ALBA Retreat Booking Form (for weekend & 5 day retreats)

(Run by Amaravati Lay Buddhist Association and led by lay-people)

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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR RETREATS

  • The Format of ALBA Events

We are very fortunate that ALBA events take place at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. As such, we respect the rhythms and spirit of the community, in particular the emphasis on quiet reflective enquiry and behaviour that is sensitive to the needs of those on retreat and living on site. The programme for any particular ALBA event is created by the teacher. There is no fixed format, although over the years we have evolved a flexible mix of features. The ALBA event description will explain the theme of the event, the names of the teacher (s) and the activities one can expect. These will include sitting and walking meditation, instruction, talks and discussion. Newcomers to meditation and Buddhism are welcome.

  • Silence.

The retreat will be silent except for periods set aside for discussion, activities or questions. Clearly you should use your judgment and speak if necessary. There will be opportunities to talk to others during the final mealtime.

  • Precepts.

To help enable safe and supportive conditions for practice we voluntarily undertake a traditional code of conduct. These are called the Eight Precepts. They include respect for life, respect for others’ property, abstaining from sexual activity, maintaining appropriate speech, abstaining from intoxicants such as alcohol and ‘recreational’ drugs, not eating food after the midday meal, and avoiding entertainment (via radio, smart devices and similar).

  • Food

We provide breakfast and a main lunchtime meal. All food is vegetarian or vegan. Please let us know if you require gluten free. If you have a very particular dietary requirement for medical reasons, we may be able to accommodate or you may wish to provide your own pre-prepared food. If you require a light meal in the evening, this will consist of bread and cheese or your own food. Please note that retreat participants cannot use cooking facilities.

  • Sitting.

During the meditation periods you may sit on a cushion or in a chair. If you find that you are suffering from excessive pain, feel free to take up a standing posture. Spare cushions are available in the meditation room.

  • Puja

This is a devotional practice that includes the lighting of candles and incense as well as some chanting. Participants maychoose to bow a number of times before, during and at the end of the puja. Please join in if you feel comfortable doing so. If not, it is fine simply to observe.

  • Mindful Movement

There are usually opportunities for mindful exercise during ALBA events. These may be Qi Gong, Yoga or similar exercises intended to encourage mindful presence. The exercises are voluntary and it is important that you respect any physical disabilities or health issues you may be experiencing and avoid movement that causes discomfort.

  • Questions and answers.

If during your stay you have any queries on any aspect of the retreat, either a housekeeping matter or on meditation practice, please approach the retreat manager, leader, or one of the organisers. On some retreats you may also leave written questions about practice by the leader’s mat or ask questions during group sessions.

Dates:Led by:

Event title if known

Friday Timetable:

500–700pm Arrival & Registration - retreat centre kitchen

600 pmLight meal

730 pmOrientation Talk- retreat centre kitchen

800 pm Welcome, introduction & opening meditation - shrine room

930pmOwn time – lights out at 10pm

Subsequent days usually start at 5.30 am

Retreats usually end at 4pm or 2pm on the last day. See your retreat description for the end time.

Accommodation. Accommodation is mostly in dormitories or shared rooms with a very few single rooms available for those with special needs

Special needs. Please describe on the booking form below. We will let you know if we can support them.

Food.We offer breakfast and a main lunchtime meal. All food offered is vegan or vegetarian. If a special diet is required for medical reasons you may wish to bring pre-prepared food with you, but can record your requirement when booking.

Please bring:Sheets, pillow cases and towels (blankets, sleeping bags and pillows are available), warm waterproof clothing and footwear, thick socks or slippers (no shoes are worn indoors), comfortable, modest and loose fitting clothing and a small torch.

Mobile phonesshould not be used withinthe Amaravati grounds (a pay phone is available in the monastery)

Please note: The monastery gates close at 930 pm. Should you arrive after registration has ended, please come to the retreat centre kitchen where accommodation arrangements are displayed on the board by the door

If you need more information please email: Martin Evans or Chris Ward

Please complete the booking form below and send by email to:

COSTS: Thecosts of running retreats are £60 for a weekend and £100 for a five-day retreat, including food. These costs are met out of donations made at previous retreats.We ask you to make a similar donation towards future retreats so that others may benefit. We encourage you to cover the costs as outlined, but welcome any donation, either greater or smaller than £60/£100, depending on what you can afford.

No deposit is required. Donations usually to be made on arrival (Cheques payable to The English Sangha Trust).

Dates:Led by:

Event title if known:

NB Please complete details of name, and address in BLOCK CAPITALS

Surname Forename

Address

Telephone number(s)

Email address (write legibly, please):

Gender M/FDate of birth:

Occupation

Have you practised meditation / mindfulness before? Y/N .If yes, how long, where, when?

Have you attended retreats at Amaravati? Y/N If yes, roughly how many?

(This question is optional) Are you affiliated with any spiritual / religious tradition? If so which? Y/ N

Do you need a single room for reasons of health, disability, age or loud snoring? Please give brief details:

NB Single rooms are in very short supply and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis to people who qualify. Apply early if you would not be able to attend unless you have a single room

Are you willing to share a room with one other person? Y/N

Do you have any physical difficulties or medical condition? Y/N Please give brief details.

Do you require vegan food? Y/N

Do you require gluten free food? Y/N

Do you have any mental health issues? Y/N Please give brief details.

Are you currently taking any medication? Y/N Please give brief details.

Do you need food in the evening for medical reasons? Y/N Please give brief details.

Any other issues you would like to tell us about (continue on separate sheet if necessary)

Contact in case of emergency. Name: Telephone Number:

We welcome any feedback you may offer for the benefit of future newcomers and hope you enjoy the retreat.