The Buddha established the Saṅgha – the community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs – so that his teaching could be preserved and passed on to future generations. Thanks to the Venerable Bhikkhunī Visuddhi living and practicing in the Czech Republic, we have the rare opportunity to meet directly with a representative of this living tradition and receive guidance in the Dhamma.
Meeting members of the Saṅgha is not merely an ordinary social interaction, but part of spiritual practice. It is grounded in the Dhamma–Vinaya, which creates conditions for harmony, respect, and the cultivation of the mind. Therefore, it is important for lay visitors to become familiar with the basic principles of appropriate conduct.
Basic Principles
Bhikkhunīs live according to the Vinaya and observe an extensive set of rules that support simplicity, discipline, and liberation from attachment.
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they do not use money
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they accept only what is formally offered to them
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their movement and travel are subject to certain rules and restrictions
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all activities, meetings, and travel take place during the daytime
If a bhikkhunī is invited somewhere, the host is responsible for providing suitable conditions, including transportation and accompaniment in accordance with these rules.
Conduct During Meetings
When meeting a bhikkhunī, we express respect and consideration:
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we address her as “bhikkhunī,” “Venerable,” or “Ayya”
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we greet with joined palms (añjali), or with a bow
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we maintain an appropriate distance and never touch her
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we do not touch her robe or personal belongings
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we sit or kneel lower than the bhikkhunī
A gift (dāna) is offered with both hands as an expression of respect and mindful conduct.
The Spirit of Giving and Relationship
In Buddhism, giving is understood as a pure and voluntary act. It is not based on expectation of reward, reaction, or expressions of gratitude. It is an opportunity to cultivate generosity and loosen attachment. Likewise, the relationship between teacher and student is founded on respect, trust, and inner openness.
“Therefore, Ānanda, live with yourself as an island,
yourself as a refuge, with no other refuge,
with the Teaching as an island, the Teaching as a refuge,
with no other refuge.”
Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, D.16
Special Guidelines for Men
In accordance with the Vinaya rules:
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men maintain distance (approximately an arm’s length – hatthapāsa)
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meetings do not take place alone in a private setting
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for more personal interaction, the presence of a woman is appropriate
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topics of an intimate nature are not suitable
Conclusion
We understand that these rules may differ from the customs of Western culture. Their purpose, however, is not to create distance, but to protect the space of practice and support mutual respect, calmness, and clarity of mind.
Thank you for respecting these guidelines and for supporting the life of the Saṅgha.
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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