WELCOME
Amaravati Monastery first had families camping on the grounds in 1984. Over time, these initially spontaneous gatherings grew into regular events attended by children and their parents, with the August Family Camp at their centre.
In the past, five retreats were held at the monastery every year for families and young people. The retreats were led by the Sangha, the monastic community, with parents helping to run them. During the pandemic, the retreat centre was closed and no family retreats could be held. Now with major building works happening at Amaravati, no overnight family retreats can take place.
Fortunately, we were able to have a one-day family retreat at Amaravati in September and a young persons’ day in November 2024.
The Amaravati family events are deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings. A theme, like the four noble truths or the brahmaviharas, is used throughout the year to focus and deepen the practices of the family events attendees. There is a strong emphasis on play, space to be and living with each other. Together, we practice mindfulness and sharing, and we explore what it means to live together as a community using the five precepts as a foundation.
The Amaravati Family Events website provides information about family events held at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in the UK and Buddhist resources for family, teenagers and friends. The website is managed by the lay supporters who attend family events. It contains personal reflections about the family events and does not necessarily represent the opinion of the Amaravati Sangha.
“HOW DOES THE DHAMMA TEACH THE PROPER WAY OF LIFE? IT SHOWS US HOW TO LIVE.
IT HAS MANY WAYS OF SHOWING YOU, ON ROOTS, ON TREES, OR JUST IN FRONT OF YOU ...
SO STILL THE MIND, THE HEART AND LEARN TO WATCH. YOU’LL FIND THE WHOLE DHAMMA REVEALING ITSELF HERE AND NOW.
AT WHAT OTHER TIME AND PLACE ARE YOU GOING TO LOOK?”