Coming on Retreat

Welcome to the Amaravati Retreat Centre website. Here is some information which you will find useful in deciding whether to apply for a retreat and in knowing what to expect when you arrive. Please read through all the sections carefully before you start the process of booking a retreat.

Please click on any of the items below to skip to that section:

1) About the Retreat Centre

Amaravati Retreat Centre is part of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. The retreats are led by monks and nuns trained in the Thai Forest Tradition which originated the north-east of Thailand and is part of the Theravada tradition of South Asia. The teaching monks and nuns are resident either at Amaravati or at associated monasteries in the UK and abroad.

The Retreat Centre is located within the monastery grounds, but is run separately, with its own daily programme of guided and silent meditation practice, and its own accommodation facilities, kitchen and shrine room. Please note that it is also possible to stay at the main monastery as a ‘guest’, which involves less intensive meditation and a chance to work and connect with the Amaravati community. If you are interested in staying in this way, please see:  https://amaravati.org/visiting/staying-overnight

Retreats vary in length from weekends, to five or ten days, and the yearly programme of retreats usually runs from April to December. There is a break in the programme from January to March when the monastic community are on winter retreat.

Although each retreat is slightly different, broadly speaking all retreats include periods of guided and silent meditation, walking meditation, reflections on aspects of the Buddha’s teachings, and an opportunity for questions and answers with the teacher.

Recent Developments

Amaravati was first established in 1984, and from the mid-eighties until 2019, the Retreat Centre ran a programme of in-person retreats each year. From 2020, the in-person retreats were put on hold due to the COVID pandemic and subsequently due to a programme of building works at the main monastery, (the new Sala). During these years, there was a programme of online retreats led by monks and nuns, with a few small-scale in-person retreats during the summers of 2023 and 2024.    

As the Sala has now been completed, we are pleased to announce that during 2025 there will again be a programme of in-person retreats at the Retreat Centre. This programme will start slightly later than usual, in late May, and will run until December. 

Retreats for this year will be in-person only, and we will not be offering online or hybrid retreats in 2025. We understand that for some people the online retreats have been very valuable, and would like to draw your attention to other events at Amaravati and associated monasteries which do provide an online experience for those who prefer this: 

Online events and retreats at associated monasteries: pujas.live:  https://pujas.live  Events held by Amaravati Lay Buddhist Association (ALBA): https://alba.amaravati.org

2) Important things to Note before Booking: Please Read This First!

There is more detailed information about the retreats further on, and if you are new to Amaravati Retreats we encourage you to read through all of this information carefully before deciding whether to book. Below is a summary of the most important things you need to know.

1) These are group retreats, not individual, solitary or self- led retreats. The meditation sessions as well as the meals and much of the accommodation, are on a communal basis.

2) There is a set schedule of about 8 hours a day which everyone is expected to attend. This is a fairly full day and there is not a lot of free time in the schedule.

3) Participants are asked to attend the whole retreat from the beginning, and not to arrive late or take time away while the retreat is in progress (though you can of course leave if you want to!)

4) Retreats are held in Noble Silence. This means that the participants are asked not to speak unless necessary. The teacher will give instructions and reflections, and answer questions.

5) All participants are asked to give in their mobile phones and other devices at the start of the retreat (or to leave them at home).

6) Participants are asked to keep the Eight Precepts, a set of ethical guidelines, (see below for details) for the duration of the retreat.

7) Most of the accommodation is in dormitories. There are a few single rooms for those who have special needs such as mobility issues, serious illness etc.

8) Food is vegetarian, mainly vegan, dairy and gluten free. We can offer simple alternatives to cater for allergies etc but cannot cater for dietary preferences.

9) No food is served in the afternoon, and participants don’t eat after mid-day (unless there is a medical reason, in which case an evening snack will be provided).

10) Participants are asked to dress and behave modestly (i.e. no tight or revealing clothing, make-up, perfume, jewellery) as is appropriate in a monastic setting.

As you can see from the above, our retreats at Amaravati are of a particular type which may not suit everyone. So please think carefully about whether this is the type of retreat experience you are looking for at the moment. 

