On the last Sunday of every month, SBT engages in a ‘day of observance’. A day set aside to deepen our studies, practice, and our commitment to sangha. The day of observance is a Buddhist tradition that’s been upheld for over 2,600 years. A tradition established by the Buddha himself. On this day, practitioners put aside worldly concerns and immerse themselves in study and practice. It’s customary to gather and practice as a community, however, if that’s not possible, practitioners can honor the day on their own, by embodying the Buddha’s teachings as best they can within their various activities. According to the Buddha, the day of observance is “a time for cleansing the defilements from the mind, with the aim of developing inner peace and joy”. On this day, practitioners are encouraged to take and maintain the ‘eight observances’, which traditionally were intended to emulate the experience of monastic life.   

The day of observance pledge
Today, during this day of observance,  
I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
I vow to uphold the basic Buddhist tenets,
Of goodness, kindness, and friendliness,
Of nonviolence, honesty, and self-control,
Of understanding, compassion, and altruism,
Of maturity, humility, and personal responsibility.
And to uphold the eight observances,
1. To respect, protect, and nurture life
2. To respect others’ property
3. To speak the truth and be honest
4. To commit to a plant-based diet for the day
5. To commit to a day of modesty *
6. To abstain from sexual activity
7. To abstain from intoxicants
8. To abstain from media and entertainment ** 

* To commit to a day of modesty – a day of simplicity and humility; abstaining from beautifying ourselves (wearing jewelry, extravagant clothes, makeup) or performing (singing, dancing, performing music, or sports competition)

** To abstain from media and entertainment – a day to shut off your phone and screens and to be present, abiding in a state of mindful contentment.  

SBT’s day of observance retreat
On this day, the SBT sangha gathers for our online retreat. It’s a day to unplug from our hectic lives and to spend time practicing with like-minded friends. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. These are open retreats, meaning you can participate as you wish. You can commit yourself to the full retreat, attend parts, or pop in when you’re free. 
     Our retreats start at dawn with sangha members taking the day of observance pledge, reciting morning prayers, and engaging in a short meditation. Then throughout the day, we offer teachings, group meditations, and sangha discussions. Later, we perform a purification ceremony, allowing sangha members the opportunity to repair any damage to their vows and commitments that may have occurred throughout the month, restoring them to their original pristine state. We end the day of retreat with a Loving-kindness meditation and evening prayers. If you are unable to attend the retreat, we encourage you to at least join us at dawn to take the day of observance pledge together as a community.