FAQ | Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara

The extensive information below is based on recurring questions GLBV has been asked. We hope they will answer your question. If you do not find an answer for your question, please "Contact Us." NOTE: Questions solely about Buddhist doctrine and teachings (Dhamma) and the practice of meditation may be sent to Bhante Sankichcha at: sankichcha@gmail.com, or to Bhante Kusala at kusalaglbv@gmail.com. Bhante Sankiccha or Bhante Kusala will answer your questions in a timely manner, but please offer them some time to reply due to their busy schedule. For questions relating to "Food Dana," please visit the ………………. “Offering a meal” page for further information.

We offer individual retreats and formal, structured group retreats. We have two-to five-day and longer formal retreats. Retreats are generally held in complete silence, with meditation instructions and teachings in Buddhist doctrine and philosophy. There will be the opportunity for questions and answers. Reading and writing during retreats is discouraged. Meditation styles include concentration as well as mindfulness, vipassana (insight), or Mettā.

Typical non-residential retreat Schedule at the Vihara: 07.45 – 8.00 Arrival at the Vihāra 08.00 – 08.30 Eight Precepts, vandanā (devotional chants) 08.30 – 09.00 Introduction, & Guided meditation 09.00 – 10.00 Light Breakfast, chores, and stretching (personal meditation and exercise) 10.00 – 11.00 Quiet Group Sitting – Meditation Hall 11.00 – 11.30 Individual Practice in the open, Personal interviews (05 min each, please sign up) 11.30 – 12.00 Mindful Lunch, Silence 12.00 – 01.30 Sitting in the open, Personal Interviews 01.30 – 02.30 Talk by a Bhante 02.30 – 03.00 Sitting Practice 03.00 – 03.15 Tea 03.15 – 03. 45 Group Sitting 03. 45 – 04. 30 Q & A Session, End (Stay for the interviews if you signed up for after retreat slots)

The teachings of the Buddha are priceless. We practice dhana (in the Pali language) by offering the teachings without charge However, donations are widely appreciated and accepted daily. With donations, we provide financial support for the monks and the Vihara to continue to offer services Donations by check or money order may be sent to: Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara, 21491, Beech Road, Southfield, Michigan 48033, USA

Do not bring illicit drugs, alcohol, or weapons/firearms of any type. They are strictly forbidden. Smoking on the premises is not allowed. Do not bring personal computers, electronic musical devices, radios, musical instruments, newspapers, magazines and secular books to the center. It is our Abbot’s request that you concentrate on the retreat and not disrupt your concentration with electronic devices or reading material.

For many people, the monksat GLBV are the first they ever meet. Often people are nervous or uncomfortable. No need for that here! We hope that as you get to know us any discomfort will fade away. The Buddha wanted his nuns and monks to be able to interact with lay people to share the teachings. He also wanted them to be separate from worldly affairs so they could focus their energy on spiritual practice. For that reason, the Buddha laid down rules of behavior for monks. These rules permit interaction, while at the same time discouraging intimacy. So for example, the rules for Theravada monks and nuns requires that they do not touch members of the opposite sex. Therefore, you can greet them by holding your palms together in the praying position instead of shaking their hands. People often ask how to address monastics. You may hear the word “Bhante” at the Vihara very often and that’s how devotees address the resident monks. The Pali word “Bhante” means, the reverend sir or venerable sir.

Daily we eat breakfast and lunch together in silence. Almost all retreats are held in silence. Noble Silence means no talking or non-verbal communication of any kind, except of course in emergencies, interviews or discussion times with the Retreat Coordinator and Retreat Teacher(s). The purpose of Noble Silence is to allow the mind to let go of outer distractions and to focus as much as possible on the inner world. In this regard it is also useful to minimize eye contact with other retreatants. Practicing restraint of the senses in this way provides an essential foundation for the powerful inner work that a meditation retreat facilitates.

The GLBV Precepts "A strong foundation of morality helps us develop the discipline and serenity necessary for the practice of meditation." Retreatants are required to follow five or eight precepts during the retreat time or as they wish in their lives: 1. Abstain from taking life
2. Abstain from taking what is not given
3. Abstain from all sexual activity
4. Abstain from false speech
5. Abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness
6. Abstain from eating at improper times
7. Abstain from dancing, singing, music, shows, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying with cosmetics
8. Being Gentle and Kind to oneself and others
Before taking the precepts, you will take the three refuges: refuge in the Buddha, refuge in the Dhamma (the teachings), and refuge in the Sangha (‘Sangha’ means those individuals who have attained enlightenment using these teachings). Traditionally this is considered the action that makes one officially a Buddhist.