Code of Conduct – Summer Spiritual School at Rila
The Summer Spiritual School at Rila is organized by the Society Byalo Bratstvo – Bulgaria in the area of the Seven Lakes, within the territory of the Rila National Park. The School is intended for members of the Society Byalo Bratstvo and serves their needs for spiritual development. This Code of Conduct has been created by the committee for the Summer Spiritual School at Rila and approved by the Executive Council of the Society Byalo Bratstvo.
I. Order and Cleanliness in the Camp
- Waste must be separated by type – organic, glass, metal, plastic, and paper. Everyone is personally responsible for collecting their own waste and transporting it back to designated collection points.
- Washing clothes in the camp or around the lakes is not permitted. If necessary, it must be done at the “Rilski Ezera” mountain hut.
- It is advisable to bring a small broom and dustpan to maintain cleanliness inside and around tents.
- Before leaving, everyone must restore their tent area and surroundings to the best possible condition.
- Pets are not allowed in the camp, on the Prayer Peak, or during Paneurhythmy.
- Do not dig trenches, level ground, or remove turf when setting up tents.
- Campfires are strictly prohibited. Fire may be used only in the common stone shelter with a hearth, and only during the day. Access to the hearth is limited to the kitchen staff on duty.
- Everyone is encouraged to help fetch water for the kitchen daily, regardless of duty rotation—this is a blessing as it serves the collective good.
- Meat, alcohol, cigarettes, and narcotics are not allowed in the camp.
- Quiet hours are observed after 10:00 p.m. and until 6:00 a.m. for rest and sleep.
II. Dress Code
- Appropriate clothing for mountain conditions must be worn in the camp and during Paneurhythmy.
- Beachwear is not suitable in the camp, especially during Paneurhythmy. Brotherhood tradition discourages very short shorts, see-through skirts or blouses, deep necklines, or men walking shirtless or in tank tops.
- Paneurhythmy should be performed in beautiful, dignified clothing as it is a sacred ritual expressing high spiritual and cosmic forces.
III. Registration of Camp Participants
A registration book is maintained in the camp, recording the names of all brothers and sisters staying there, along with the assigned numbers of their tents.
If guests arrive at the camp and wish to stay, this is only permitted with the approval of the camp warden and under the guardianship of a group leader.
Vigilance is required regarding the presence and behavior of outside individuals. When a group leaves the camp, the group leader must assign someone to remain behind to keep watch.
Meals
A free communal kitchen and brotherly dining area are organized. Hot water is provided in the morning, and a warm meal is served at lunchtime.
The kitchen is sustained through voluntary donations and rotating service teams. (Make donations here LINK)
The kitchen duty groups are responsible for supplying the necessary food products.
No food donations from outside individuals or tourists are accepted for the communal kitchen.
All camp expenses are covered by voluntary contributions, which are collected in a shared fund (brotherly treasury). The treasury is opened daily after the evening prayer service by a designated committee of three people, who record the contributions in a log and report to the General Assembly of the Brotherhood.
Each participant should bring their own supply of essential food items and bread sufficient for the first 2–3 days.
Bread in the camp is free every year. Please treat it with respect!
Organizing Life in the Spiritual Mountain School
The camp is led by individuals authorized by the Executive Council.
At the opening of the camp on August 1st, a General Assembly is held to assign responsibilities and duties for the operation of the School.
Following the long-standing traditions of the Mountain School, after the opening of the camp, the so-called “Four Councils” are formed to help organize the communal life according to the methods and guidance given to us by the Teacher.
3.1. Council of Physical Work
This council organizes the following groups:
- a) A group responsible for cleanliness, environmental protection, and improvement of the camp area;
- b) A logistics group for the delivery of bread, firewood, gas, and kitchen supplies;
- c) A group for camp security;
- d) A group for organizing shared excursions.
3.2. Council for Spiritual Life
This council organizes the following groups and committees:
- a) Group for musical and artistic activities;
- b) Group for Paneurhythmy, gymnastic, and esoteric exercises;
- c) Committee for sacred observances – prayers, spiritual gatherings (naradi), rituals, and vigils;
- d) Committee for working with children.
3.3. Council for Education
Responsible for organizing lectures and presentations on scientific, esoteric, health-related, musical, ecological, and other topics.
3.4. Council of Peacemakers
- a) Group for reviewing and reconciling disputes or tensions in relationships;
- b) Contact committee for communication with guests at the camp.
Note: Members of the groups and committees may rotate or be replaced as needed. It is encouraged that every participant in the Summer Spiritual Mountain School actively contribute to the life of the camp and participate in daily duties, thus offering their share in the collective work.
Duties of the Daily Service Teams:
- Maintain a 24-hour shift from 18:00 to 18:00 the following day.
- Provide hot water each morning after the spiritual gathering and serve warm food after 13:00.
- Refill all water containers in the kitchen by the end of their shift.
- Keep the kitchen and the surrounding area clean and orderly.
- Package all kitchen waste and arrange for it to be transported daily by horse to the designated disposal area.
- Oversee camp safety and general organization.
- Welcome visiting tourists with kindness and offer assistance as needed.
- Sanitize the camp toilets at 10:00 and 15:00.
- Organize and lead morning and evening spiritual gatherings (“naryadi” – schedules).
- Greet new arrivals and help them settle into the camp.
Note: Some responsibilities of the daily service teams overlap with those of the councils, which requires cooperation in carrying out assigned duties.
The Summer Spiritual Mountain School on Rila will take place from August 1st to 25th, 2025. From August 25th to 31st, a working group will be responsible for closing and clearing the camp.
You may also find key guidance from the Master regarding the mountain and the Seven Rila Lakes in the book “Conversations at the Seven Rila Lakes”, published by Byalo Bratstvo Publishing House.
May the Divine Love, Divine Wisdom, Divine Truth, Divine Virtue, and Divine Justice be with us on Rila!
Commission “Rila”
Executive Council
Sofia, June 5, 2025
Bulgarian source information:
https://beinsadouno.org/pravilnik-za-vatreshnia-red-v-duhovnata-planinska-shkola-rila-2025/
