Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery

Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery belongs to the Thai forest tradition of Theravada Buddhism. It was established on the 1st of July, 2015, when Western monks from the lineage of the late Venerable Ajahn Chah came to take up residence here, following an invitation by the Norwegian Forest Monastery Trust (“Stiftelsen Skogskloster”). The monastery, which is the first of its kind in the Nordic countries, consists of an old farm with surrounding forest ― altogether approximately 360 hectares/110 acres. It is located in the south-east of Norway, about one hour by car south of Oslo and two-and-a-half hours north of Gothenburg.

Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery is located in the quiet, peaceful countryside of Østfold County, south of Oslo, and is surrounded by fields and forests. It is a place conducive to learning about Buddhism, to practising mindfulness, and to developing peace inside. Although there is much time for individual meditation and contemplation, visitors should be aware that this is not a retreat centre.

The emphasis here is on applying the Buddhist Path in all activities throughout the day, and not just during formal meditation. During their stay, guests are expected to take part in the daily routine, and also to help out with certain tasks. The Buddhist monks’ rule, the Vinaya, does not allow monks to store and prepare their own food, nor does it allow work that involves cutting plants and digging the earth. Helping out in the kitchen and on the grounds are therefore ways in which lay guests can be of great help in the day to day running of the monastery. There may be other necessary work which guests are expected to take part in, and there is also often voluntary work available to those who would like to help. Everything in this monastery, from the property itself to the food we eat, is made available through donations by lay supporters and guests. Everything is free; nothing is charged for. Feel free to contribute as you wish.

As a place of contemplation and a sanctuary from the passions of the world, the practice of celibacy is fundamental to life and practice in a Buddhist monastery. This applies not only to the monks, but also to all visitors so long as they are within the grounds of the monastery. Please show your respect and help to support this by dressing modestly. Please wear clothes that cover the body from the neckline and the upper arms to below the knees, and avoid semi-transparent or tight clothing. At the moment, the monastery has only one guesthouse for laypeople. It consists of one communal room with bed-space for up to four people. There are no toilet facilities or running water in the guesthouse, but guests are invited to use the bathroom in the downstairs area of the main house, about fifty metres away. Men and women may not share the same lodgings while in the monastery; so at present, we can not accommodate men and women simultaneously (unless, that is, one is willing to stay in a tent). Later, we hope to get separate lodgings facilities for men and women. Guests are expected to stay within the grounds of the monastery during their stay. Please talk to the guest monk if there is a need to go to town. The monastery does not provide access to computers and e-mail/internet.

The food served in the monastery, much of it vegetarian, is all freely offered by lay supporters. We are therefore not able to cater to special dietary needs. Guests, however, are welcome to contribute to the meal offerings in whatever way they see fit.

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Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery

Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery

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