Everybody entering Thamkrabok for treatment of their addiction or addictions, regardless of which drugs they have become addicted to, must take a vow of abstinence before undertaking detoxification. (Nobody will be permitted to leave the treatment area for the first 7 days and will only be able to extend their stay from the 8th day depending on their behaviour and whether they want to leave)
This sajja vow is a very important part of the treatment. Whether or not you are a Buddhist, this is a solemn promise that you make to yourself, that you will complete the treatment and abstain from all addictive substances. It is a commitment, a sacred vow that you need to take seriously. For the vow provides you with strength, particularly during those weak moments when you are tempted. It is an anchor you can hold on to which will prevent relapse.
It is important to emphasise that it is open to believers of every religion or belief system and non-believers alike. The Thamkrabok centre accepts for treatment adherents of any, or none, religious denomination equally and without prejudice or preference, without making any attempt whatsoever at proselytising, converting or trying to influence patients to accept the Buddhist precepts practised by the monks in the monastery. The text of the vow (Sajja) is varied for the participants depending on their system of belief or a lack thereof. Believers can call on Jesus Christ, or Allah, etc, and non-believers are asked to make their vow to the earth, the sky, and to those present as witnesses to this solemn pledge.
The ceremony takes place within the temple of Thamkrabok in the presence of a senior monk.
Presentation of the non-Buddhist Vow
- For Christians – the vow can be given to CHRIST
- For Muslims – the vow can be given to ALLAH
For Non-believers – the vow can be given to all those present and to all the other inhabitants of the world in which they live. . “I hereby solemnly promise to commit my vows to ALLAH/CHRIST/ALL THOSE PRESENT and pledge, for the rest of my life, commencing from today, that;
I will never again allow myself to become addicted, I will not enter the trade or be in the possession of dangerous drugs, I will never again use or add any addictive substance or solvents – namely; Opium, heroin, morphine, methadone, subutex, cocaine, crack-cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogenic drugs (such as LSD – lysergernic acid), amphetamines (such as “Speed” or “Ecstasy”) legal highs (such as mephedrone, meow meow, BZP, GBL, Ketamine and khat – to any non-toxic substances, solvents, food or drinks. I will not encourage other people to use any addictive substances. ». May the noblest teachings of the world bring all these merits to be devoted to the world in which we live, to all living souls or persons, to parents and families, to benefactors and patrons, and even to the truly penitent ex-agents of the deadly drug or drugs who deal or who have dealt in these substances. Please, please, please help me to obtain and to learn the way to true self-knowledge and to real happiness.”
Presentation of the Buddhist Vow
“I cordially render my worship – physically, verbally and spiritually – towards Our Lord Buddha, His Teachings and towards all His Disciples. May the Teachings of Our Lord Buddha bring these sacred vows towards the true Nirvana. I hereby solemnly promise to commit my vows to Our Lord Buddha and pledge, for the rest of my life, commencing from today, that; I will never again allow myself to become addicted, I will not enter the trade or be in the possession of dangerous drugs, I will never again use or add any addictive substance or solvents – namely; Opium, heroin, morphine, cocaine, crack-cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogenic drugs (such as LSD – lysergernic acid), amphetamines (such as “Speed” or “Ecstasy”) – to any non-toxic substances, solvents, food or drinks. I will not urge other people to use addictive drugs. I call upon the earth, the sky, and the air to be my witnesses.- May Our Lord Buddha, all of those present and all those wfyo can hear our vows be my witness. May the Teachings of Our Lord Buddha grant the merits gained to the Beings in the universe, living or dead, and to the father, the mother, the benefactors, the patrons and “Chao kam nai wane”. Please help me to acquire the four Noble Truths of Buddhism, the four Perceptions of Buddhism, the four Orders of Merit of Buddhism, and to attempt the demanding route towards Nirvana”
NAMO IS MY GOAL,
NAMO IS MY GOAL,
NAMO IS MY GOAL
THANG SIRITHANG YEWAHANG SASSANA BUPPALANG JATTU ULUSATTHANG NIPPANANG HETI
(“Devote your lives to the absolute justice both of your Faith and of the Laws of the Universe, and you shall gain both the discipline and the strength which shall lead you to Nirvana”)
Note: NAMO: “Perfection” i.e. “Perfection in all the virtues”
