The Amaravati Buddhist Monastery

Did you know that there is an Amaravati Buddhist monastery hidden away in Hemel Hempstead? Inside the monastery lives a community of monks and nuns that practise the Theravada. Anyone can stay in the monastery, Lay people, Buddhists and others are welcome to stay as guests and or live within the monastic community.

The monastery opens early in the morning when everyone gathers for the early morning meditation up until after the evening meditation. The gates open at 6.30 am up until 9.30 pm, but sometimes it closes later due to meditation vigils. If it is your first time in and around this kind of environment we would suggest arriving at around late morning time. Arriving at around lunchtime will mean that you get a chance to sample the food, as well as speak to other visitors or monastics available for asking questions. Or, you could join in one of the meditation workshops held every Saturday afternoon.

The site welcomes visitors from across the globe and the reasons are varied. Some may come for a few hours, some for a few days, some may come for a few months or even years, some use it as an escape from the stresses of the modern world. Regardless of the reason as to why you’re want to visit, you will be welcomed in. Amaravati gives us the opportunity to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, in an environment that encourages us. 

Daily routine

A usual day begins with silent contemplation together, and then after there are periods of working meditation, with some time for individual practice and attending personal needs. The at the end of the day everyone reconvenes back for the evening contemplation and dinner. Following such a routine can be excellent support for bringing awareness into our hearts and applying it in our daily life.

5:00 am

Morning meeting – silent meditation and chanting.

6:30 am

Daily clean-up – chores in the main area of the monastery.

7:15 am

Breakfast – usually tea and porridge or cereal.

8:15 am

Work period – chores and general maintenance of the monastery, helping in the kitchen, etc.

Meal Offering – from Nov–March: 10.45 am Monday to Saturday & 10.30 am on Sunday

from April–Oct: 11:30 am Monday to Saturday & 11.15 am on Sunday

Washing up and tidying in the kitchen, followed by personal practice – individual meditation and study time.

5:00 pm

Tea.

7:30 – 8:40 pm

Evening meeting – chanting and silent meditation.

(There are no evening meetings on the days before and after the lunar observance day).

Attached to the monastery is a separate retreat facility at Amaravati, which offers short and long retreats. These retreats are mostly held in silence, with a routine that emphasises formal meditation instruction and practice.