The Amida Buddhist Centre

WELCOME TO AMIDA FRANCE

Come and share our vision. Come and join us in creating a Pure Land.

Amida France is small Pureland Buddhist centre set in 30 acres of beautiful French countryside. It is in the heart of France in an area which you have probably never heard of because it is off the main tourist routes. Beautiful and undiscovered.

Amida France is a place to unwind, to deepen your practice, to discover the rich spirtuality of Pureland. It is a friendly place where lively discussion over meals or shared time working on arts projects, in the gardens or visiting local places of interest give opportunities for informal contact with teachers and other practitioners.

Amida France is a place to rest and relax. Volunteers are also needed to help and to work on the land and buildings. We also use the centre as a place for training volunteers to go further afield.

At Amida France there is plenty of space to explore. If you wish to be solitary there is wild woodland and overgrown fields; places to walk, and observe our abundant wildlife (among our rarer creatures, we have hoopoes, orioles and nightjars, several varieties of orchids and some vociferous dormice.)  There is space too for individual retreat. We have a retreat hut in the woods where you can do solitary retreats, guided by one of our teachers. Do let us know in advance if you are keen to use this facility. You can get a glimpse of a personal retreat in this short film Retreat in the Woods

The Amida Centre is in the middle of France in the Berry region, which is an unsploilt region of lakes and forests. The villages in the area mostly go back to medieval times and there are many eleventh century churches and other buildings.  Troncais forest lies to the south and the pretty village of Apremont to the East. The cathedral cities of Bourges and Nevers are within an hour's drive.

You will find more details about our events this year, current news, and of practicalities such as how to get to us and the cost of your stay by clicking on the links on the side bar. Alternatively, do email us on courses@amidatrust.com or telephone the centre on +33 (0)2 48 60 70 19.

The address of Amida France is Amida France Retreat Centre, La Ville au Roi, 18210 Bessais le Fromental, Cher, France

If you prefer to phone us in the UK you can contact The Buddhist House, 12 Coventry Rd, Narborough LE19 2GR on 0116.286.7476 for more information about events in UK or France.

Welcome to another season at Amida France

Summer is in the air. Get ready for a wonderful time in France - chance to enjoy nature, work in the garden, enjoy fresh fruit and veg from the garden.

Come and share in the activities this summer. 

Closed for the winter

The centre will be closed this winter as Susthama is no longer able to spend time in France as was planned. I've updated the 2009 Amida France Guide 

Get your own - Open publication

We would love to see you there at one of our events! Many apologies to anyone who was thinking of spending time at the Amida Buddhist Centre this winter.

How To Get to Us

The centre is situated in Le Cher, une region tres inconnu, the closest village is Bessais-Le-Fromental, and the closest city is St. Amand Montrond.

Losing one's leaves

There are so many ways to experience the onset of winter.

Just imagine how this little horse chestnut tree must feel. Bare, exposed, chilly but also a lot lighter. Amida's light is both bright and weightless.

2009: July 14 - 17 : Sesshin

Please note that the Sesshin will start on the 14th - please arrive the day before.

Click on image below to see details

Click on image below to see details

2009: July 20 - 24 : The Spiritual Dynamics of Applied Buddhist Ethics

Click on image below for details

Click on image below for details

2009: August 3 - 7: Buddhist Psychology Summer School

Click on image for details:

2009: August 10-14: Dharma for the Entire Family

A week of spending time together engaging in fun activities in a relaxing and natural environment. A great place to pitch a tent and camp or sleep in a hammock under the starry skies.

A week of spending time together engaging in fun activities in a relaxing and natural environment. A great place to pitch a tent and camp or sleep in a hammock under the starry skies.

2008-9:Dec 31 - Jan 4: New Year's Retreat

Come and start the New Year with practice at THE AMIDA BUDDHIST CENTRE with Susthama

Click on image for details:

Come and start the New Year with practice at THE AMIDA BUDDHIST CENTRE with Susthama

Click on image for details:

Remembrance and Thanksgiving Day

To share the joys, sorrows, good food, good conversations with others is what makes this life rich and full.

Yogi-ling and Oasis

Yesterday I met some old friends and made some new ones at a Tibetan Centre called Yogi-ling. The centre is run by Lama Sherab and partner Marie-Noel and they are based just outside of a small village called Ygrande. 

Today Prasada and I visited a place called L'Oasis. This is a new project that has one building and pool and another house being built for two residents. L'Oasis is a place where those following the Buddhist path who are interested in living the Buddhist life full-time but not necessarily as monastics can stay and practice. It seems that part of the emphasis is a focus on how to prepare for death so that one dies a good death but not for those who are necessarily terminally ill or expecting to die soon.

