Monastic Life
The monastic community, in Pāli called Saṅgha, is the living carrier and guardian of the Buddha’s teaching. From the time of the Buddha until today, the Saṅgha has preserved, practiced, and transmitted the Dhamma, not only through study but through direct realization.
Monastics live in monasteries or forest hermitages that provide a supportive environment for seclusion, simplicity, and inner cultivation. Their way of life is intentionally modest, based on a few needs and guided by the discipline of the Vinaya. A structured daily routine supports continuity in practice, balancing meditation, study, and mindful work.
Silence and solitude play an important role. In such conditions, the mind gradually settles, allowing for deeper insight into the nature of reality. Through ethical conduct, collectedness, and wisdom, monastics cultivate the path leading to liberation.
At the same time, the Saṅgha does not exist apart from the wider community. Monastics remain in a relationship of mutual support with lay practitioners. While they depend on laypeople for material support, they offer in return the gift of the Dhamma—teaching, guidance, and the example of a life dedicated to awakening.
In this way, the monastic life becomes not only a personal path of renunciation but also a living refuge for others, preserving the possibility of liberation in the world.
“The Saṅgha of the Blessed One’s disciples is practicing the good way,
practicing the straight way,
practicing the proper way.”
MN 7 (Vatthūpama sutta)
Piṇḍapāta | Alms
Bhikkhunīs and bhikkhus follow the path of renunciation, guided by the training established by the Buddha. As renunciants, they give up personal ownership and live with very few possessions. They do not store food, and they do not take what is not freely given.
One of the essential practices of monastic life is piṇḍapāta—the alms round. With mindfulness and humility, monastics walk silently through villages or towns carrying their alms bowls. They do not ask for food directly; rather, they make themselves available, offering laypeople the opportunity to give.
“This Saṅgha is worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality,
worthy of offerings, worthy of reverential salutation
—an unsurpassed field of merit for the world.”
— (fAN 11.12 Mahānāma sutta)
“The gift of food is never in vain.
One who gives to the Saṅgha gains great merit,
as if watering a tree that bears fruit endlessly.”
(AN 128)
Giving (dāna) is considered one of the most fundamental and wholesome actions in Buddhist practice. Through offering food, lay practitioners cultivate generosity, letting go, and goodwill. At the same time, monastics receive what is needed for their daily sustenance, supporting a life fully dedicated to the Dhamma.
This relationship is one of mutual interdependence. The Saṅgha depends on the material support of the lay community, while lay practitioners benefit from the presence, guidance, and example of those who have renounced worldly life.
In different cultures, the form of piṇḍapāta may vary. In some countries, monastics walk through the streets each morning; in others, they may stand quietly at a designated place or at the entrance of a home, receiving offerings in silence. Yet the essence remains the same: a simple, direct meeting of giving and receiving, grounded in humility, respect, and generosity.
Support of the venerable Bhikkhunī Visuddhi and activities of the Association Karuṇā Sevena:
Bank account for donations:
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Account number: 6855679001/5500
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Account holder: Karuṇā Sevena Association
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IBAN: CZ49 5500 0000 0068 5567 9001
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SWIFT: RZBCCZPP
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Address: Slezská 3, 796 01 Prostějov, Czech Republic
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Email: karuna.sevena.en@gmail.com
The funds are used to cover the basic monastic needs of the venerable bhikkhunī Visuddhi
such as robe, food, medicine and abode this also covers transportation, accommodation, air tickets, etc.) distribution of books,
the furnishing of the ārāma Karuṇā Sevena, insurance, utility bills, etc. Tax-deductible in the Czech Republic.
Please state the reason for the donation with the following note "For the Association Karuna Sevena."
Neither of the above is a public collection, and therefore we ask all donors to add their contact information to their gift, so that we can issue a donation agreement contract or a donation receipt. We thank all the donors.
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