Are the nuns bhikkhunis?

No. They have not taken the bhikkhuni ordination. They follow a training comprising 120 rules and observances that are based on the Ten Precepts, and guidelines for community living.

Is it possible to meet a monk/nun?

Write to the monastery secretary to arrange an appointment. The guest monk/nun is usually available to meet guests who are staying in the monastery.

Is it possible to meet Ajahn Sumedho?

Yes. Ajahn Sumedho is often available to speak with people informally after the daily meal. If you need to speak with him privately, you can write to his secretary who may be able to arrange an appointment

How many people live at the monastery?

Usually about 60:- 20 monks, 15 nuns and 25 lay residents and guests.

Is it possible to have an evening meal?

Usually not. However, if you have a particular medical condition that necessitates eating in the evening you can notify the guest monk/nun or retreat manager, and special arrangements can be made.

What should I bring with me when staying as a guest?

Personal toiletries, a small torch, alarm clock, comfortable loose-fitting clothing, slip-on footwear and a small blanket or shawl for meditation.

What time of day is it possible to visit the monastery?

The monastery is open from early morning until 10:00pm. Good times to visit are meal time (11:00am), tea time (5:00pm) or for the evening puja (7:30pm). Each Saturday there is a meditation workshop in the Temple at 2:00pm.

How long can I stay for?

The initial visit is usually for up to one week (for overseas visitors this may be longer). After that, arrangements can be made with the guest monk or nun for a longer visit.

How much does it cost to stay at the monastery?

There is no set charge for staying. However the community is entirely dependent on donations so offerings (dana) of any amount are always very much appreciated.

Do you have disabled access?

Yes. There is disabled access to most public buildings. If you wish to stay overnight, please let the guest monk/nun know if you have specific needs. We would hope to be able to make suitable provision for you to stay.

How should I relate to the monks and nuns?

It is best to avoid physical contact. The most suitable greeting is anjali – the hands are raised palm to palm at chest level.   

Are there any rules I need to know about?

The monks and nuns are not allowed to accept money, or to consume food or drink (other than water) that has not been formally offered. They may not speak privately with someone of the opposite sex, so in such cases a monk or nun would be accompanied by a suitable chaperone.

When is it possible to hear a talk at the monastery?

Every week on the Observance Day there is a talk in the Temple following the evening chanting and meditation. During the summer months (July, August and September) there are also public talks every Sunday, beginning at 2:00pm. For details of Observance Days and Sunday talks, see the FSN or the Calendar.

What kind of accommodation do you offer to guests?

Most accommodation in the women’s guest house is in small single rooms. For male guests most accommodation is in dormitories.

How should I dress when I come to the monastery?

You should wear modest, loose fitting clothing that covers the body between the elbows, collar and knees, so that you can sit on the floor without embarrassment. Slip-on shoes are also handy, as shoes are removed when entering all buildings.

Can I bring my guide dog?

Yes – although we would ask you to be sensitive to the resident cats; they may be less eager to welcome even the most friendly, well-trained guide dog.

Can I bring my children? My baby?

Children and babies are welcome to visit with their parents during the day, provided they are adequately supervised. There are several residential family events each year, advance booking is necessary for these.

Is there anything useful I can bring when I visit?

Any food or household items are always welcome. Please call the main office for an up-to-date list of specific needs or refer to the Participate section of the home page, under Support Monastery on how to support via donations, dana and volunteer services.

Is it possible to do retreats at the monastery?

Yes. Please refer to booking information and the schedule for retreats offered during the calendar year.

Is it possible to stay at the monastery?

Yes. Please refer to the Participate section of the home page, under Staying Here.

Are you celibate?

Yes. All of the monastics keep the precept to refrain from any kind of intentional sexual behaviour.  This is also the standard for guests and those attending retreats

Do you ever go out?

Yes. This is not a cloistered tradition. However, during the Vassa, or traditional rains-retreat, a three month period from July to October each year, the monks and nuns determine to stay in one place – not travelling unless absolutely necessary.

Why do the monastics have different coloured robes?

The different coloured robes distinguish between the monks (ochre robes), nuns (brown robes) and anagarikas/novices (white robes).

What does Sangha mean?

The Sangha is the community of those following the teachings of the Buddha. It is made up of the monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen. However, the term is often used more widely to include anyone sincerely aspiring to implement the teaching guidelines recommended by the Lord Buddha for liberation.

How can I get to the monastery?

Please refer to the About Us section of the home page, under Getting Here .

How can I contribute to the community?

Please refer to the Participate section of the home page, under Support Monastery on how to support via donations, dana and volunteer services.

Can I get instruction on meditation?

Yes. There is a meditation workshop on Saturday afternoons in the Temple at Amaravati from 2:00 to 4:00pm.

Also, please refer to the Retreat Centre Schedule section on the homepage for information about retreats available, and the Teaching section on the homepage for information about books and recorded talks available.

Why do you shave your heads?

This is a tradition which dates back to the time of the Buddha. It can be seen as a symbol of renunciation and simplicity.

How do I apply for a retreat?

Please refer to the information relating to bookings in Retreat Centre section on the homepage.

Do you eat meat?

As the monastics, as alms mendicants, do not cook ourselves, we try to be easily satisfied with whatever food comes from the kind offerings and through the generosity of the lay supporters.  The training for monks and nuns as alms mendicants is to receive whatever is offered with a grateful heart. There is no prohibition against eating cooked meat or fish, as long as the animal was not killed specifically for offering to a monk or nun.

What do you do at the monastery?

This is a contemplative tradition and so the practice of meditation or mindfulness is our main work. However the monastics also serve the wider community, maintain the monastery, receive guests and offer Dhamma teachings and guidance; we try to incorporate all of these as part of our mindfulness practice. We have a daily routine which is outlined below; you can also find this in the Participate section of the home page, under Staying Here.

What is your daily routine?

5:00 am Morning meditation Chanting and silent meditation
6:30 am Daily cleanup Light chores around the main area of the monastery
7:15 am Light breakfast - usually tea and cereal
8:15 am Work period Chores and general maintence of the monastery
11:00 am Meal offering (11:30 am daylight savings time)
12:30 pm Personal practice Individual meditation and study time
5:30 pm Tea
7:30 pm Evening meditation Chanting and silent meditation*

Saturdays 7:30-9:30 pm

The evening meditation is often followed by a reflective teaching (Dhamma talk). This is an open event for the public.

Lunar Observance

There is no morning meditation or chore period on the Lunar Observance Days. The evening meditation begins at 7:30 pm and is followed by a reflective teaching (Dhamma talk), and the community hold a meditation vigil until midnight. This too is an open event for the public; feel free to join for as much of the evening as you like.

*Please note that there is no scheduled chanting and silent meditation on the evenings before and after the Lunar Observance Day (see our Calendar page), apart from every Saturday evening, which will take place as per advertised above.

Are There Any Meditation Groups Visited Regularly By Sangha Members?