Here's a photo of Lama Tcheunpel, me, and Lama Wang-mo

Lama Tchungpel has been taking Buddhist practitioner on spiritual sangha tours to exotic places like the Tunisian desert, Mongolia etc and will leave tomorrow for a 10 day adventure in Tunisia with his sangha.

Shorter Days

The days are getting shorter - the clocks have gone back which means the sun rises around 7.30 and sets around 5.30 leaving us with just under 10 hours of daylight.

I don't mean to be darken the subject even more but because of where we are and how we live out here it's hard not to think about what we have in store for us. We are looking at shorter days but not nearly as bad as if we were living further north - but still the sun will gradually start coming up later and later and dusk will be upon us by late afternoon.

Alas, it could be worse - I remember days when I had to go to work before sunrise and came home after sunset - and did I ever get out at midday to see the sun - nope! Winter light meant artificial light.

Andy's memorial Service

The Amitaryas dug and planted two apple, a pear, a plum, two figs and a kiwi in Andy's name this weekend at Amida France.

The weather and nature was cooperative - it was warm and balmy the day we dug and planted the trees and then the heavens open and watered the trees to help them settle into the soft earth.

It is always a privilege to participate in a person's memorial service and to remember the life of someone who has now passed on from this one to the next.

   

A change in weather

Summer weather blew up from the south and stayed for a day before it brought the rain. The changes in the elements are more noticeable at the retreat centre. The temperature has dropped about 10 degrees which meant it was time to start lighting the wood stoves and what a treat that is! The smell of wood burning ovens is such a delight making the place more homey and definitely more cosy.

Winter is not far off but there is definitely a touch of it in the night air and the geese have starting migrating in typical V-formation to the warmer climes.

A bucket full of potatoes

We had another beautiful day - warm and sunny - so I spent a good part of the day in the garden.

Last May, when a little team came over to open the place - there was nothing but weeds. Now there are quite a few beds in the garden with some lovely vegetables still growing and looking really healthy - plump and undamaged.  I was given a few potatoes that were small and old and thought I had nothing to lose if I put them in the ground. So I cut them into smaller pieces and lo and behold they grew and grew and multiplied so that our five measly potatoes have produced about 10 kilos of beautiful red spuds.

An Amitarya get together

it won't be long now until the Amitarya community spend some time together here to enjoy the splendours of country living. The Order of Amida is in its 11th year. The first three to take vows under Dharmavidya's spiritual guidance were Prasada, Modgala and the late Amrita. The ceremony took place here in the summer of 1998 and so it will be good to mark it by doing some 'fun' things together.

To live a religious life with the company of others who are so different from me and from each other suggests that the Dharma is there for anybody and everybody to access. Like the parable of herbs in the Lotus Sutra - the dharma rain falls on all the species and each grows accordingly maintaining its characteristics and properties of that plant.

Spinning lama hair

Just down the road is a llama farm.  I dropped by to visit and found that visitors/friends have brushed the llamas, cleaned the wool, spun it and have started knitting a beautiful brown and cream coloured hat.

Personal Retreats

We still call the room where animals were kept by the previous owners 'Ecurie' even though no animals dwell there now.

A transformation has been made over the past couple of years - first with work done on the upstairs with insulation and then flooring making it into a cosy dormitory and then in the main room below - it looks like a completely different room.

We would like to open it up and offer it to people to use for personal retreats.  If you are interested in coming for a personal retreat minimum 3 days and maximum 5 days then please contact susthama@amidatrust.com. I can help you structure your time on retreat so that you get the most out of your stay.

Susthama

Family Days

August is often the time when families visit us in France. This year we had great fun with arts activities on site and trips our for swimming, visiting local beauty spots, and attending  local events.

A Summer of Improvements

This summer we have done a lot of work on the buildings at Amida France. In particular we have been working on the ecurie (the old stable on the end of the building). Two years ago Modgala and Leo and others created a much improved upper floor, lining the roof with insulation and pannelling and creating an extension to the floor so that the whole area is now floored out. This year we worked on the lower level, adding a window and coating the walls with lime .

Visit from long distance motorcyclist

Last night as we were about to start dinner, a man on a motorbike arrived in our yard. It turned out that he was Andy, a friend of Amida friend, Jenny, who is on his way to New Zealand from Derbyshire by bike. We had a very interesting evening hearing about the journey, and Andy pitched his tent in our field before setting out again this morning.