If, having read through, you realise that this is not really the type of retreat you are looking for, or that you would not be able to comply with any of the above arrangements, there are now many retreat centres around the UK offering a variety of different experiences, and we hope that you can find something which is more suitable to your needs. 

If you feel that this type of retreat would be suitable for you, please read on and then look at the bookings section to choose a retreat- and we look forward to seeing you at Amaravati.

3) What to Expect

Retreat Guidelines

The notes below are intended to help you understand what to expect when you attend a retreat at Amaravati.  If you have attended meditation retreats elsewhere, you will notice that the experience at Amaravati is a little different because your retreat will take place within the space of a functioning Buddhist monastery, and some of the things that you will be asked to be mindful of during your stay are out of respect to the monks and nuns who live here.

The framework of the retreat and certain aspects, such as the taking of precepts, are in place to support mindfulness and develop meditation practice in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha. Some of the precepts involve aspects of our daily lives such as eating, entertainment and speech about which we normally have more choice, but which are restricted in a retreat situation.

Your retreat will follow a schedule which is the same for each day, except for the day you arrive and the final day. By following the schedule over time you will start to notice your responses and reactions to situations and experiences which you find challenging. Committing to stay until the end of the retreat is an excellent way of understanding through practice, how your impressions of what is enjoyable and what is tolerable can change, often over quite short periods of time.

Noble Silence

Our retreats are held in Noble Silence, which all retreatants are asked to observe. This means not engaging in conversations with others unless really necessary. This helps to quieten the mind and allows us space to reflect inwardly. A silent environment supports each retreatant to engage with the immediacy of their experience in the present moment on deeper and more subtle levels than is normally possible.

For those new to silent retreats this can sometimes feel quite challenging. In our everyday lives, we spend quite a lot of time chatting, often to fill a silence that we might find uncomfortable, so being in an environment which is essentially silent and where you are not free to speak may at first feel awkward. This feeling of awkwardness is entirely normal, and as you proceed through a retreat, you may come to appreciate that it can actually be a gift to not have to speak and fill the roles that you normally do in your home, work, and other relationships.

We ask retreatants not to write notes to other retreatants or try to communicate in any way for the duration of the retreat, in order to respect the silent space of others. Please be mindful that others may themselves wish to be in silence, and by encouraging them to chat, you could be depriving them of a very valuable opportunity of personal time and reflection.

However, it is fine to communicate with the retreat organisers on practical and other issues, particularly if you have emergency needs, or if there is something that is troubling you. The teacher will give meditation instructions and reflections throughout the retreat and on most retreats there is an opportunity to ask questions to the teacher when invited. 

You are also requested not to use mobile phones, laptops, iPads etc:  these are required to be handed in and will be placed in our safe at the beginning of the retreat. If you think someone may need to contact you during the retreat, we will give a contact phone number which you can pass on to them for emergency messages. But if you are concerned about a sick relative or have an emergency matter pending it may be better to postpone your retreat until another time.

The Eight Precepts

Quite early on in the retreat, usually on the first evening, teachers will offer an opportunity to take the eight precepts. The precepts are behavioural guidelines that all retreatants are encouraged to take and follow during the course of the retreat.  Taking them helps everyone on the retreat to feel safe and at ease in practising in a shared and communal environment. These training precepts are offered to guide the ethical behaviour of the community of Sangha and lay supporters. They are intended as standards we can internalise, as a foundation for our individual practice and to support a harmonious community, as the Buddha intended. 

By working with the precepts you will have an excellent opportunity to understand how you respond to sense impressions (through eyes, ears, nose, mouth, body and mind). Because the opportunities for things such as speech, entertainment, mobile phone use and casual snacking are reduced, there is more space to notice the sense impressions that do arise and your reaction to them.

Please note that the standard usually kept by lay Buddhists in everyday life is the Five Precepts (in which the third is not interpreted as celibacy, but as fidelity). The Eight precepts for lay people are only taken and expected to be kept for the duration of the retreat.

