1.  Good health. At this time, the Bhavana Society has a limited ability to provide the accommodations required by some health problems or conditions.

2. Full participation in the religious life of the community. This includes daily meditation and devotional service and participation (to the extent allowed by the work schedule) in the Center’s retreats. Residents must consider the Theravada Buddhist path their primary spiritual orientation.

3. Adherence to all guidelines and to the Eight Monastery Precepts during the entire period of residency.

4. All prospective residents are expected to visit Bhavana, preferably for a long retreat, before applying for residency.

5. Cheerful execution of work assignments for the four hours a day (average) that is expected of residents. Understanding that work assignments will not always be what you would choose to do, but rather what needs to be done.

6. Willingness to control speech both in terms of quality (avoiding speech that is untrue, malicious, unkind, unwholesome, or foolish) and quantity--recognizing that little speech is better than a lot, and no speech is sometimes best of all.

7. A willingness to go more than half way to maintain kind, cooperative, supportive, and respectful relations among Bhavana’s residents and guests.

8. A willingness to accept correction graciously and to observe and understand the effects of your behavior on others. A willingness to work to change your behavior as needed.

And also:

1. An understanding that unlike other centers, Bhavana does not charge residents for living here. All of our activities are supported by donations. Residents’ contributions are the services they provide to the center, other residents, and retreatants while they are here.

2. An understanding that Bhavana is not in a position to provide upkeep or support other than room and board. Clothing, medicine, travel, and the like are your responsibility.

3. An understanding that if you bring a vehicle to Bhavana, you are fully responsible for its maintenance including fuel, repairs & checks, registration, and insurance.

4. An understanding that if you need to leave Bhavana during your residency, you are required to inform the head monk of your plans with dates of departure and date you plan to return. If you decide to leave permanently, it is recommended that you consult with the head monk about your decision to leave.