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.
Supporting the Developing Sangha |
One of the traditional characteristics of Theravada Buddhism is that the teachings of the Buddha are made freely available to those who wish to receive them. Following this tradition, at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery no charge is made either for teachings or for accommodation. The Monastery runs entirely on a donation basis, and depends for its continued existence and development upon the generosity of its lay supporters. Since people frequently ask for information about how the Monastery actually runs, this page has been prepared for those who would like to know more about these matters. Monastics of the Theravada tradition live in accordance with the original monastic code - the ‘Vinaya’. This prohibits monks from handling or holding personal rights over money. Consequently, the finances of the Monastery are ‘stewarded’ by a charitable body, The English Sangha Trust Ltd - and are administered by the charity’s Finance Sub Committee, which reports to the Board of Trustees. Trustees and Committee Members are friends and supporters of the Monastery, who serve in this capacity as an expression of their commitment to Dhamma. The finances are administered in two main categories of funds, the General Fund for the daily running of the Monastery, and where appropriate through Designated Funds which support various building projects and development of the amenities. All of the funds are administered by the Trust and the Committee who manage the funds in accordance with the wishes of the donors. Donations can be made to the General Fund, or for a particular (ie designated) purpose. If amounts received into a designated fund exceed the related expenditure, any excess will be used for the general support of the Sangha.
The latest audited financial statements of The English Sangha Trust Ltd can be accessed on the UK Charity Commission website by using the following link:
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