Difference between revisions of "Chithurst Buddhist Monastery"
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[[File:800px-Main_Building_Chithurst_Cittaviveka.png|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:800px-Main_Building_Chithurst_Cittaviveka.png|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | + | [[Cittaviveka]], popularly known as [[Chithurst Buddhist Monastery]] , is a [[Theravada Buddhist Monastery]] in the [[Thai Forest Tradition]]. It is situated in [[West Sussex]], {{Wiki|England}} in the hamlet of Chithurst between Midhurst and Petersfield. It was established in 1979 in accordance with the aims of the English [[Sangha Trust]], a [[Charity]] founded in 1956 to support the [[Ordination]] and {{Wiki|training}} of [[Buddhist]] [[Monks]] ([[Bhikkhus]]) in the [[West]]. The current [[abbot]], since 1992, is [[Ajahn Sucitto]]. | |
− | The | + | The [[Monastery]] was established by [[Ajahn Sumedho]] under the {{Wiki|auspices}} of his [[Teacher]], [[Ajahn Chah]] of [[Wat Pah Pong]], [[Ubon]], [[Thailand]]. [[Ajahn Chah]] visited the [[Monastery]] at its inception and [[Cittaviveka]] is the first branch [[Monastery]] of [[Wat Pah Pong]] to be established outside of [[Thailand]]. Although the style of the [[Monastery]] has modified to accommodate {{Wiki|Western}} climate and {{Wiki|social}} [[conditions]], it retains close links with [[Thailand]] especially [[Monasteries]] of the [[Thai Forest Tradition]] and is supported by an international {{Wiki|community}} of Asians and Westerners. |
− | + | “[[Cittaviveka]]” is a term used in the [[Pāli]] [[scriptures]] of [[Theravada Buddhism]]. It means “[[Mind withdrawn [from defilements]]).” The [[Monastery]] was so named by [[Ajahn Sumedho]], the first [[abbot]] (1979–1984) as a suitable word-play on “[[Chithurst]],” the hamlet in which its main house is situated. The title “[[Chithurst Buddhist Monastery]]” is also commonly used, although the approximately 175 acres/70 hectares of the [[Monastery]]’s land extend into the adjacent parish. | |
− | Subsequent abbots have been Ajahn Ānando (1984–1992) and Ajahn Sucitto (1992- ). The | + | Subsequent [[abbots]] have been [[Ajahn]] Ānando (1984–1992) and [[Ajahn Sucitto]] (1992- ). The [[Monastery]] is supported by {{Wiki|donations}} and [[lay people]] may visit or stay for a period of [[Time]] as guests free of charge. Teachings are given on a regular basis, generally on weekends. |
==History== | ==History== | ||
Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
==== Foundation (1979-1984) ==== | ==== Foundation (1979-1984) ==== | ||
[[File:441px-Main_Buddha_Chithurst_Cittaviveka.png|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:441px-Main_Buddha_Chithurst_Cittaviveka.png|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | Cittaviveka is a | + | [[Cittaviveka]] is a [[Forest Monastery]]” in the [[lineage]] of [[Ajahn Chah]], where the {{Wiki|emphasis}} is on {{Wiki|training}} in terms of The [[Precepts]] and [[Renunciation]] established by the [[Vinaya]] (the [[Buddhist]] [[Monastic]] Code), and on a communal lifestyle. The [[Monastery]] is mostly made up of woodland and heath (Hammer [[Wood]]) which has a few [[kutīs]] ([[huts]] [[Thai]]) for [[Monks]] and [[Nuns]], but communal [[Activities]], [[teaching]] and guest accommodation are situated in two adjacent houses – [[Chithurst House]] (for men) and [[ĀLoka Cottage]] (for women). [[Hammer Wood]] was given to [[The Sangha]] in 1978-9, an act which precipitated the purchase of the semi-derelict [[Chithurst House]] which stood nearby. Later in 1979, another nearby cottage was purchased. This was renamed [[ĀLoka Cottage]]. |
