Retreats & Stay Registration

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First and last name*

Full Name

Phone*

Email*

Date of Birth*

Age*

Gender / Preferred Pronouns:*

Type of Stay*

Planned Arrival Date*

Planned Departure Date*

Emergency Contact #1*

Full Name Relationship to you

Emergency Contact #1 cont.*

Phone Number Email

Emergency Contact #2*

Full Name Relationship to you

Phone*

Email*

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Retreat & Stay Guide*

Yes

After reviewing the Retreats & Stay Guide, please answer the following questions with depth and thoughtfulness:

Medical History*

Do you have any medical conditions we should be aware of? If yes, please specify.

Do you have any allergies?*

Medications*

You are welcome to share any medications you take, prescription or non-prescription. Prescribed medications are fully welcome here, and sharing them helps us best support you during your stay. If you prefer not to share, please write "prefer not to share." If you take prescribed medications, please bring enough for the length of your stay.

Considerations for Mental Health*

We recognize the importance of caring for mental and emotional wellbeing. Meditation, silence, and community living can bring up strong thoughts, emotions, and memories, and knowing what you carry helps us practice alongside you with care. Our retreat and residency programs offer rest, reflection, and community, and we are not a mental health care facility. We ask that you reflect on whether you have the supports you need in place to sustain you during your time here. Please share any mental health considerations we should be aware of. If this does not apply to you, please write "none."

Do you confirm that you are in adequate physical and mental health to participate in activities at Sangha House NOLA, have shared your allergies and any health information needed for your safety during your stay, are responsible for informing Venerable Dayananda or Core Group members of any relevant safety, access, or health needs before participation, authorize Sangha House NOLA and its representatives to secure necessary medical treatment in the event of injury or illness, agree to bear any associated costs, and understand that Sangha House NOLA is a spiritual community, not a medical, therapeutic, or mental health care facility, and does not provide professional psychiatric support, clinical mental health services, crisis intervention, or emergency medical care?*

Yes, I confirm that I am in adequate physical and mental health to participate in activities at Sangha House NOLA. I have shared my allergies and any health information needed for my safety during my stay. I am responsible for informing Venerable Dayananda or Core Group members of any relevant safety, access, or health needs before participation. I authorize Sangha House NOLA and its representatives to secure necessary medical treatment in the event of injury or illness, and I agree to bear any associated costs. I understand that Sangha House NOLA is a spiritual community, not a medical, therapeutic, or mental health care facility, and does not provide professional psychiatric support, clinical mental health services, crisis intervention, or emergency medical care.

Health & Self-Care*

Each person is responsible for caring for their own health so they can participate fully in practice and community life. Sangha House aims to be a supportive space for all who enter. There are limitations to the support offered as it is not a medical facility and cannot provide medical or psychiatric care. What practices of self-care will you maintain to support your health and presence in community?

Accessibility & Accommodations*

At Sangha House NOLA, we want you to know the space honestly so you can plan with care. Sangha House is a raised home with a few porch steps, and guest rooms and restrooms are upstairs, reached by a full staircase. Both have handrails, and the Dharma Hall offers a bench and chairs. We acknowledge that our physical environment may not yet reflect the full inclusivity we aspire to. Are there any accommodations that would help you feel more comfortable and supported during your time here (for example, mobility, hearing, or other considerations)? If so, please share them below so we can hold this space with greater awareness and care, and so that we can also let you know if it is within our capacity to meet those needs. If this does not apply to you, please simply state "none."

Intentions & Aspirations*

While staying at Sangha House, what intentions are you committed to? What do you hope to cultivate in your practice, and what do you aspire to release or let go of?

Commitment to Mindfulness*

Mindfulness is to be maintained throughout your entire stay at Sangha House: while cooking , cleaning, arriving and leaving, and engaging with others. What is your commitment to doing these things in mindfulness and with complete awareness of the needs and flow of the community?

Speech & Sacred Silence*

The sacred silence of the temple supports and deepens our practice. This means refraining from unnecessary speaking, idle chatter, loud conversations, and disruptive noises. If you need to have phone conversations or video conferences, please be mindful and use headphones, conduct them in your room, or step outside. Noble Silence is observed daily from 9:00 PM until 8:00 AM. In what ways will you commit to honoring this silence and practicing mindful, necessary speech throughout your stay? Please share the intentions or practices you will use to hold yourself to this commitment.

Sangha Practice*

Staying at Sangha House means we practice alone together, tending to our individual path while engaging fully in the life of the Sangha. This includes showing up for the collective practices that shape our rhythm, such as three weekly Sangha gatherings, community offerings, and other temple events. Participation and support for these shared practices are a required part of your stay. How will you commit to engaging in Sangha practice by showing up for gatherings, retreats, and shared community offerings during your time here?