The Eight Precepts are as follows:

1) Harmlessness: to refrain from intentionally taking the life of any living being. Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, and aware of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, we cultivate the precept of not killing or harming other sentient beings, however small they may be.

2) Trustworthiness: to refrain from taking anything which is not offered or given. Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, injustice and stealing, we try not to take anything that does not belong to us or has not been freely offered, and to respect the property of others. 

3) Celibacy: to refrain from sexual misconduct and any form of sexual activity. Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, we avoid creating harm through sexuality, or breaking commitments of sexual fidelity. We undertake to refrain from any sexual activity while on retreat

4) Right Speech: to refrain from false, and harmful speech. Aware of the suffering caused by false or harsh speech we avoid speaking words which are unkind or untrue. On retreat we observe Noble Silence which also includes not using mobile phones, laptops etc.                                                     

5) Sobriety: to refrain from consuming intoxicating substances or drugs. Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption of intoxicants, we refrain from using and abusing them, including non-medicinal drugs and alcohol.

6) Renunciation: to refrain from eating at inappropriate times. On retreat, food is only available at mealtimes (breakfast and lunch) and there are no snacks between meals. This also means not eating after mid-day, as there is no evening meal provided.

7) Restraint: to refrain from entertainment, beautification or adornment. Entertainment includes internet, mobile phones, listening to music etc. Beautification and adornment includes make -up, perfume, revealing clothes, and jewellery. Retreatants are asked to dress modestly and avoid revealing or tight fitting clothing.
8) Alertness: to refrain from over-indulgence in sleep. On retreat, the schedule covers most of the day and participants are asked to participate fully. There are short breaks during lunch and tea time when it is possible to rest, but there will not be much opportunity to sleep during the day.

4) Practical Considerations

Accommodation

Accommodation will mainly be in large, shared dormitories. We have a limited number of single rooms available for those with special needs such as mobility issues, illnesses, age (over 75). When you apply for a place please state any particular needs regarding accommodation. Please also be aware that there is a high demand for single rooms, so if you request a single room rather than a dormitory, this may reduce the chance of your being offered a place. Each bed in the dormitory has a cabinet for keeping your things. There are toilet, sink and shower facilities, and lounges for relaxation. Clothes can be hand washed if needed. We will provide duvets and pillows. We ask that all retreatants bring their own duvet covers, sheets, pillow cases and towels.

Mobility Issues

The retreat Shrine Room is wheelchair accessible by ramp and one of the other entrances is also wheelchair accessible. Some of the accommodation areas are not wheelchair accessible, but we have an area of the Retreat Centre including toilet and showers which can accommodate wheelchair users and others with mobility issues. If you have any mobility issues which may affect your stay please give details when booking. If you have any queries about accessibility, please email us at [email protected] 

Meals

Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. Retreatants will be expected to take the Eight precepts, which includes not eating after lunch time, so there will be no evening meal. But hot drinks will be available in the evening. The food is vegan, gluten free and dairy free with the exception of milk for beverages and cheese. Breakfast consists of porridge, muesli, fruit and prunes. The main meal provides carbohydrates, protein, plenty of vegetables and a dessert. It is not possible to bring your own food supply. People who have medical dietary needs such as allergies, diabetes etc, please give details on your booking form and contact the Retreat Kitchen Manager to ask if it will be possible to cater for your requirements: [email protected]

Meditation Sessions

Meditation sessions will be in the Retreat Centre Shrine Room. We don’t meditate in the main Temple, though it is fine to have a look inside, or sit there in your spare time. Mats and cushions or chairs will be available. You are also welcome to bring your own cushion or kneeling stool. Sitting and walking meditation are alternated, and usually 45 minutes to an hour long. Walking meditation will be in the Amaravati Field and the area around the Retreat Centre. The morning and evening meditation sessions usually begin with traditional chanting either in English or Pali, and bowing to the shrine. Chanting books are provided; joining in is encouraged but optional.

