Wisely reflecting, I use the robe: only to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch off flies, mosquitoes, wind, burning and creeping things, only for the sake of modesty.
Wisely reflecting, I use almsfood not for fun, not for pleasure, not for fattening, not for beautification, only for the maintenance and nourishment of this body, for keeping it healthy, for helping with the Holy Life; thinking thus, I will allay hunger without overeating, so that I may continue to live blamelessly and at ease.
Wisely reflecting, I use the lodging only to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of flies, mosquitoes, wind, burning and creeping things, only to remove the danger from weather, and for living in seclusion.
Wisely reflecting, I use supports for the sick and medicinal requisites: only to ward off painful feelings that have arisen, for the maximum freedom from disease.
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Ways of Helping Amaravati
As you probably know the monastery is entirely dependent for its existence on the generosity of its lay supporters. The main purpose of this article is to provide you with an overview of the various forms (both financial and otherwise) in which you as a supporter can help the monastery.
Who is responsible for the financial management of the monastery? Monastics of the Theravadan tradition live in accordance with the original monastic code ‘the Vinaya’ that prohibits them from possessing or holding rights over money in any form. As a consequence of this, the monastery’s finances are ‘stewarded’ by a charitable body - The English Sangha Trust Ltd (UK Registered Charity Number 231310). At present the trust comprises of six lay trustees, who meet regularly at Trustees meetings. The English Sangha Trust Ltd is a UK limited company (Number 565499) and its registered office is Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Great Gaddesden, Hemel hempstead, Herts, HP1 3BZ, UK. The Trust has set up a Finance Sub Committee, which meets to consider all aspects of financial planning, including the preparation of the budget, quarterly financial reports, annual financial accounts, risk review and internal financial controls. The Finance Sub Committee reports to the Board of Trustees. How can I help? Donations of a financial and material nature are obviously essential but offers of assistance in other forms are necessary for the smooth running of the monastery. The following should give you some idea of what form of support might best suit you. Forms of donation Standing orders It is very helpful to the monastery to know that there is some degree of regular financial support. Standing orders are one very helpful way of ensuring this. If you are in a position to make such an offering then you can do so by completing a standing instruction to your bank (monthly, quarterly or annually). In certain circumstances it is possible for the Trust obtain tax relief on such donations. Please see below to access a copy of the standing order form. Give as You Earn Some larger employers subscribe to this scheme that enables employees to instruct that a monthly deduction from their salary is paid to the charity of their choice. At present the charity receives tax relief on the donation. One-Off donations Such donations can be made in the form of cash or cheques (made payable to The English Sangha Trust Ltd) placed in the donation envelopes provided. Again, under certain circumstances, the monastery can claim tax relief. Online Donation On-line donation using debit/credit card payable in UK Sterling, Euros, or US Dollar. This method of donating should be particularly effective for overseas supporters. Please see below for further information and for the link to the online donation facility. Give Now Website On-line donation using debit/credit card but payable in UK Sterling only. The Give Now Website can also be used for making donations using a Charity Card Account. Please see below for further information and for the link to the Give Now Website. |