− | A small group of | + | A small group of [[Bhikkhus]] took up residence on 22 June 1979, along with [[Samaneras]] (novices) and [[anagārikas]] [[homeless ones]]” that is men living under the [[Eight Precepts]].] They were soon joined by four women who took up the {{Wiki|training}} as eight-precept [[Nuns]] ([[mae-chee]] [“[[spiritual mothers]]”-[[Thai]])) and who in 1983 became the first four [[sīladharā]], [[ten-precept]] [[Nuns]]. [The term means “[[those who uphold virtue]]” in [[Pāli]].] The initial priority of the {{Wiki|community}} was the repair of [[Chithurst House]], which took about five years. Along with this was the reafforestation of Hammer [[Wood]] (which had been turned into commercial coppice after the First [[World]] [[War]]), a project which continues to this day. |
− | In the more specifically monastic aspect of the | + | In the more specifically [[monastic]] aspect of the [[Monastery]]’s [[development]] was the establishment of an [[Ordination]] precinct (sīma) by Ven. [[Ānandamaitreya Mahanayaka]] of [[Sri Lanka]] in 3rd. June 1981. This coincided with the conferring of [[Preceptorship]] ([[Upajjhāya]]) on [[Ajahn Sumedho]]. This gave [[Ajahn Sumedho]] the authority to grant [[Bhikkhu Ordination]] ([[upasampadā]]) and accordingly the first three candidates were [[ordained]] on July 16, 1981. Although [[Bhikkhu ordinations]] had taken place in {{Wiki|Britain}} before, they had taken place on temporary sīmas; the first established [[sīma]] was at [[Chithurst]]. |
− | Ordinations took place at Cittaviveka on a yearly basis throughout the eighties, including the first sīladharā | + | Ordinations took place at [[Cittaviveka]] on a yearly basis throughout the eighties, including the first [[sīladharā]] [[Ordination]] in 1983, but, as the sīma is just a square on the lawn bounded by stones, when other indoor [[sīmas]] were subsequently established at [[Harnham]] ([[Aruna Ratanagiri]]) and [[Amaravati]], these weatherproof areas were favoured. [[Cittaviveka]] will in the {{Wiki|future}} establish a new sīma inside its main [[Meditation]] hall. |
− | On August 1, 1984, Ajahn Sumedho left Cittaviveka to establish Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in Hertfordshire. This was because of a felt need to provide more accommodation for the growing Orders of | + | On August 1, 1984, [[Ajahn Sumedho]] left [[Cittaviveka]] to establish [[Amaravati Buddhist Monastery]] in Hertfordshire. This was because of a felt need to provide more accommodation for the growing [[Orders]] of [[Bhikkhus]] and [[sīladharā]] and also of [[lay people]] who wished to study and train under his guidance. Taking half the [[Bhikkhu]] {{Wiki|community}} and all the sīladharā to [[Amaravati]], he left [[Ajahn Ānando]], one of the original founders, to supervise [[Cittaviveka]] as [[Abbot]]. |
− | ==== Development (1984-1992) ==== | + | ==== [[Development]] (1984-1992) ==== |
− | Teaching | + | [[Teaching]] [[Meditation]] [[retreats]] for [[lay people]] was a key feature of [[Ajahn Sumedho]]’s practice, a [[duty]] which took him away from the [[Monastery]] for long periods. [[Ajahn Ānando]] also [[taught]] [[retreats]], but also put [[energy]] into continuing the rebuilding of the [[Monastery]] and {{Wiki|training}} junior [[Bhikkhus]]. With much of the major repairs completed by 1984, more [[attention]] was given to reafforestation; [[Bhikkhus]] would also spend [[Time]] on [[Retreat]] in the [[Hammer Wood]] in tents and tepees or in one of two [[kutis]] that had been erected there. |
− | A small group of sīladharā returned to Cittaviveka in 1986, and with changes in personnel, | + | A small group of [[sīladharā]] returned to [[Cittaviveka]] in 1986, and with changes in personnel, [[Nuns]] have been a feature of the [[Monastery]] ever since. During this period, the [[Monastery]] also became more integrated into the local landscape, with the [[Bhikkhus]] and [[sīladharā]] going out on [[alms-round]] on a daily basis. |
==== Later years (1992- ) ==== | ==== Later years (1992- ) ==== | ||
