MINDFUL LIVING EXCHANGE PROGRAM (MLEP) INFO & APPLICATION

DURATION of STAY REQUIREMENTS & PREREQUISITES

A. Up to 1.5 months

• First 2 weeks paid in full (based on the Seasonal Retreat sliding scale)

• Written letter to the sangha requesting an extension of first 2 weeks’ stay, after the first week at BCM

• Completed MLEP application form (see link below)

• Commitment to abide by the MLEP Terms & Agreements (below)

B. +1.5 – 3 months

• Have attended at least one full 5-day retreat at a Plum Village (PV) practice center.

• Have formally received and currently be practicing the 5 Mindfulness Trainings in the PV tradition.

• Be able to submit the name of a monastic member of the PV community as a reference

• (3-month attendees will receive a monastic mentor.)

C. +3 months – 6 months

• Have previously completed a 3-month MLEP stay

TERMS & AGREEMENTS FOR MLEP PARTICIPATION

I am 18 years of age or older.

I will observe the Five Mindfulness Trainings and will support others to do the same.

I will contribute the full cost for the first two weeks of my stay.

I will commit to participating in the full length of my requested stay in the MLEP starting the third week of my stay.

A cost reduction of 25-50% will apply depending on the work that I can contribute. If the length of my stay and my work responsibilities are considerable, the percentage of reduction could increase up to 75%.

I will be flexible regarding my housing accommodation. When there are retreats, I am aware that I may have to temporarily move to a tent or bigger dorm room.

I am aware that Working Meditation and living harmoniously with other members of the community are part of the MLEP, and I will practice to live in harmony with the community and its way of life.

I will attend all the activities of the Sangha outside of my MLEP responsibilities.

I am aware that I will miss some activities when I am asked to help with certain responsibilities.

I will continue my MLEP responsibilities even if they overlap with themed retreats (Summer Retreat, Holiday Retreat, etc.), aware that my responsibilities will adapt to the needs of the retreat(s).

I am aware that the details of the MLEP are subject to change, as agreed upon by the MLEP Committee.

I am aware that the number of participants accepted into the MLEP may vary according to the current needs of the community.

I am aware that the MLEP Committee will review my practice and participation in the MLEP every 2-4 weeks.

I will receive guidance from the monastics to support me in my practice. I am prepared to attend regular meetings with the MLEP Committee and a mentor (if applicable and as needed).

I will write a letter (half page minimum) every 2-4 weeks, or every time I need to renew my application to participate in the MLEP, regarding my practice and aspiration to continue to be with the Sangha.

I will be responsible for communicating with the MLEP Committee about any special rooming needs.

I will be responsible for communicating with the MLEP committee about any health issues(s) that I may have.

I will be responsible for communicating with the Work Coordinator if I am assigned areas of work that I feel are beyond my experience and/or capacity.

I will be fully responsible for any personal belongings that I bring, and I release Blue Cliff Monastery of all liabilities in the event of any damage that occurs to those belongings.

In the event that I do not abide by the MLEP agreements above, after an unsuccessful probation period deemed suitable by the community, the community reserves the right to terminate my participation in the MLEP. Any payment for the part of my stay that has been terminated will be reimbursed to me.

In the event that my participation in the MLEP is terminated, I agree to leave the monastery grounds expeditiously.

If you are able to commit to the above MLEP Terms & Agreements and are interested in applying, please click the following link to fill out the MLEP APPLICATION.

You are warmly invited to participate in two hours of work meditation each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from June through October. Available dates are currently confirmed through the end of August with later dates opened on a rolling basis.

The work involves mowing the lawn on the Sisters’ side of Blue Cliff Monastery and weed-whacking for approximately two hours each day, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

On Friday, please arrive at the Monastery before 1p.m. Your stay will conclude with check-out on Sunday afternoon or early evening.

For your three-day stay, we offer a discounted contribution rate of $30 to $80/ weekend, depending on your ability and generosity. Your contribution helps cover the cost of food and accommodations during your stay.

If this opportunity interests you, please get in touch with the Work Coordinator by email at giacchung081@gmail.com or by phone at 845-791-0199. In your email or text, please let us know whether you are a practitioner in the Plum Village tradition or another mindfulness tradition.

Registration Link: BCM Weekend Work Exchange Registration.

We sincerely appreciate your kindness, support, and consideration.

With gratitude,
Blue Cliff Monastery

LỜI MỜI THAM GIA CÔNG QUẢ CẮT CỎ CUỐI TUẦN

Quý Sư cô kính mời quý vị cùng thực tập thiền làm việc vào các ngày thứ Sáu, thứ Bảy và Chủ Nhật hằng tuần.

Công việc gồm cắt cỏ và chăm sóc khuôn viên tu viện trong khoảng hai giờ mỗi ngày, ngoài thời khóa tu học theo chương trình của tu viện.

Vào ngày thứ Sáu, xin quý vị vui lòng đến tu viện trước 1:00 giờ chiều (13:00). Thời gian lưu trú sẽ kết thúc vào chiều Chủ Nhật.

Trong ba ngày lưu trú tại tu viện, quý vị có thể tùy hỷ cúng dường từ 30 đến 80 đô la Mỹ, tùy theo khả năng và tâm nguyện của mình. Khoản cúng dường này góp phần hỗ trợ chi phí ăn ở trong thời gian quý vị lưu trú tại tu viện.

Nếu quý vị quan tâm, xin vui lòng liên lạc với Sư cô Thanh Lương qua email: giacchung081@gmail.com hoặc điện thoại: 845-791-0199.

Liên kết đăng ký: BCM Weekend Work Exchange Registration.

Chúng con chân thành tri ân sự quan tâm, hỗ trợ và phát tâm của quý vị.

Kính chúc quý vị thân tâm an lạc.
Blue Cliff Monastery