Retreat Guidelines



The retreat guidelines covers the following:

The Five Precepts

As participants we will be keeping the five precepts while on retreat. These precepts form a framework for contemplation, a means for cultivating the heart and mind, and a guideline for skilful daily living. They help to moderate our outgoing tendencies and encourage alertness, whilst at the same time helping to develop positive qualities such as loving kindness and generosity.

The Five Precepts are:

1) To refrain from taking the life of any living being.

2) To refrain from taking what is not given.

3) To refrain from sexual misconduct.

4) To refrain from lying and wrong speech.

5) To refrain from consuming intoxicating substances.


Noble Silence

Our retreat is held in Noble Silence. This will be an opportunity for not engaging in conversations with others (unless really necessary)However, we appreciate that if you live with other family members, especially with small children, it may be necessary to engage in some conversation and interaction during the retreat time.

As with any Amaravati retreat, you are requested not to use mobile phones, laptops, iPads etc. We suggest that you switch off all devices apart from that which you are using and put them in a place where you will not be tempted to look at them.  We also encourage you to avoid television, radio and other forms of entertainment and distraction during the retreat.


Conduct in the Virtual Shrine Room

Please enter the Virtual Shrine Room as you would enter any physical Dhamma Hall, silently, gently and mindful of others. Please be aware that, although you are in the comfort of your own home, while the camera is on all your actions will be visible to others. Also make sure that your camera is OFF during breaks and mealtimes, and in particular, please be aware of the following:

Dress Code: While the retreat is on, please dress as you would in the Retreat Centre Shrine Room- i.e. be fully clothed, and not in pyjamas, night clothes, bathrobes etc. As with on-site retreats, we ask participants to dress modestly, avoiding scanty, tight or revealing clothing.

Eating: During the Retreat Sessions, and while your camera in on, please do not eat snacks or drink cups of tea or coffee. It is fine to drink water. Please remember to turn off your video during the meal breaks.’ ‘Interruptions: If there are any unexpected interruptions, or if you need to get up and do something during a retreat session, please turn off your video so as not to distract others.

Interruptions: If there are any unexpected interruptions, or if you need to get up and do something during a retreat session, please turn off your video so as not to distract others.