[[File:800px-Ajahn_Sucitto_Talk.png|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:800px-Ajahn_Sucitto_Talk.png|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | Ajahn Sucitto, another one of the original founders, became Abbot in June 7. 1992. Work on developing the | + | [[Ajahn Sucitto]], another one of the original founders, became [[Abbot]] in June 7. 1992. Work on developing the [[Monastery]] continued with further [[kutis]] in [[Hammer Wood]], and then the construction of a large [[Meditation]] hall ([[Dhamma Hall]]) on the site of a ruined coachhouse in the grounds of [[Chithurst House]] (1998–2004). |
− | In 2006, the English Sangha Trust purchased another house for | + | In 2006, the English [[Sangha Trust]] purchased another house for [[Nuns]], situated opposite to [[ĀLoka]] and now called [[Rocana Vihāra]]. The [[Nuns]] live there largely autonomous from the {{Wiki|male}} [[monastic community]]. |
− | Two or three members of the community currently go to the local towns on alms-rounds (pindapāda) for their daily meal on a couple of days of each week. The traditional wayfaring practice (tudong [Thai from Pāli | + | Two or three members of the {{Wiki|community}} currently go to the local towns on [[alms-rounds]] ([[pindapāda]]) for their daily meal on a couple of days of each week. The [[traditional]] wayfaring practice ([[tudong]] ([[Thai]] from [[Pāli]] “[[dhutanga]]” – “[[austere]]”) of walking cross-country for several weeks, living on [[alms]] and [[sleeping]] out is also an established voluntary practice during the warmer months of the year. |
− | ==Related monasteries in the UK== | + | ==Related [[monasteries]] in the UK== |
− | The monastery is one of the five monasteries in the same tradition, located in England; The others being: Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Aruna Ratanagiri (Harnham Buddhist Monastery); Hartridge Buddhist Monastery; and The Forest Hermitage (Santidhamma & Bhavanadhamma) | + | The [[monastery]] is one of the five [[monasteries]] in the same [[tradition]], located in {{Wiki|England}}; The others being: [[Amaravati Buddhist Monastery]], [[Aruna Ratanagiri]] ([[Harnham Buddhist Monastery]]); [[Hartridge Buddhist Monastery]]; and The [[Forest Hermitage]] ([[Santidhamma & Bhavanadhamma]]) |
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
− | + | [[Category:Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the United Kingdom]] | |
− | [[Category:Theravada |
Latest revision as of 21:53, 3 April 2016
Cittaviveka, popularly known as Chithurst Buddhist Monastery , is a Theravada Buddhist Monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition. It is situated in West Sussex, England in the hamlet of Chithurst between Midhurst and Petersfield. It was established in 1979 in accordance with the aims of the English Sangha Trust, a Charity founded in 1956 to support the Ordination and training of Buddhist Monks (Bhikkhus) in the West. The current abbot, since 1992, is Ajahn Sucitto. The Monastery was established by Ajahn Sumedho under the auspices of his Teacher, Ajahn Chah of Wat Pah Pong, Ubon, Thailand. Ajahn Chah visited the Monastery at its inception and Cittaviveka is the first branch Monastery of Wat Pah Pong to be established outside of Thailand. Although the style of the Monastery has modified to accommodate Western climate and social conditions, it retains close links with Thailand especially Monasteries of the Thai Forest Tradition and is supported by an international community of Asians and Westerners.
“Cittaviveka” is a term used in the Pāli scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. It means “[[Mind withdrawn [from defilements]]).” The Monastery was so named by Ajahn Sumedho, the first abbot (1979–1984) as a suitable word-play on “Chithurst,” the hamlet in which its main house is situated. The title “Chithurst Buddhist Monastery” is also commonly used, although the approximately 175 acres/70 hectares of the Monastery’s land extend into the adjacent parish.
Subsequent abbots have been Ajahn Ānando (1984–1992) and Ajahn Sucitto (1992- ). The Monastery is supported by donations and lay people may visit or stay for a period of Time as guests free of charge. Teachings are given on a regular basis, generally on weekends.