Working Meditation

Working meditation periods are an opportunity to practise mindfulness while doing a simple task in silence. This also helps keep the Retreat Centre clean and tidy for the benefit of all participants. The working meditation session is in the morning for most people (except those doing the after meal clean-up) and lasts for about 45 minutes each day, Instructions will be given at the start of the retreat, and you can ask what to do if you are not sure.

What to Bring

Please bring the following items:

  • All retreatants are asked to bring a duvet cover, sheet, pillow case, and towels.
    (Duvet, pillow and blankets are provided, and there are communal towels for hand washing)
  • Toiletries (non- fragranced); including, soap, shampoo, shaving items, sanitary items, toothbrush
  • A hot water bottle
  • A small torch
  • A watch (as you will not have your phone for telling the time)
  • Thick, non-slip socks or slippers (Shoes are not worn indoors)
  • Waterproof outdoor shoes and rainwear
  • Comfortable, loose- fitting clothing for meditation (not leggings or anything tight or revealing)
  • Suitable outdoor clothing depending on the season.
  • Warm clothes for winter (layers are useful)
  • Lighter clothes for summer (with long sleeves- no shorts or sleeveless tops)
  • A shawl for the shrine room

Please Note:

  • As this is a monastery setting, we ask participants to dress modestly, avoiding scanty, tight or revealing clothing, out of respect for the teacher and so as not to distract other retreatants.
  • If possible please bring enough changes of clothing to last the full retreat. Washing machines are not available but it is possible to hand-wash small items of clothing, and spin dryers are available.
  • Shoes are not worn indoors. Most people wear socks inside but soft indoor slippers can be worn.
  • Please don’t wear crocs, sandals or similar items inside. It is good to bring slip-on outdoor shoes rather than lace-ups as they are quicker to get on and off.
  • Retreatants are also asked not to wear make-up, jewellery or perfume, and not to use any strongly fragranced toiletries or other fragranced products. 
  • Please charge up all electric items such as toothbrushes, shavers before you come. This is because, due to health and safety regulations, all electric items must be tested, so guests cannot charge up their electric items from the wall sockets. Please charge up your phones in advance too.

5) Cost of Retreats: Dana/ Generosity

There is no charge for attending Retreats at Amaravati. The teachings are given freely, as is the accommodation, food, and all the other facilities available during your retreat. This is in keeping with the Thai Forest tradition as practised here at Amaravati. We are able to continue offering retreats due to the generosity of past retreatants, and all future retreats will be dependent on that generosity. But please do not feel under any pressure to make a donation, or to give a particular amount. Whatever you are able and inspired to give is gratefully received.

If you wish to make a contribution towards the running of the Retreat Centre, the ways to do this will be explained fully at the end of each retreat. Currently these are as follows:

  • A cash or cheque donation at the end of the retreat (a donation bowl in the Retreat Centre)
  • A card donation at the end of the retreat (a machine is available in the Temple and Sala)
  • An online transfer once you get home (via the Amaravati website)

It is also possible to offer generosity in the form of volunteering at the retreat Centre or main monastery, and the possible ways to do this will also be explained at the end of the retreat

6) Arrival and Departure Times

Registration takes place between 16.00 and 17.00 on the day the retreat starts.

Please arrive by 17.00 at the latest, so we can complete the registration process in good time. If necessary, please arrange to take time off work on the day the retreat starts in order to arrive within this timeframe. Registration takes place in the Retreat Centre Lounge which will be signposted when you arrive. If you arrive before 16.00 you are welcome to sit in the Temple or visit the Library, walk in the field or to join in the main meal at the monastery (around 11.00).

All weekend retreats will finish at 17.00. All longer retreats will finish after lunch (13.00)

If you wish to arrive a day or more early: it will not be possible to stay at the Retreat Centre, but it may be possible to stay as a ‘guest’ at the main monastery. You will be asked to help with the community work and take part in the monastic schedule. Please book well in advance via the guest monk or nun: https://amaravati.org/visiting/staying-overnight

If you wish to stay on an extra day: it may be possible to stay on at the Retreat Centre to help clean and tidy if you contact us in advance. Please email: [email protected] to ask about this. If you wish to stay on longer than two nights please ask to stay as a guest (above).

