THE EIGHT PRECEPTS

The residents of Amaravati follow a monastic code of conduct, based on the eight precepts:

1. Harmlessness: not intentionally taing the life of any living creature.
2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything that is not given.
3. Chastity : refraining from any sexual activity.
4. Right Speech: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech.
5. Sobriety : not taking any intoxicating drinks or drugs.
6. Renunciation : not eating after mid-day.
7. Restraint : not wearing make-up, jewellery or immodest clothing; not playing radios, music tapes or musical instruments.
8. Alertness: to refrain from overindulgence in sleep.

COST OF RETREAT

It has been calculated that the cost of running the retreat centre averages out at about £12 per person per day.

In order to book a place on a retreat, retreatants are asked to pay an initial contribution of £5 per person per day. This acts as a booking fee, reserving their place on the retreat. A few subsidised places are available for those who can not afford this initial contrinbution.

At the end of the retreat, there is the opportunity to make a donation in order to help cover the remainder of the costs, which average out at about £7 per day.