GUIDELINES
All Visitors must be at least eighteen years old. It is recommended that meditators coming to Rocksprings have had prior experience staying at either a monastery or retreat center, and /or have been meditating for some time. If a beginner with little or no experience would still like to visit, a short stay of two or three days is possible to get a feel for solitude and silence, however, if you live in the San Antonio area it is highly recommended that you attend a couple of meetings with the San Antonio meditation group before coming to Rocksprings. You can contact Moy Ortiz for information on the San Antonio Group HERE.
A "Registration Form" found HERE is required before visiting Rocksprings. Please email your registration at least
a one week before your scheduled arrival, and preferably two weeks if possible.
The “Guidelines" tab HERE should answer most of your questions. Please read it
thoroughly and email us if you have further questions.
A "Hold
Harmless Agreement" must be on file for all overnight retreatants while you are at
Rocksprings. Please copy the Hold Harmless Agreement off of the Guidelines tab, sign it, and bring a copy with you to Rocksprings.
Visitors are asked to follow the Eight Precepts upon arrival, either taking the Eight Precepts themselves or formally taking them in the meditation hall if a monk is available. Also, visitors will be asked to respect the "Noble Silence" which means only dhamma related or work related conversation.
Eight Precepts:
1) To refrain from taking life.
2) To refrain from stealing.
3) To refrain from sexual intercourse (and even physical contact touching of the opposite sex except in emergencies).
4) To refrain from telling lies.
5) To refrain from intoxicating liquors and illicit drugs.
6) To refrain from eating after noon and before dawn. (Tea, coffee, juice, soft drinks, etc are allowable).
7) To refrain from dancing, singing, music and watching shows, from wearing garlands (jewelry), smartening with scents, and beautifying with perfumes.
8) To refrain from the use of high and large luxurious seats or beds.
Arrival time: Please plan to arrive no later than 5:00 pm. Give yourself an extra hour travel time because of the roads.
Fees: Rocksprings operates on donations only. It is only through the generosity of others that can we continue to make Rocksprings available to meditators. The Buddha’s teachings are priceless and therefore we set no fee schedule, however, there is the reality of covering sanctuary expenses such as food and maintenance. When you offer a donation, you are practicing generosity. Generosity along with virtuous behavior (the Eight Precepts) diminishes greed, both of which are essential in calming the mind. Therefore, please donate with your heart, and according to your means.
For long term guests (over ten days) arrangements will be discussed regarding expenses.
Age requirement: Occasional rattlesnakes, the threat of flash floods that could isolate residents for up to a week until roads are cleared, and the remote location (the driving time to a hospital is 2 hours), restricts all visitors to be eighteen or older unless prior approval is obtained from Venerable Samarn Saengsri.Conduct: Silence is the general rule all day except for necessary work related conversations and dhamma discussions.
Telephone access: There are no cell phone signals at Rocksprings, and the landline telephone is for emergencies only. So please make all of your arrangements before coming to Rocksprings. If you must make an emergency call, ask Eddie or Janet to get you an outside line. All outgoing calls are to be limited to one minute. If more time is required, have your party call you back at 830 683 2419. In the spirit of the inner practice, please keep any conversations to an absolute minimum.
Beginners: It is recommended that meditators coming to Rocksprings have had prior experience staying at either a monastery or retreat center, and /or have been meditating for some time. If a beginner with little or no experience would still like to visit, a short stay of two or three days is possible to get a feel for solitude and silence, however, if you live in the San Antonio area it is highly recommended that you attend a couple of meetings with the San Antonio meditation group before coming out to Rocksprings. You can contact Moy Ortiz for information on the San Antonio Group Here.
General: The emphasis at the sanctuary is always on the present moment, not the past, which is always skewed, nor the future, which is always uncertain. It is a place to leave your old memories and problems behind for awhile, and leave your future plans for later.
In the spiritual interest of our guests, and respect for our residents, we discourage conversation in general, and try to keep silent most of the time. Please do not misunderstand this as unfriendliness, but as a deep respect for each others spiritual development that grows in the fertile ground of silence.
Meditation, silence and Dhamma practice is a process of becoming self-reliant, where we begin to solve our own problems internally rather than expecting someone else to solve them for us. This is the only way that our problems can be solved once and for all at their roots. They only end for good when that indescribable shift in consciousness happens that meditation is all about.
WHAT TO BRING:
Courage, perseverance, determination, lovingkindness, forgiveness, and joy.
In the spirit of the Thai Forest Tradition where meditating monks and nuns live by themselves in small huts and sleep on bare wood floors, our "beds" consist of a simple piece of plywood elevated about 9" off the floor. So, if you are not accustomed to sleeping on a hard surface or if you have a bad back, please bring along a small (3' x 6') air or foam mattress.
Also, please bring a very bright LED flashlight (and a small keychain flashlight to keep in your pocket as an emergency backup in case you accidentally drop your main flashlight -some nights are very dark!)
Alarm clock
Tennis shoes or hiking shoes for walking on rough terrain.
