According to Buddhist teachings, the practice of ethics is one of the three principle forms of training that Buddhists engage in; the other two being meditation and wisdom. Ethical precepts (vows) guide a practitioner in examining cause and effect (karma), as well as how the renunciation, patience, and honesty required of this practice illuminate the teachings.

The five precepts are:

• Abstain from killing living beings;
• Abstain from taking that which is not given;
• Abstain from sexual misconduct;
• Abstain from telling lies;
• Abstain from alcohol. (Alternate translation: Abstain from all intoxicants.)

As one reflects upon the precepts, layers of meaning are illuminated in each vow. Of great importance in taking precepts is the understanding that it is an individual commitment; using the precepts to judge another’s behavior is utterly counter-productive.

Our kitchen serves vegetarian traditional Italian dishes lunch (pasta or rice, flans, salad, roasted vegetables and homemade deserts) and homemade soups for evening meals. Breakfast includes rye bread, fresh yoghurt, honey, tea, coffee, cereals, oatmeal and fruit. All meals are served as self-service buffet in the main kitchen.

Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM -1:30 PM
Dinner: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Bring a water bottle or a thermos: in our ground-floor Lounge, drinking water, hot water, and a selection of teas and herbal teas are always available free of charge.
Zero plastic or single-use items: as an eco-friendly choice and to reduce waste, cups and glasses are not provided in the Lounge. If you happen to forget yours, our Bar Shop is at your disposal for regular bar service or to purchase a cup.

Upon your arrival at the Institute, please register at the office at least half an hour before the scheduled activities begin, before entering the course room.

• If the course requires it, each participant will have a meditation mat and cushion and/or a chair available; for any additional needs, please bring your own materials. If required for the course, bring your yoga mat from home.

• Treat Dharma texts with the utmost care and respect:
  Keep them respectfully in elevated, clean places, separate from other worldly objects. Avoid placing them on the floor or stepping on them. Do not place any objects on top of them, including malas or prayer beads.

The Lama Tzong Khapa Institute is a place dedicated to the practice of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, and monastic life. Here, people from all over the world live together with monks and nuns, resident cats, and wildlife that honor us with their presence. We welcome all sentient beings with respect and care, but to ensure peaceful coexistence, we ask that access with animals follows some basic guidelines:

Request consent before arrival
If you wish to bring a dog or other animal to the Institute, please inform us in advance. The presence of the animal will be evaluated considering the context and the presence of other animals or ongoing events.

Maximum responsibility and supervision
Animals must always be under the direct control of their human companion. They may not be left free or unattended in the gardens or buildings.

Coexistence with dogs, resident cats, and wildlife
The Institute hosts several freely roaming cats and a rich variety of wildlife. It is important that dogs do not chase, disturb, or endanger other animals.

Quiet and respect in practice areas
Animals may enter gompas, meditation halls, teaching rooms, or libraries only with prior authorization. During ceremonies or retreats, their presence should be minimized and agreed upon in advance.

No access to the dining hall
For safety and tranquility during meals, dogs are not allowed in the dining hall. In the past, serious dog aggression occurred under the tables, where reduced visibility and attention to meals prevented timely intervention. For this reason, dogs are permanently prohibited in the dining hall.

Calm behavior in common areas
Even outdoors, dogs should remain calm, not bark excessively, or display overly energetic behavior that could disturb the peace of the place or frighten other animals or people.

Strict cleanliness
Each person is responsible for picking up after their animal and keeping the spaces they use clean and orderly.

Compatibility with other dogs present
There may be times when multiple people have dogs with them. Please ensure your dog can coexist peacefully with others, especially in the presence of other animals.

Suspension of access in case of incompatibility
If an animal displays behavior that is incompatible with community life or the spirit of the place, we may ask that it be removed temporarily or permanently from the Institute.