Amaravati Origins

A view of the original site
This photo was taken in the early 90's but shows the site very much as the Sangha found it about
ten years previously. The original buildings were built in 1939 by the Canadian Government as
a gift to Britain. An equivalent shot today would show many of the original roofs are now tiled.
And, of course, the Temple would dominate the scene, replacing two buildings to the left,
and the cloister would all but fill the quadrangle.

"Know your own body, heart, and mind. Be content with little. Don't be attached to the teachings.

Don't go and hold onto emotions."

Ajahn Chah

So, Amaravati grew out of the wish to provide more facilities for monks, nuns and lay people. Its name means 'Deathless Realm' and refers to the ultimate goal of Buddhism, Nibbana or 'the Deathless.' The saying from the scriptures is, 'The doors to the Deathless are open.' It is this openness to a whole range of people and to other faiths that has characterised the vision from its inception. Apart from the need for more monastic accommodation, Ajahn Sumedho was also keen to include possibilities for lay people,

ranging from formal retreats and guest facilities within the monastery to Buddhist celebrations, funerals and impromptu gatherings. A suitable site was found through the efforts of Peter and Barbara Jackson, local lay supporters, who discovered that St. Margaret's School was up for sale. They notified the English Sangha Trust who, on the advice of the Sangha, made a quick and successful bid for the premises.