It can unexpectedly become very cold at night in this desert-type climate between September and May. Bring thermal underwear and warm coat, sweater or blanket just in case. The winter temps usually range from morning lows in the twenties to daytime highs in the 50’s or 60’s, but can dip to around 10 degrees occasionally at night with daytime highs only in the 20s.
Sun block and hats for summer walking meditation. The daytime temps can easily rise into the low hundreds between June and September, with nighttime temps in the 80’s. During the hot summer, some people prefer to rest in their air conditioned kutis during the day and practice at night.
Personal meditation cushion. We have benches and chairs available as well in the meditation hall.
We have a limited number of towels, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, pillow cases, and sheets, so if you can, bring any of these items that you may need.
Laundry facilities: we have a washing machine and clotheslines. The electric dryer is for for rainy weather only.
Any medications that you may need during your stay. If you have a serious illness, bring enough of your meds along in case of an emergency, such as a flashflood, where we cannot get out for a few days due to impassable roads. The nearest hospital, which in good weather is an hour and a three quarters drive from here, is Peterson Regional Medical Center, 551 Hill Country Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028. 830-896-4200.
In case of a medical emergency, such as a rattlesnake bite or heart attack, an "Airlife" helicopter may have to be dispatched from Kerrville or San Antonio (at a cost of about $15,000)! So mindfulness is key. Generally, rattlesnakes are a rare occurrence out here and will retreat unless provoked, but constant, unobstructed mindfulness is recommended at all times. If you are allergic to insect bites, there are occasional scorpions, wasps and bees about, but seldom aggressive unless they feel threatened or if they are protecting their nests or hives.
The customary dress code for women maintaining the Eight Precepts is either a white or black ankle length skirt, with a long sleeved, conservative white top. For men it would be the same, except that they may wear a white T shirt and black trousers. Please don't go to any expense to buy special clothes if you don't have them. You may wear anything that is conservative (long pants), comfortable, and in the spirit of practice (plain shirts - no logos, pictures please)
WHAT "NOT" TO BRING:
Your past and future thoughts and concepts. (Come with an open mind)
Illicit drugs and alcohol - these are strictly forbidden, as are pets of any kind. Also, please do not bring radios, musical instruments, secular books, newspapers or magazines. Take advantage of the rare opportunity of silence, aloneness and poverty that is so conducive to meditation practice. Respect others right to silence by always using earphones when listening to a chanting or a Dhamma CD, never allow any kind of noise to go further than your kuti door.
Also, the 7th precept specifically requires abstention from dancing, singing, music of any kind, any shows, or entertainment DVDs or CDs, jewelry, scents, perfume, or make-up.
If you bring any special food for yourself, please store it in the kitchen with your name on it rather than in your dwelling place - the mice and ants will find it! The 6th precept states that we abstain from untimely eating, which is after noon and until dawn. We only eat one main meal a day at 11:00 AM, plus a light breakfast after morning meditation.
During your stay, please keep these things in mind:
Try to maintain the Noble Silence as much as possible with a skillful, joyful and gentle attitude. Remember that many people prefer the silence of Rocksprings, so if you want to personally listen to chanting or dhamma Cds, please always use earphones or earplugs with courtesy to others in mind.
Abstain from reading, writing, hobbies, etc. Allow the mind to become quiet. Do the inner work.
Don’t wander too far away from the community area; it’s very easy to get lost.
Be mindful and respectful of each other. Give each other lots of space.
Help out when you see the need, but remember that you are here for the “inner work.“
Relax, smile, and discover the truest peace there is.
After the Dhamma talks are heard, and after all the Dhamma books are read, it always comes down to only you and your internal meditation. This is where the heart changes - and it all happens in solitude and seclusion.
The Seven Rules for Attaining Jhana:
1. A quiet secluded dwelling
2. Not in your old place, a new place conducive to practice with food and shelter available
3. No worldly affairs should be discussed, only Dhamma questions relating to your direct practice.
4. Live with others who are practicing seriously.
5. Eat just enough to keep up your energy to practice.
6. Climate must be suitable.
7. Remain engaged as much as possible in either sitting or walking meditation.
Eight Precepts: Abstain from killing, stealing, engaging in any sexual activity, lying, gossiping, slandering (talking about people), idle chatter, using harsh language, taking illegal drugs or alcohol, eating substantial meals between noon and dawn, listening to music or watching shows for entertainment, wearing jewelry or perfumes, and sleeping or lounging on high, luxurious beds.
Noise: A unique feature of Rocksprings is its silence, so please be respectful of others who enjoy the silence. Always wear earphones when using any audio or video device. If you are listening without earphones, no noise should be loud enough to escape your kuti or be heard by others outdoors. Also, please keep conversations to either work related or Dhamma related subjects. When talking, please keep your voice lowered. (Noise is the thorn of first jhana).
Eating: We only eat one main meal a day at 11:00 am plus a light breakfast after morning meditation and a beverage and snack at tea time. All eating is done as a group. Please do not take any food to kutis.
Phone use: The phone is for emergency use only. Let Eddie or Janet know if you need to make a call.
