Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Buddhist vihara in Great Gaddesden, England
Amaravati Buddhist Monastery is a vihara set in the eastern Chiltern Hills near the village of Great Gaddesden in Hertfordshire. The site is made up of converted former school buildings alongside a purpose-built temple, all set within open green grounds.
In 1984 the English Sangha Trust acquired a former school site from local authorities and converted it into a monastery. A purpose-built temple was added later, which changed the character of the site considerably.
The monastery follows the Theravada tradition, which is rooted in Southeast Asia but practiced here in the English countryside. Visitors can attend public ceremonies and observe how monks and nuns structure their day according to ancient monastic rules.
The monastery is in a rural setting and is easiest to reach by car, as public transport options nearby are very limited. Anyone visiting the grounds should check the community guidelines in advance, as respectful and quiet conduct is expected throughout.
The new temple here was inaugurated by a member of the Thai royal family, which created a direct link between this English monastery and the Buddhist world of Southeast Asia. That connection is still visible today in the style and orientation of the building.
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