MINDFUL LIVING EXCHANGE PROGRAM (MLEP) INFO & APPLICATION

After you've had a chance to review the information, please send any substantive questions regarding the MLEP program to MLEP@bluecliffmonastery.org.

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 to fill out the MLEP APPLICATION using the link below.