DSL internet access: Please refrain from using your wireless Wi-Fi phone or laptop in the spirit of taking advantage of your special quiet time here at Rocksprings. The modem is usually onl;y on during evening tea and dhamma talks.
Electric use: Please conserve electricity as much as possible. Make sure that you are comfortable, but either turn down or turn off heaters and air conditioners when you are not in your kutis.
Showers: Please limit your showers to not more than one shower a day. Also, we only have a small water heater for the entire community so please use as little water as possible during showering so that there is hot water for everyone. Take “seaman showers,” which means getting wet, turning off the shower while soaping up, and then quickly rinsing off. There is a little valve by the shower head that makes it convenient to turn the water stream off and on.
Doors: Please close all doors firmly and quietly, and make sure they are closed completely by trying them to make sure they are latched - especially the bathrooms and sala. If they blow open, pipes can freeze in the winter and insects and critters can enter in the summer.
Smoking: No smoking in any buildings, including kutis. If you must smoke, always smoke outdoors. Dispose of all butts responsibly, do not carelessly throw them on the ground or take them into your kuti where they will smell. Put them in an air tight container such as a partially filled water bottle and store it outside until you can bring it to the kitchen for proper disposal.
Rainy weather: Please always close kuti windows when away. Also, please remove your shoes or sandals before entering your kuti, bathroom or entering the kitchen to keep from tracking mud. You can clean your shoes on the mat by the white tables near the kitchen before walking on the boardwalk.
Littering: Please leave Rocksprings as you found it. No littering. Dispose of all empty water bottles, cigarette butts, etc, properly in the kitchen.
Cabins: When leaving Rocksprings, please make sure that your kuti is as clean as when you arrived. (There is a broom and dustpan in each kuti). Please don’t make any alterations to your kuti without approval. Also, please keep the bathrooms maintained. If you see something getting dirty or if supplies are needed, please either report it or take care of it
Distractions: When the mind gets restless, it is natural to want to do something especially exploring. Always let us know beforehand where you are going so that we can find you in case you get lost. People have become disoriented and lost in the hills for hours. A signed "Hold Harmless Agreement" must be on file for every guest. Also, please keep any and all projects within the boundaries of the work meeting every morning. Please do not build rock sculptures, gardens, or anything that will alter the landscape without prior approval.
Thank you, Eddie and Janet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hold Harmless Agreement (For overnight guests)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
I hereby acknowledge that I have voluntarily chosen to participate in the Dhammabucha Rocksprings meditation program (hereinafter called “program”).
I understand the risks involved in the program. I recognize that the program and its activities involves risk of injury and I agree to accept any and all risks associated with it, including but not limited to property damage or loss, minor bodily, mental, or psychological injury, severe bodily, mental, or psychological injury, and death.
Furthermore, I recognize that participation in the program involves activities and risks incidental thereto, including but not limited to: transportation related to the program, training, practices, hazardous and primitive living conditions, exposure to plants, insects and animals, some of which may be potentially dangerous, limited availability of medical assistance because of the remote location, and the possible reckless conduct of other participants. I am voluntarily participating in the program with the knowledge of the risks involved and hereby agree to accept any and all inherent risks of property damage, bodily, mental, or psychological injury, or death.
In consideration of my participation in the program and to the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Dhammabucha Rocksprings, its trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers and assigns from and against all claims arising out of or resulting from my participation in the program. “Claim” as used in this agreement means any financial loss, claim, suit, action, damage or expense, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, attributable to bodily injury, mental, or psychological injury, sickness, disease or death, or injury to or destruction of tangible property including loss of use resulting there from. In addition, I hereby voluntarily hold harmless Dhammabucha Rocksprings its trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers and assigns from any and all claims, both present and future, that may be made by me, my family, estate, heirs or assigns.
I hereby expressly agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Dhammabucha Rocksprings , its trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers and assigns for any claim arising out of or incident to my participation in the program. I also understand that Dhammabucha Rocksprings does not provide any medical or dental insurance or life insurance to cover bodily, mental, or psychological injury, illness or death, nor insurance for personal property damage or loss, nor insurance for liability arising out of my negligent acts or omissions; and I acknowledge that I am completely responsible for my own insurance to cover these expenses.
I further understand that this assumption of risk and hold harmless is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Texas, and that if any portion hereof is held invalid, I agree that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
I agree that this acknowledgment of risk and hold harmless is effective for as long as I participate in the program, and for all subsequent future visits to Dhammabucha Rocksprings.
I have read and understand this acknowledgement of risk and hold harmless.
Participant’s Name (Last, First, M.I.):____________________ _________________________________ _______
Participant’s Signature:__________________________________________Date:_________________________
Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact/Emergency Phone:___________________________________________________________
IF THE PARTICIPANT IS UNDER THE AGE OF 18, THE SIGNATURE OF A PARENT OR GUARDIAN IS REQUIRED BELOW.
Parent Name/Signature/Date:___________________________________________________________________
Dhammabucha Rocksprings.
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