History
Foundation (1979-1984)
Cittaviveka is a Forest Monastery” in the lineage of Ajahn Chah, where the emphasis is on training in terms of The Precepts and Renunciation established by the Vinaya (the Buddhist Monastic Code), and on a communal lifestyle. The Monastery is mostly made up of woodland and heath (Hammer Wood) which has a few kutīs (huts Thai) for Monks and Nuns, but communal Activities, teaching and guest accommodation are situated in two adjacent houses – Chithurst House (for men) and ĀLoka Cottage (for women). Hammer Wood was given to The Sangha in 1978-9, an act which precipitated the purchase of the semi-derelict Chithurst House which stood nearby. Later in 1979, another nearby cottage was purchased. This was renamed ĀLoka Cottage.
A small group of Bhikkhus took up residence on 22 June 1979, along with Samaneras (novices) and anagārikas homeless ones” that is men living under the Eight Precepts.] They were soon joined by four women who took up the training as eight-precept Nuns (mae-chee [“spiritual mothers”-Thai)) and who in 1983 became the first four sīladharā, ten-precept Nuns. [The term means “those who uphold virtue” in Pāli.] The initial priority of the community was the repair of Chithurst House, which took about five years. Along with this was the reafforestation of Hammer Wood (which had been turned into commercial coppice after the First World War), a project which continues to this day.
In the more specifically monastic aspect of the Monastery’s development was the establishment of an Ordination precinct (sīma) by Ven. Ānandamaitreya Mahanayaka of Sri Lanka in 3rd. June 1981. This coincided with the conferring of Preceptorship (Upajjhāya) on Ajahn Sumedho. This gave Ajahn Sumedho the authority to grant Bhikkhu Ordination (upasampadā) and accordingly the first three candidates were ordained on July 16, 1981. Although Bhikkhu ordinations had taken place in Britain before, they had taken place on temporary sīmas; the first established sīma was at Chithurst.
Ordinations took place at Cittaviveka on a yearly basis throughout the eighties, including the first sīladharā Ordination in 1983, but, as the sīma is just a square on the lawn bounded by stones, when other indoor sīmas were subsequently established at Harnham (Aruna Ratanagiri) and Amaravati, these weatherproof areas were favoured. Cittaviveka will in the future establish a new sīma inside its main Meditation hall.
On August 1, 1984, Ajahn Sumedho left Cittaviveka to establish Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in Hertfordshire. This was because of a felt need to provide more accommodation for the growing Orders of Bhikkhus and sīladharā and also of lay people who wished to study and train under his guidance. Taking half the Bhikkhu community and all the sīladharā to Amaravati, he left Ajahn Ānando, one of the original founders, to supervise Cittaviveka as Abbot.
Development (1984-1992)
Teaching Meditation retreats for lay people was a key feature of Ajahn Sumedho’s practice, a duty which took him away from the Monastery for long periods. Ajahn Ānando also taught retreats, but also put energy into continuing the rebuilding of the Monastery and training junior Bhikkhus. With much of the major repairs completed by 1984, more attention was given to reafforestation; Bhikkhus would also spend Time on Retreat in the Hammer Wood in tents and tepees or in one of two kutis that had been erected there.
A small group of sīladharā returned to Cittaviveka in 1986, and with changes in personnel, Nuns have been a feature of the Monastery ever since. During this period, the Monastery also became more integrated into the local landscape, with the Bhikkhus and sīladharā going out on alms-round on a daily basis.
Later years (1992- )
Ajahn Sucitto, another one of the original founders, became Abbot in June 7. 1992. Work on developing the Monastery continued with further kutis in Hammer Wood, and then the construction of a large Meditation hall (Dhamma Hall) on the site of a ruined coachhouse in the grounds of Chithurst House (1998–2004).
In 2006, the English Sangha Trust purchased another house for Nuns, situated opposite to ĀLoka and now called Rocana Vihāra. The Nuns live there largely autonomous from the male monastic community.
Two or three members of the community currently go to the local towns on alms-rounds (pindapāda) for their daily meal on a couple of days of each week. The traditional wayfaring practice (tudong (Thai from Pāli “dhutanga” – “austere”) of walking cross-country for several weeks, living on alms and sleeping out is also an established voluntary practice during the warmer months of the year.
Related monasteries in the UK
The monastery is one of the five monasteries in the same tradition, located in England; The others being: Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Aruna Ratanagiri (Harnham Buddhist Monastery); Hartridge Buddhist Monastery; and The Forest Hermitage (Santidhamma & Bhavanadhamma)