Amaravati Buddhist Centre

Amaravati Buddhist Centre
Great Gaddesden
Hemel Hempstead
Herts. HP13BZ
England

Tel: +44 (0)1442 842 455
Fax: +44 (0)1442 843 721
www.amaravati.org

Buddhist
This is a Community of Buddhist monks and nuns of the Theravada tradition, but people of any or of no formal religious affiliation are welcomed. In fact from time to time, you may well meet nuns and monks from other faiths visiting here and, certainly, people who are new to Buddhism. Retreats are held in separate facilities away from the often busy life of the Armarvati religious Community itself. Guests are asked to attend morning and evening meditation and to help I the kitchens in the morning or to join in the morning work period with others. Accommodation is basic in the dormitories, so bring a warm sleeping bag, a blanket for use during meditation, and a towel and soap. Pack heavy socks or slippers too, as no shoes are worn indoors. The Shrine room, opened only a few years ago, is very grand and beautiful with a large enclosed courtyard through which you enter the temple. There is a full calendar of events, talks and long and short retreats, so have a look at the programmes. It is possible by arrangement and at their discretion for you to stay with the monastic Community for a time, but you must participate fully in their daily routine of meditation, meals and work. 

Open: December for planned retreats. Closed season is January to end of March. Receives men, women, teenagers for a special annual retreat and young people over 15 years of age, families, and groups for organised retreats. 

Rooms: 4 rooms for men. 8 rooms for women. Dormitory for men only. Up to 40 guests can be accommodated. Men and women are separated in accommodation and certain other areas. 

Facilities: Garden, park, library, payphone. 

Spiritual Help: Personal talks on the retreats, otherwise evening talks. Guided meditation. Walking meditations possible in nearby woodlands. 

Guests Admitted to: Shrine room, work of the community, all daily work routines. Meals: Everyone eats together. Vegetarian food based on Thai, Sri Lankin and British dishes and served buffet style. No special diets but variety of food at most meals gives a wide choice among vegetarian dishes. 

Special Activities: Festivals, retreats, workshops, courses, long retreats. Send for programmes. Morning and evening chanting and meditation. A quiet contemplative atmosphere is maintained. 

Situation: Quiet. 

Maximum Stay: First stay 1 week. After that 1 month at discretion of the guest monk. 

Bookings: Letter to the Guest Monk or the Guest Nun, depending on your gender. 

Charges: There are no charges except by donations, which are welcomed at end of your stay to help toward running costs. 

Access: By car is easiest, but please drive very slowly and carefully, as the lanes to the Centre are narrow. See website above for travel details.