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managers
Four 'generations' of retreat centre managers: (from left to right) Jenna Ghouse (current), Jill Osler, Sheilagh LeSanto Smith, Tamasin Gilbert.

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One area that has always been managed by lay people is the Retreat Centre. One of the main reasons for establishing Amaravati was to provide a situation for lay people that was inexpensive, simple, quiet and conducive to the skillful cultivation of mind that retreats offer.

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The first retreats were held shortly after the opening in 1985. Since then thousands of retreatants have had due reason to be grateful for the care of people such as David Babski, Barry Crisp and those pictured above, as well as all the volunteer cooks who offer their services. Currently there are ten-day and shorter retreats taught here for nine months of the year.

ringng in the changes
The main bell plays a part in everyone's life as the regulator of much of monastery life and most residents have probably rung the bell for some occasion, whether it be to announce the meal or to call the changes on a meditation retreat. The tower is a legacy from the school although the roof ends have been modified and rotten wood repaired.