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Browse filesRules of Thabarwa Center (RTC)
Guidelines for Monastics, Lay Practitioners, and Leaders at Thabarwa Nature Centers
(All must understand and follow these rules. Mutual guidance and clarification are encouraged.)
Truths to Understand and Accept
"The Truth of Benefit for Oneself and Others"
Thabarwa Nature Centers are dedicated to perfecting the practice of dāna (charity), sīla (morality), and bhāvanā (meditation) for the benefit of oneself and others, in accordance with righteous actions.
"Collective Ownership of Nature Centers"
These centers are not privately owned but belong to the collective. Members must collaborate, mutually support one another, and use resources for meritorious deeds. Personal ownership or control is prohibited.
"The Essence of Thabarwa Centers"
The activities of monastics, nuns, and yogis at these centers aim not for individual or group gain but for the present and future welfare of the entire Sangha and the perpetuation of the Dhamma through the Middle Path (Majjhimā Paṭipadā).
"Reducing Attachment"
The freedom to perform meritorious deeds at the centers is intended to lessen attachment to transient worldly matters—family, work, and material desires.
"Harmonious Development for Holistic Progress"
Collaboration with diverse communities, across time and place, fosters both material and intellectual growth. Worldly gains (fame, wealth, power) should not be prioritized; instead, resources must be used wisely and ethically.
"Nature-Centered Community"
Centers are formed by monastics, lay practitioners, and visitors. While adapting to circumstances, all who come—regardless of background—must be welcomed and guided.
"The Truth of Impermanence and Suffering"
The centers emphasize mindfulness of the truth that all phenomena (physical and mental) are impermanent, unsatisfactory, and not-self (anicca, dukkha, anattā). Neglecting this truth perpetuates suffering through ego-driven views.
"The True Protectors: Dāna, Sīla, Bhāvanā"
Past, present, and future actions shape outcomes. Relying solely on worldly solutions (police, courts, money) is insufficient. Meritorious deeds are the true refuge.
"Why Criticism is Unbearable"
Inability to tolerate criticism stems from pride and craving for praise.
To Avoid
"Avoid Fault-Finding"
Unwholesome thoughts harm oneself and others.
"Do Not Follow Others’ Mistakes"
Amidst diverse visitors, avoid errors in speech, action, or judgment. Focus on your own virtuous deeds.
"Halt Unwholesome Actions"
When anger, greed, or attachment arise, stop immediately. Meditate to regain clarity.
"Forgive Mistakes"
Tolerance and forgiveness are essential. Holding grudges creates unwholesome karma.
"Three Perspectives: Self, Others, Truth"
Avoid one-sided views. Truth lies beyond "self" and "others"—observe phenomena as impermanent processes.
To Practice
"Meritorious Activities"
Participate in:
Service: Alms-round assistance, cleaning, driving charity vehicles.
Kitchen Work: Cooking, distributing meals.
Farming: Cultivating crops and trees at specific centers (e.g., Pyi, Popa, Malwe, Tavoy).
Conservation: Protecting nature and animals.
Healthcare: Caring for the elderly/sick, traditional medicine, meditation therapy.
Education: Teaching, language classes, Buddhist studies.
Administration: Office work, IT, accounting.
Construction: Building temples, clinics, housing.
Dhamma Practice: Chanting, meditation, teaching.
"Prioritize Individual Needs"
Address each person’s unique circumstances with compassion.
"Seek Worldly and Spiritual Welfare"
Prioritize collective and long-term benefits over personal, transient gains.
"Cultivate Strength in Goodness"
Counter unwholesome forces with virtuous deeds. Righteousness requires both intention and effort.
"Exemplary Leadership"
Leaders must act selflessly, prioritizing the community’s welfare.
"Support All Meritorious Efforts"
Encourage and assist those undertaking good deeds, regardless of past limitations.
"Patience with Ignorance"
Many act out of ignorance, not malice. Teach patiently.
"Avoid Self-Centered Actions"
Renounce unwholesome habits. Emulate true practitioners.
"Collective Meetings"
Hold regular discussions involving all stakeholders.
"Endure Challenges"
Persist in meritorious deeds despite delays or conflicts.
"The Truth of Craving (Samudaya Sacca)"
Recognize that greed, hatred, and delusion drive suffering. Cultivate gentle, mindful interactions.
"Reflect on Your Own Faults"
Mutual blame creates discord. Focus on self-improvement.
"The Harm of Anger"
Anger destroys communities. Patience preserves harmony.
"Doubt Breeds Doubt"
Suspecting others’ merits invites suspicion toward your own. Trust in the Dhamma.
"Learn from Unwholesome Acts"
Observe how greed, hatred, and delusion manifest. Use this insight to abandon unskillful behavior.
"Conflict Resolution"
Resolve disputes internally through Dhamma-based methods. Investigate impartially.
"Benefits of Righteous Resolution"
Collective problem-solving strengthens the centers. Report issues to leaders or Sayadaw Ashin Ottamathara via:
Phone/Viber: +9595085212
Messenger/Facebook: Sayadaw Ashin Ottamathara
Email: mtsm45@gmail.com
Additional Notes
Shared Resources: Use center vehicles responsibly.
Accommodation: Offer unused spaces to yogis.
Monastic Stay: Monastics may reside for 1 month (or 3 months during rains retreat).
Record-Keeping: Maintain logs for daily activities, finances, and incidents.
"Inherent Causes and Conditions"
All phenomena arise due to causes. Success comes through adaptable effort, not force.
"An Open Invitation"
These rules may adapt to time and place. Adherence fosters visible benefits. Humility and resilience are essential for practitioners.
Ven. Ashin Ottamathara
Founder, Thabarwa Nature Centers