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A library
was established in 1985, housed in one of the early building conversions. The finished
facility was dedicated to Christmas Humphreys, one of the pioneers of Buddhism in Britain.
The library now contains thousands of books on world religions, with of course a large
section devoted to Buddhism; its early administration was established by Ajahn Santacitto
and Barbara Jackson.
Publications have also formed part of
the Sangha's offering with a quarterly Newsletter and several collections of Ajahn
Sumedho's talks. This area has been another example of lay-monastic harmony and in the
early years Amaravati was fortunate to have the skills and services of David Babski.
Subsequently Karl Maslin, Ian McMillan and Tavaro have kept the tradition of Dhamma-dana
(offering of teachings) alive. The chanting book is another popular publication. Used for
devotion and recollection the chants are traditionally in the Pali language but many have
been given English renditions by Sangha members. For young people two periodicals - Rainbows, initiated by Sisters Thanissara and
Abhassara, and The Nothing Times - have been very popular.
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The lily pond, looking from the Retreat
Centre toward the
monks' residence. The school was built at the beginning
of the Second World War and as well as being a swimming
pool part of the pond's function was as a water reservoir
in case of fire - on account of the wooden buildings.
There are, however, stories of monks in the early years
breaking the morning ice and jumping in to 'freshen up'
for morning puja!
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