Sangha Service*

Sangha Service is a daily practice of working meditation. Stays include offering at least two hours each day wholeheartedly and with intention in support of our shared spaces and daily practice. Sangha Service is flexible and can include administrative tasks, caring for the kitchen or Dharma Hall, preparing meals, cleaning common areas, or tending to the land, and can be adapted to your body and capacity. Stewards will offer 25 hours per week. All spaces are to be kept clean and in the spirit of leaving no trace. In what ways will you commit to offering daily service and caring for the shared spaces of Sangha House with intention and reverence?

Commitment to Community*

Living in community at Sangha House means practicing harmony, accountability, and care for one another. Each person's presence contributes to the stability of the Sangha. How would you describe your capacity to engage with others in ways that support harmony and care within the community?

Feedback, Repair & Communication*

Commitment to community means being open to feedback, engaging in repair if harm occurs, and maintaining the shared agreements that protect the refuge of the temple. What practices do you draw on to navigate feedback, repair harm, and communicate skillfully when challenges arise?

Communication*

Clear communication with Venerable Dayananda and Sangha core members is essential. This includes regular check-ins, timely updates, consideration of how your actions impact others, and following through on commitments. Sharing openly about how you might be supported allows the Sangha to be flexible and responsive in ways that honor both your wellbeing and the cultivation of practice. What is your commitment to maintaining clear and respectful communication during your stay with the Venerable, Sangha core members, and the community as a whole?

Generosity & Support*

Compassion and generosity are daily practices. Dāna, meaning offering or gift of generosity, is the spirit that sustains Sangha House. Being a part of a sangha means recognizing that the practice of generosity is woven into daily life and expressed in many forms. While financial dāna is one way to support this sacred space based on the length of your stay, we understand that not everyone has the same resources. What matters is the intention to give something. In what ways will you practice generosity during your stay, whether through financial contribution, offerings of care and service, sharing your skills and time, or the awareness and presence you bring to community?

Retreat Donation

Our retreats and stays are sustained entirely through Dana (generosity). Reflect on your household income and the people who depend on you, then choose the rate that best describes your life right now.

Community Rate: Meeting basic needs (housing, food, health care) takes real effort. You may be supporting others, carrying debt, or have little or no savings.

Sustainer Rate: Your basic needs are met and you have some flexibility. Taking this time for practice is possible without hardship. This rate covers the full cost of your stay.

Sponsor Rate: You have comfortable resources, savings, or wealth. Your offering covers your stay and makes rest and practice possible for another.

Stay Length	Community Rate	Sustainer Rate	Sponsor Rate
1 Night	$50	$90	$180
5 Nights	$230	$425	$850
7 Nights (Week)	$300	$565	$1,130
30 Nights (Month)	$1,000	$1,890	$3,780

*To discuss an alternative payment arrangement, please email ab****@*************la.org

How long are you requesting for your stay?*

Most stays range from 1 to 30 nights. Longer stays (Extended Stay, Contemplative Study, and Monastic Residency) are arranged with Venerable Dayananda. All stay durations and offering totals will be confirmed with Venerable Dayananda after your registration is submitted.

As you reflect on the length of your stay, please share below the offering that feels aligned with your circumstance and heart, letting us know which tier you're leaning towards: Community, Sustainer, or Sponsor.*

The Practice Of Generosity

Dana (Generosity) is a sacred exchange, a vow of reciprocity in gratitude for all that has been given freely: the teachings, the land, the temple, and the care of our monastic teacher, and Beloved Community. We invite you to consider an additional offering of Dana, in gratitude for the teachings received and the presence of our monastic teacher. Giving Dana

Dana acknowledgement*

As a gentle reminder, Once your reservation is confirmed, you will have another opportunity to offer dana.