7) Retreat Schedule

Friday:
16.00-17.00: Arrival and Registration at the Retreat Centre
17.00-18.00: A light meal is provided this first evening (In the RC Kitchen)
18.00-19.00: Welcome and Orientation talk by Retreat Managers
19.30-21.00: First Evening session (RC Shrine Room)

Saturday (and subsequent days for longer retreats):
5.30-6.00: Wake-Up Bell: Get up; Hot drinks in Kitchen
6.00-7.00: Early morning session: Chanting, Meditation
7.00-7.45: Breakfast
7.45-8.30: Working meditation
8.30-11.30: Morning session: sitting and walking meditation
11.30-14.00: Lunch (11.30-12.30) Lunch break (12.30-14.00)
14.00-17.00: Afternoon session- sitting and walking meditation, questions
17.00-19.30: Tea Break (Hot drinks till 18.00); Optional Yoga on longer retreats (18.00-19.00)
19.30-21.30: Evening Session- Chanting, Meditation

Sunday on Weekend Retreats

Morning as for Saturday. Then:

14.00- 16.30: Afternoon session: sitting and walking meditation
16.30- 17.00: Managers’ closing talk
17.00 -18.00: Tea in Kitchen; Informal meeting with Teacher

The Last Day on Longer Retreats

Early Morning as usual. Then:

8.45- 10.30:  Morning session: sitting and walking meditation 
10.30-11.00: Managers’ Closing Talk; time to pack
11.30- 12.30: Lunch and clean-up
12.30- 1.00:   Informal meeting with teacher

8) Welfare of Retreatants

Mental Health

Meditation and mindfulness practice is known to be conducive to mental wellbeing, and can often help with mild symptoms of anxiety and depression. But it is important to know that sometimes mental health issues can be exacerbated by long periods of silence, being in an unfamiliar environment and lack of distractions. If you have experienced mental health issues before, we ask that you think carefully about whether an intensive silent retreat is the best thing for you, and if necessary ask the advice of a mental health practitioner before deciding whether to book. If you have not done much silent meditation before you may find it useful to try a meditation workshop at Amaravati (every Saturday 14.00-16.00) or an ALBA day retreat first. 

If you do decide to book for a retreat, please let us know in the booking form of any previous or current mental health issues. This will not preclude you from being offered a place, but will be helpful for us if any issues arise during the retreat. If you are taking any form of medication, it is important that you continue this as usual, and don’t use the retreat as a time to experiment with stopping the medication, which can have serious consequences. We also ask that if any issues arise or worsen during the course of the retreat, you let us know as soon as possible, so that we can discuss the situation and support you in whatever way is appropriate.

Physical Health and Mobility

If you have any issues or concerns around mobility please describe this in the appropriate section when you book. In particular, if you are a wheelchair user, or if you have any special needs with regards to using facilities please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Please also let us know of any other health issues which might affect your time on retreat. But please note that we do ask retreatants to attend the whole retreat schedule, so if your physical condition means you would only be able to only attend some sessions, we would ask that you consider looking for a retreat course which is less intensive or think about booking as a guest.

Infectious Illnesses

Due to the fact that most accommodation is shared, and much of the day is spent in close proximity with others, this means that if someone attending the retreat has caught an infectious illness such as a cold, flu or covid, this will very easily and quickly be spread to other retreatants, some of whom may be vulnerable, elderly  or immune deficient. We therefore ask that, if prior to the start of the retreat, you realise that you have come down with something infectious, you cancel your booking, however disappointing that might be, out of consideration to other participants. We will endeavour to find you a place on another retreat when you have recovered. 

Safeguarding

The Retreat Centre is aware of the importance of safeguarding during residential retreats. Our retreats are only open to adults aged 18 or over, so no children are present during retreat times. However it is possible that some of the participants may be vulnerable for various reasons, and if you think this might apply to you please let us know when you book. If you have any concerns during the course of the retreat either for yourself or for another retreatant, please let the retreat organisers know as soon as possible and we will take appropriate action.