Buddhist monasteries have a long and storied history in the United Kingdom, with the first Buddhist organizations being established in the late 19th century. Today, many Buddhist monasteries are scattered throughout the country, representing various schools and traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism. These monasteries serve as important centers for studying and practicing Buddhism and important architectural and cultural landmarks.
List Of The Buddhist Monasteries In the UK / Buddhist retreats in the UK-
1. Amaravati Buddhist Monastery
Amaravati Buddhist Monastery is a Theravada Buddhist monastery located in the village of Great Gaddesden in Hertfordshire, England. It was founded in 1984 by AjahnSumedho, a senior Western disciple of the Thai monk AjahnChah. Amaravati is part of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, a network of monasteries and Buddhist centers that follow the teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition.
The monastery is set on a large property with beautiful gardens, and it is open to visitors who wish to learn more about Buddhism or participate in meditation and retreats. The monastery follows the traditional Theravada monastic code, which includes the practice of living in a community of monks and nuns who live a simple and contemplative life, focused on the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings.
2. Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is a Theravada Buddhist monastery located in the city of Milton Keynes, England. Founded in 2006 by Ven. Kiribathgoda GnananandaThero, a Sri Lankan monk, the monastery is part of the Mahamevnawa organization, which has monasteries and meditation centers throughout the world. The monastery is open to visitors who wish to learn more about Buddhism or participate in meditation and retreats.
The monastery follows the traditional Theravada monastic code, which includes the practice of living in a community of monks and nuns who live a simple and contemplative life, focused on the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings. The monastery offers a variety of retreats and courses throughout the year, including introductory courses on Buddhism and meditation, as well as more advanced training programs for those interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of the teachings. In addition to its spiritual and educational activities, Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is also involved in charitable work, including environmental conservation efforts and supporting local community projects.
3. Harnham Buddhist Monastery
Harnham Buddhist Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the village of Harnham in Northumberland, England. Founded in 1985 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the monastery is affiliated with the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). This modern Tibetan Buddhist organization is active in over 60 countries worldwide. Harnham is one of the largest NKT centers in the UK, and it is open to visitors who wish to learn more about Buddhism or participate in meditation and retreats.
The monastery follows the traditional Tibetan monastic code, which includes the practice of living in a community of monks and nuns who live a simple and contemplative life, focused on the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings. The monastery offers a variety of retreats and courses throughout the year, including introductory courses on Buddhism and meditation, as well as more advanced training programs for those interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of the teachings.
4. Chithurst Buddhist Monastery
Chithurst Buddhist Monastery is a Theravada Buddhist monastery located in the village of Chithurst in West Sussex, England. Founded in 1979 by Ven. AjahnSumedho, a senior Western disciple of the Thai monk AjahnChah, the monastery is part of the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in Hertfordshire and the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, a network of monasteries and Buddhist centers that follow the teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition. Chithurst is open to visitors who wish to learn more about Buddhism or participate in meditation and retreats.
-Conclusion
The UK is home to a diverse and vibrant community of Buddhist monasteries representing various schools and traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism. These monasteries serve as important centers for studying and practicing Buddhism and important architectural and cultural landmarks. Many of the monasteries in the UK are open to visitors, who can participate in meditation and retreats, learn about Buddhism, and experience the peaceful and contemplative atmosphere of these sacred spaces.