Waiver & Acknowledgment of Responsibility

I acknowledge that participation in activities at or with Sangha House NOLA involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: physical activities (meditation, walking meditation, yoga, qi gong, service work, gardening, stairs, uneven surfaces), incense/scent exposure, hot beverages, kitchen work, and living/practicing in community with others.
I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in activities and premises, at Sangha House NOLA, whether known or unknown, and I agree to follow all safety instructions.
I acknowledge that this document does not release the Temple from liability for bodily injury. To the fullest extent permitted by Louisiana law, I am responsible for complying with Temple policies and instructions.
I acknowledge that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, I will defend and indemnify the Temple against third-party claims to the extent they arise from my violation of Temple policies or applicable law.
I agree to honor all community agreements, mindfulness trainings, and sacred practices, and to comply with posted rules and any directions from Temple leaders. I acknowledge Sangha House NOLA's religious character and agree to be respectful of practice spaces and rituals.
I acknowledge that these terms are governed by Louisiana law, and venue for any permitted civil action is the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana. The parties shall first attempt good-faith mediation unless an emergency requires immediate relief.
Photographic Release: I grant permission for Sangha House NOLA to use photographs or video recordings taken during my stay for promotional, educational, or impactful purposes.
My Responsibility: I agree not to post photos or videos of other participants without their explicit permission, and to respect privacy guidelines, especially regarding minors.
Release of Liability: I acknowledge that Sangha House NOLA is not responsible for photos, videos, or social media posts made by other participants. I release Sangha House NOLA from any liability arising from other participants' documentation or posting activities.

Do you agree to all the statements above?*

Yes

Community Life & Practice

Noble Silence: I will observe Noble Silence from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily and practice mindful, necessary speech at all other times.
Weekly Offerings: I commit to making a sincere effort to participate in community gatherings and other Sangha events and activities. When I am unable to attend, I will communicate this with Venerable or Sangha core members.
Living Arrangements: I understand that accommodations are primarily dormitory-style and may be shared or private depending on availability. Rooms are offered as gender-inclusive spaces grounded in respect, comfort, and community care.
Mindfulness Trainings: I agree to uphold the Five Precepts during my stay: refraining from harming living beings, refraining from taking what is not given, refraining from sexual misconduct (practicing celibacy), refraining from false speech, and refraining from intoxicants.
Sangha Service Commitment: I understand that Sangha Service is an integral part of our shared practice and community life. The number of service hours varies for residents, interns, and retreatants, and will be communicated according to the nature and duration of one’s stay.

Do you agree to all the statements above?*

Yes

DAILY RHYTHMS & SACRED SPACE

Dharma Hall: I will enter and exit with reverence, limiting movement during teachings or meditation sessions.
Kitchen Use: I will complete meal preparation by 6:00 PM and maintain quietude after 7:00 PM, as the kitchen connects to the Abbess's study.
Guest Policy: I understand all visits must be pre-approved and guests are not permitted in living quarters.
Clothing: I will wear simple, comfortable, non-distracting attire that honors the sacredness of shared space.
Leave No Trace: I commit to moving through all spaces with care, leaving nothing behind physically, emotionally, or energetically.

Do you agree to all the statements above?*

Yes

RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP

Fewness of Wishes: I commit to using all resources (food, supplies, utilities, laundry) with moderation, reverence, and gratitude.
Replenishment: I will be mindful of shared resources such as food and supplies. When I use something up or notice it running low, I will replenish it if I am able, or communicate with Venerable or Sangha core members so it can be restocked.
Generosity (dāna): I understand Sangha House is sustained through the spirit of dana, generosity offered from the heart, and I will contribute within my capacity, whether through financial offering, skill, time, or other resources, as part of our shared practice of reciprocity and community care.
Special Circumstances: I acknowledge that Sangha House may offer modified arrangements for individuals seeking refuge from harmful situations, financial hardship, or other extenuating circumstances. If such an agreement has been established with the Abbess, I will honor that arrangement.

Do you agree to all the statements above?*

Yes

Agreement

DEPARTURE & CONCLUSION OF STAY*

Room Preparation: I agree to leave my room clean, organized, and energetically clear, following the check out procedures.

Long-Term Notice: For long-term stays, I will provide a minimum of 30 days' notice before departing.

Declaration*

By checking the box below, I hereby declare and affirm that:

I have read the complete Sangha House NOLA Retreat & Stay Guide (September 2025) in its entirety and fully understand all guidelines, practices, agreements, and expectations outlined within. I understand this is a temporary retreat stay, not a residency, tenancy, or permanent housing arrangement, and that I have no tenant rights or legal claims to the premises. I acknowledge Sangha House NOLA's right to conclude my stay at any time, at the sole discretion of the Abbess or community leadership, for any reason including but not limited to: concerns about my well-being or that of others, behavior inconsistent with community agreements, needs beyond the capacity of care available, or any circumstance that impacts the sacred container of practice.

I agree to honor all community agreements, practices, and ways of being as outlined in the handbook, including Noble Silence, daily Sangha Service, mindfulness trainings, resource stewardship, and reverent use of shared space.

Reflective Feedback

As we grow together as a community rooted in boundless love in action and liberation in practice, we want to ensure our processes reflect those same values. Did you feel seen, heard, and cared for while completing your registration? We welcome your reflections and suggestions with gratitude.

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