Upasika Daylongs

The First Saturday of Every Month – 9:00am – 4:00pm includes potluck lunch

The Upasika Daylong brings lay folks together in a formal yet friendly atmosphere.

These daylongs are designed to:

• further our experience  of living by the Five Precepts as a training practice
• provide a community of support for this exploration
• provide a level of familiarity with the cultural etiquette of living as an Upasika within the Ajahn Chah lineage before, during and after we find ourselves “sitting close by.” 

The term upasika means “one who sits close by,”  In a general sense it means a lay Buddhist who has taken refuge in the Triple Gem: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha. In a more formal sense it means one who draws near monastics for spiritual guidance. 

Example Upasika Daylong Schedule

The first half of the day, including meal break, is in noble silence.

9:00am – 11:00am: Full Puja service, taking of the Refuges and Precepts, guided meditation, walking meditation, break

11:30am – 12:30pm: Potluck meal

12:30pm – 1:00pm: Clean up, optional meditation/study

1:00pm – 3:30: Reflections, Sharing and Break

3:30pm – 4:00: Work Practice and Closing Chant

Portland Friends of the Dhamma provides lots of opportunities to draw near the monastics. Visit our calendar to stay up to date.