In short: yes, many Buddhist monasteries welcome lay guests, often for free. Find one that welcomes English speakers, write a short email asking to stay, and be ready to join the daily routine and keep the Eight Precepts. Most first stays are a few days to two weeks, and you give what you can as a donation (dana).
Who can stay at a Buddhist monastery?
Most monasteries that take guests accept anyone who will follow the routine and guidelines: beginners, non-Buddhists, and people of any age (minors usually with a parent). Some forest monasteries take men and women on different dates or in separate areas, and some are for one gender only. Check the guest page first.
Read the full guide
How do I find a monastery that welcomes English speakers?
Start with the ANEW directory, which lists only places that welcome English speakers, with a link to each website. You can browse by tradition:
- Theravada monasteries: quiet, simple, usually free. The best fit for a first monastery stay.
- Zen centers and monasteries: structured sitting periods, work practice, often a fee for residential stays.
- Tibetan centres: courses and retreats with teachings, usually priced.
- Vipassana and Insight centres: silent retreats with a set schedule rather than monastery life.
Or browse by country: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Thailand, India, Germany, France.
How do I ask to stay?
Read the guest page, then send a short, polite email. Monasteries are run by volunteers and monastics with little time, so give the facts they need:
- Your name, age and where you live.
- The dates you would like, and that you are flexible.
- Any meditation experience (none is fine).
- That you have read the guidelines and will keep the precepts.
Wait for a clear yes before you travel. Replies can take a week or two.
What does it cost?
Most Theravada monasteries charge nothing. They live on dana, freely given support, and you may leave a donation or bring food or supplies on their wish list. Retreat centres run by lay people usually charge for food and lodging, often on a sliding scale, and may offer a separate donation for the teacher.
What is daily life like?
Every monastery has its own routine, but a typical day looks like this:
- Early morning: chanting and meditation, often from 4 or 5 am.
- Morning: the meal, then chores such as cleaning, cooking or gardening.
- Midday onward: in many Theravada monasteries there is no solid food after noon.
- Afternoon: time for walking and sitting meditation.
- Evening: chanting, meditation, and sometimes a Dhamma talk.
You can try the morning and evening chants at home first with chant along.
What are the Eight Precepts?
Guests usually keep the Eight Precepts, the same training lay Buddhists take on observance days (AN 8.41). In plain terms: no killing, no stealing, no sexual activity, no false speech, no alcohol or drugs, no food after midday, no entertainment or decoration, and no luxurious beds. The first five are the Five Precepts, made stricter; see the Eight Precepts in full.
What should I bring and wear?
- Loose, modest clothes in plain colours, covering shoulders and knees. Many monasteries ask for white or light colours.
- Slip-on shoes: you take them off often.
- A torch, an alarm clock, earplugs and any medicine you need.
- Leave valuables, jewellery and perfume at home. Expect to hand in or switch off your phone.
Full packing list: what to bring to a meditation retreat.
What etiquette should I know?
- Bow or put your palms together when greeting monastics; follow what others do.
- Sit lower than monastics during talks, and do not point your feet at them or at a Buddha image.
- Avoid touching monastics. If unsure how to offer something, place it down near them.
- Speak quietly and little. Many monasteries keep silence at set times.
- Ask before taking photos.
Monastery or retreat centre?
A monastery is a home for monks or nuns, and you join their life. A retreat centre runs scheduled courses for lay people, with a teacher and a timetable. For a first experience of silence, a short retreat is often easier; for a feel of monastic life, write to a monastery.
Run a monastery or centre? Add it to the directory for free.
Questions people ask
Can anyone stay at a Buddhist monastery?
Many monasteries accept lay guests of any background, including beginners and non-Buddhists. You usually need to write first, agree to the guest guidelines and keep the Eight Precepts during your stay.
How much does it cost to stay at a Buddhist monastery?
Most Theravada monasteries charge nothing and run on donations (dana). Lay-run retreat centres usually charge for food and lodging, often on a sliding scale.
How long can I stay at a monastery?
First stays are often a few days to two weeks. Longer stays are usually possible after a first visit, by arrangement with the monastery.
Do I have to be Buddhist to stay at a monastery?
No. Guests are asked to respect the routine and precepts, not to hold any belief.