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Buddha Community |
The Amaravati Lay Buddhist Association (ALBA) |
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2009 Events and booking details are here
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Questions and Answers 1. What is a Lay-Buddhist? A lay Buddhist is one who aspires to take refuge in, or has “taken”, the Three Refuges representing the Buddha (wisdom) the Dhamma (the truth of the ways things are) and the Sangha (those beings who are virtuous – our companions on the path). A lay Buddhist also endeavours to live in accordance with the Five Precepts - the basic guidelines that encourage respect for life and property, responsibility in relationships, truthfulness in speech, and avoidance of intoxicants that impair mindfulness. 2 . What is ALBA?Since there is no long tradition of Buddhism in the UK we felt it of value to provide support for lay Buddhist practice that was both inclusive and non-dogmatic. As a result of discussions with the Amaravati Monastic Sangha several years ago, various guidelines and activities have evolved with the aim of supporting those in the lay community wishing to investigate, develop and deepen their Buddhist practice. These guidelines and activities have been incorporated into an organisation known as ‘The Amaravati Lay Buddhist Association’ (ALBA). 4. What is the purpose of ALBA? Recognising the relative lack of experience and support for Buddhist practice in western countries, our purpose is to: · To support lay Buddhist practice · To support a community of lay Buddhist practitioners · To develop a framework for lay Buddhist practice · To disseminate Buddhist teaching · To support contact with the monastic Sangha 5. How is this accomplished? By providing practice days, group meditation retreats and encouraging individual practice within a broader spiritual community. The key practice for Buddhists is to live mindfully in accordance with the Three Refuges and Five Precepts. Other activities may be used according to our own individual circumstances. Family, work or other responsibilities may limit our time. Attending days of practice or retreats at Amaravati is a skilful way to support individual practice and to help develop a valuable network of links to lay and monastic friends and sources of information and inspiration. They also help us discover what it means to be a Buddhist in a traditionally non-Buddhist culture. One of the great benefits of ALBA is that it has developed into an informal community of Buddhist practitioners who maintain contact through meeting at Amaravati, by attendance at local groups, and by phone and email. Spiritual friendship is an integral part of practice, especially important for lay-people who often lead busy and complex lives. The inspiration and support which comes from sharing experiences with those who are also treading the Buddhist path is most helpful. 7. Do I have to be a Buddhist or take the Refuges and Precepts formally before joining in ALBA events? You do not have to take The Three Refuges and The Five Precepts, although they are often a part of the chanting at Buddhist events. Lay Buddhist events are open to all who are interested in furthering their understanding and practice of Buddhism. It is helpful – although not essential – to have had some prior exposure to the teachings or to have been on retreat within the Theravadan Forest Sangha tradition. 8. What ALBA activities are there? Days of Practice and Retreats are held in the Amaravati Retreat Centre. Practice days – these provide time to sit in silence together, receive meditation instruction, meet friends and like minded people on a similar path, chant, study the Suttas (Buddhist discourses) and to participate in a shared enquiry of themes relevant to practice in daily life. Weekend retreats – allow more time together, in both silence and discussion, supporting a deeper exploration of Buddhism within the context of our homes and working lives. There is often the opportunity to practice yoga, tai chi, or go for a country walk as well as undertake sutta study or other subjects that are agreed as relevant to the particular group of people attending a retreat. Walks – these take place occasionally, normally in the beautiful Chiltern countryside not too far from Amaravati, providing relaxing exercise in the company of other lay practitioners and friends. 9. How do I join ALBA, and does it cost anything?There is no fee to join. The practice of dana (voluntary generosity) in all forms to all beings without anticipation of reward is encouraged as a form of practice and is inherent in the Buddhist way of life. If you wish to join the AUA come along to our meetings. Here you can experience what we do and fill out a membership form if you wish to. 10. How do I find out moreA national newsletter “Community” publishes news, reflections, and poems by and for lay Buddhists. Electronic copies of Community are available from this web site from here. ALBA can be reached at :
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