Visiting the monastery
The monastery is open during daytime on all days until about 20:30. Visitors are always welcome, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Visiting the monastery is an opportunity to get a glimpse of the Buddhist monastic life style and to meet both the monastics and the wider community connected to the monastery. For day visits no prior arrangement is required. If you would like to stay overnight, please read the information on this page.
Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery is located in the quiet, peaceful countryside of Østfold County, south of Oslo, and is surrounded by fields and forests. Here you can experience a meditative atmosphere which has developed at the property since the monastery was established. This special atmosphere makes the place conducive to learn about Buddhism, to practise mindfulness, and to develop peace inside. The emphasis here is on applying the Buddhist Path in all activities throughout the day, and not just during formal meditation.
Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery is located in the quiet, peaceful countryside of Østfold County, south of Oslo, and is surrounded by fields and forests. Here you can experience a meditative atmosphere which has developed at the property since the monastery was established. This special atmosphere makes the place conducive to learn about Buddhism, to practise mindfulness, and to develop peace inside. The emphasis here is on applying the Buddhist Path in all activities throughout the day, and not just during formal meditation.
Conventions at the monastery
As a place of contemplation and a sanctuary from the passions of the world, the practice of celibacy is fundamental to life and practice in a Buddhist monastery. This applies not only to the monks, but also to all visitors so long as they are within the grounds of the monastery. Please show your respect and help to support this by dressing modestly. Please wear clothes that cover the body from the neckline and the upper arms to below the knees, and avoid semi-transparent or tight clothing.
Relating to the monks: Buddhist monks in the Theravada tradition are not supposed to shake hands; laypeople usually greet monks by putting the palms of the hands together. Monks may be addressed with the title "Bhante" (bun-tay); senior monks may also be addressed as "Ajahn". Because of the Vinaya-rules, monks must have another man present when together with a woman.
Relating to the monks: Buddhist monks in the Theravada tradition are not supposed to shake hands; laypeople usually greet monks by putting the palms of the hands together. Monks may be addressed with the title "Bhante" (bun-tay); senior monks may also be addressed as "Ajahn". Because of the Vinaya-rules, monks must have another man present when together with a woman.
The daily routine
This is a summary of our daily routines. It may change slightly from day to day but is mostly as follows:
05:00-06:00 Morning meeting (chanting and meditation) - in the meditation hall
07:00 Breakfast - in the main house
11:00 Main meal - in the main house
19:00 Evening meeting (chanting and meditation) - in the meditation hall
We try to observe silence after the evening meeting and until the morning meeting.
