Volunteer in Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka: Live with Monks in Peace

Last Updated: September 10, 2024

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Imagine immersing yourself in Buddhist culture at a serene Galle monastery. This unique experience offers an opportunity to  join a monastery for peace and a deep engagement with Buddhist practices.

A stay at a Buddhist monastery in Galle offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquil and spiritual atmosphere of monastic life, providing a chance for personal growth, learning from the monks' wisdom, and finding respite from the fast-paced digital world, making it a potentially transformative experience for those seeking a meaningful break or a deeper connection with their spirituality.

Table: Overview of Galle, Sri Lanka, for travelers:

Aspect	Details
Location	Southwest coast of Sri Lanka
Famous For	Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a fortified old city with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule.
Population (2020)	93,118
Elevation	Sea level
Key Attractions	- Galle Fort: Explore the historic streets and colonial buildings. - Dutch Reformed Church: A significant landmark dating back to the 18th century. - Galle Lighthouse: Located on the fort’s southeast tip. - Maritime Museum & National Museum: Offers insights into the local culture and history. - Beaches: Nearby Unawatuna Beach is popular for its scenic beauty and water sports. - Whale Watching: Seasonal tours available to see whales and dolphins.
Transport	- By Road: Accessible via A2 and E01 highways starting from Colombo. - Local Transport: Tuk-tuks and buses are common for local travel within and around Galle.
Activities	- Cultural Exploration: Walking tours of Galle Fort and its historic structures. - Beach Activities: Swimming, surfing at Unawatuna Beach, and snorkeling. - Culinary Experiences: Seafood is a local specialty, with fresh catches available daily. - Shopping: Galle Fort Market on Sundays offers local crafts and foods. - Festivals: Galle Literary Festival and Galle Music Festival are significant cultural events attracting international audiences.
Accommodation	- Range: From boutique hotels within Galle Fort to beachside resorts in Unawatuna. - Style: Options vary from historic properties reflecting colonial charm to modern beachfront villas.
Dining	- Local Cuisine: Known for seafood dishes like grilled calamari and seared yellowfin tuna. - Restaurants: A mix of local eateries and upmarket restaurants, especially within the Fort area. - Specialties: Try the local version of rice and curry, and don't miss sampling the fresh seafood at beachside stalls.
History	- Origins: Believed to be the Biblical Tarshish linked to King Solomon. - Colonial Influence: Consecutive colonial influence by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each adding to the architectural and cultural fabric of the city. - Preservation: The old town of Galle, especially the Fort, has been remarkably preserved, offering a window into the past.
Climate	- Tropical Monsoon: Hot and humid weather with a significant monsoon season affecting the area. - Best Time to Visit: December to April when the weather is relatively dry and suitable for outdoor activities.

Live in a Buddhist Monastery in Galle

Living in a Buddhist monastery in Galle, Sri Lanka, offers an experience steeped in simplicity and mindfulness. The daily life here is markedly different from the typical western hustle; it's a life characterized by early morning meditations, communal chores, and the profound silence of self-reflection.

Residents follow a routine that fosters both spiritual and personal growth, engaging in practices such as meditation and scripture study under the guidance of experienced monks. The simplicity extends to living conditions as well—shared accommodations, simple meals, and a lack of modern distractions like the internet, which encourages a truly introspective and communal living experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in a Monastery in Sri Lanka

The cost of living in a monastery in Galle is relatively modest, reflecting the monastic commitment to simplicity. Typically, the expenses might cover basic living accommodations and meals, which are kept simple and vegetarian.

Volunteers might be asked to contribute to the monastery's maintenance through a small donation or fee, which can range from $100 to $300 per month, depending on the monastery's funding structure and the duration of stay. This fee ensures that the monastic community can sustain itself while offering spiritual nourishment to its residents.

Live with Monks for a Month in Galle

Spending a month with monks in Galle involves more than just sharing space; it's about participating in a way of life that prioritizes spiritual growth over material pursuits. Volunteers are expected to engage in daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the monastery grounds—tasks that are performed with mindfulness and are considered part of the spiritual practice. Living with monks is also a reciprocal educational experience.

While they impart teachings on Buddhism, volunteers have opportunities to share their own skills and knowledge, perhaps teaching English or other subjects, thus creating a mutual exchange of culture and values.

Volunteer Sri Lanka for Buddhism

Buddhism is not just a religion in Sri Lanka; it's a way of life that shapes the nation's culture, ethics, and daily practices. Volunteering in a monastery in Galle allows individuals to delve into the heart of Theravada Buddhism, the predominant form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

This experience offers a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy, meditation practices, and the peaceful ethos that monks embody. Volunteers gain insights into the significance of compassion, mindfulness, and community in Buddhism, which are key to understanding the broader cultural and spiritual landscape of Sri Lanka.

Activities You can Do as Buddhist Monastery Volunteer in Galle, Sri Lanka

From teaching the monk kids to joining the regular rituals and worshiping in the Buddhist monastery, there are different works that you can do to serve as an international volunteer.

Here is the overview of your activities to help monks while doing Buddhist monastery volunteer project in Sri Lanka:

Activities	Description
Teaching English	Teach conversational and formal English to young monks aged 8-21 at a Pirivena (monastic college). Focus on developing their conversational skills to help them communicate more effectively.
Cultural Exchange	Share experiences from your own culture and learn about the monks’ backgrounds, families, and the local environment. This exchange enriches both the volunteers and the monks.
Learning Buddhist Practices	Gain insight into Buddhist teachings and traditions by immersing yourself in the daily life of the monastery.
Supporting Education	Assist in potentially teaching other subjects that could benefit the monks’ broader educational goals.
Respecting Local Culture	Engage respectfully with the monks and adhere to the cultural norms and practices of the monastery to maintain a harmonious environment.
Spiritual Exploration	Explore the rich spiritual landscape of Sri Lanka, visiting ancient temples and experiencing the profound spirituality that pervades the island.

Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist as 70% of its people practice Buddhism. This pristine island at the coast of Indian Ocean is renowned for it's culture reflecting the reminiscence of Theravada Buddhism.

Overview of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

1. Foundational History: Introduced in the 2nd century BCE by Arahath Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka.
2. Monastic Growth: Monasteries and the order of nuns were established early, solidifying the religious framework.
3. Cultural Significance: The oldest continually Buddhist country, with deep roots in national identity and heritage.
4. International Influence: Sri Lankan monks crucial in spreading Buddhism across Southeast Asia and beyond.
5. Revival and Global Spread: Experienced a major revival in the 19th century, continuing to influence global Buddhism.

FAQs

Do I need to be Buddhist to volunteer in a monastery in Galle?

No, monasteries in Galle welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds who are respectful and genuinely interested in learning about Buddhism.

What should I bring for my monastery stay?

Pack light, bringing modest clothing appropriate for a religious setting, essential personal items, and perhaps a meditation cushion for comfort during long meditation sessions.

Can women volunteer at the monastery in Galle?

Yes, women can volunteer, though accommodations might be separate from the monks to respect traditional practices. Women are fully able to participate in daily activities and teachings.

Conclusion

Volunteering in Sri Lanka at a Buddhist monastery in Galle offers a transformative experience that goes beyond a simple retreat, inviting participants to rethink their perspectives on themselves and the world. Engaging in daily activities such as meditation, communal chores, and teaching English to young monks fosters a deep journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, while also contributing to the monastery's operations and the monks' education.

This opportunity offers a path to inner peace and a deeper understanding of Buddhism. It’s a welcoming gateway for those seeking personal growth.