you get the most out of your time here. If you have questions about specific activities, check out the detailed descriptions.
Dress conservatively in trousers or skirts–no shorts. Some people who come like to wear white clothes. Some people just wear jeans and a hoodie. Please remove your shoes before coming inside.
We have lots of different things to sit on. We have cushions, stools and chairs. If you have something you like to sit on, feel free to bring it.
Young people are welcome at all of our events. Parents can decide what works best for their kids. We do have some special programs for children and youth. If you have questions, just ask.
The monks are trained and ordained in the ancient Theravada Buddhist tradition. They wear robes and shave their heads. The only thing you really need to know about interacting with them is that they don’t shake hands or hug. You can greet them with a smile or by placing your palms together in front of your chest. They are available after any of the activities to answer questions about Buddhism or meditation.
Not at all. All of our activities are open to anyone free of charge with no need to even register. If you would like to get more involved, there are lots of opportunities.
Some of our programs start with a chanting service. English programs will be chanted in English along with the ancient Buddhist language of Pali. We have lots of copies of the service you can read along with. You can also download a copy. It has explanations of everything we recite.
Usually we will begin by offering flowers, candles, and sweet drinks in memory of the Buddha. Then we recite the qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. We will also usually chant a short ancient scripture After that we do a short guided meditation.
While you are here, you will see people bowing to the monks and to the Buddha statue. Bowing to people we respect is an ancient Buddhist practice all around the world. Don’t feel any pressure to bow if you are not comfortable doing so.
Our meditation events usually begin with a little bit of chanting that you are welcome to join with or just listen silently. People who are keeping the five precepts will have a chance to take them again.
After that there are instructions followed by guided meditations. Sometimes there will be periods of silent meditation. Shorter events will generally have shorter meditation periods (10-25 min.) and longer events may have longer ones.
You can sit on the floor or on a chair, and you are free to change if you need to.
If you have any questions about anything while you are here, never hesitate to ask. If you have any questions now, just contact us at blissful.atlanta@gmail.com We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.