The Monks Community
The Bhikkhu community at Amaravati began from those that came from Cittaviveka Monastery in 1984. Many had spent some time training in Thailand at Wat Nong Pah Pong.
Usually, there are between 8 and 16 Bhikkhu* and Samanera* in residence, living a contemplative, celibate, mendicant life according to the Vinaya and Dhamma. They provide the living link with the Order founded by the Buddha over two thousand years ago. The community also consists of Anāgārikas, or white robed postulants on the 8 precepts, who after a year or two may be given Samanera ordination.
The community is not static as there are close links with the other branch monasteries both in England and abroad; Bhikkhu and Samanera move between the monasteries.
The community is led by Luang Por Sumedho
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Ajahn PanyasaroBorn March 1965 in the North of Thailand but grew up in Bangkok. After he finished his first degree in Law, he came to England for further education in 1987. However he seemed to be born to be a monk not a lawyer. You may find more about him in his article that was published in our Newsletter No.72 “No Regrets" taken from a talk that he gave during the Winter Retreat 2002. He is the secretary to the Abbot. |
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Ajahn VimaloBorn Paul Hendrick 1946 in Luton Bedfordshire. Left school at 15 and worked in a magazine company. Married at 21 he has two sons and a daughter.
In his mid 20’s became very keen on Hatha Yoga . Then at the beginning of the 1970’s he met Kapilavaddho, a Buddhist teacher who had formerly been a Bhikkhu. On hearing the teachings of the Buddha Paul started to meditate daily. In 1976 he met Ajahn Sumedho who was on a visit to England with his teacher Luang por Chah. Paul remained a supporter of the Bhikkhus until he was in a position to ordain himself.
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Ajahn JayantoAjahn Jayanto (Chris Bowen) was born in 1967 in Boston,
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Ajahn RatanavannoAjahn Ratanavanno was born in Korat, N.E. Thailand on 10 February 1971. |