A night in the Hammock 1 July 2008

Sleeping under the walnut tree on a clear dark night, black as coffee on a moonless night with thousands of stars shining brightly in the hammock  was like going back to the womb. There was something primeval about the experience -  wrapped up in a duvet, snug and swaying, in the dark.

carried by the wind June 28 2008

We are like the seeds carried by the wind as it gently blows when we let go of the stalk and give ourselves over to Amida

11 June 2008 - The AMIDA show

The weather last night was amazing. After picking up Shanti and Bill, our two volunteers, from the train station the sky was lit up with lightning bolts. Driving on the road from Bessais (a couple of miles from La Ville Au Roi) to our centre was like sitting in the front row of a live laser show awaiting for the main show to come on stage, if you know what I mean.

I was pretty lucky earlier in the evening I was able to capture a flash  of Lightning on my camera.

9 June 2008 - Losing track of time

The sense of having been here forever and a day has suddenly become more than a feeling but a real issue.

We are having trouble keeping track of time and knowing what day of the week it is here at Amida France. Everyday is rich and timeless, everyday we notice something different, everyday we see Amida emerging and growing, and everyday our steps take us closer and closer to the Pure Land. Everyday we see something that we saw before, everyday we recognize something that we had already known, everyday we stumble across the same thing as before, and everyday our steps take us closer and closer to the Pure Land.

We are living so close to nature that it's impossible to not see some raw, basic, simple acts of nature - competition, conflict, struggle, assistance, companionship, sex, eggs, babies, and death.  In the face of our delusion, confusion and illusion Amida's lightening power and infinite love breaks through to us and gently teaches us how to live in raw, basic and simple harmony.

June 2008 - More Discussions about Amida France on NING

There are more posts and discussions on Friends of Amida Ning Network. To join the Amida France Group please go to Friends of Amida   to have a look. If you need help joining the Amida Ning Network please contact kaspalita@amidatrust.com .

3 June 2008 - Humming along with Amida

The place is humming with the sound of love. In the kitchen, along the meditation path, in the barn tiny transformations are taking place.

Amida's presence is tasted in the walnuts in the cake that was baked this morning. The walnuts were collected last Autumn and lovingly processed and placed in the freezer. Amida's love is seen in the snails, spiders, and slugs going about their business as we walk slowly and calmly around them along the meditation path in the middle of glorious nature. Amida's warmth is felt in the barn as we cut and stack tiny logs to be used in our woodstoves when the weather is bitter and cold outside.

We need food to give us energy to collect the firewood and to keep us healthy while living on this beautiful earth. We need firewood to heat the house when the weather outside is cold and wet. We need so many things to live comfortably and healthily.

Thank goodness Amida's presence is felt for without Amida's nourishing love and pervasive warmth we would surely perish.

All we do is follow along as best we can

What we do, what we wear, even our mood is a response to what mother nature has done first.

The feeling of who is in control, the sense of what causes us to do something outside or inside, the experience of Other-ness in this place is different from when we are at TBH. When we arrived the weather was clement. There was alot of clearing, digging, cutting back of vegetation in order to create an environment that enabled us to live in conditions that were pleasant and somewhat comfortable.

And since Sunday afternoon, the weather has changed from sunny and hot to raining and wet. Our activities have been limited to indoor activity though every now and then when the clouds hold back the rain we are able to go outside and move around and get some fresh air.

But overall, the sense is that we are definitely not in control. From when we wake up, the question that we ask is not, what do I feel like doing today? but rather, 'what is the weather doing and what clothes are appropriate' and what has mother nature brought us that we need to deal with - 'cut back the grass so allergy sufferers don't suffer as much, or pull up the rugs in the dharma hall so that they don't get soaked and damaged from the rain' and the list of things to do in response to mother nature's actions is endless but what we do is definitely a response to her first move.

It's like dancing with a very powerful and strong leader who makes certain that we know that we are just doing our best to keep up and follow along.

23 May - Sunset

Sunsets and the experience of watching the sun go down at Amida France is beond description. Even this photo of it doesn't do it justice but I hope you get an idea of the serenity and awe it engenders.

21 May 2008 Full moon Chanting

Last night, the women here (Alena and Susthama) stayed up pretty much most of the night to chant to the Bodhisattva of Compassion Quan Shi Yin.

The night started with the moon blocked by clouds and then slowly and gradually as we stood on the Champs D'avoine chanting Namo Quan Shi Yin Bosat, there was a bright pin hole of light poking through the dense clouds and then the shape of an oriental eye appeared to be watching us chant and then she rose above the clouds and her light softened the field and the trees.

The clouds dissipated and the moon shone brightly as we walked through the different fields and through the wood (got lost in the brambles but then with lots of effort tore through the thick brambles back onto the path) and then down the Roman Road back to the house around 3.30am. Not quite a full night of chanting but enough to experience the compassion and love of the great Quan Shi Yin.

20 May 2008 - Nettle Tea

The birds are singing, the insects buzzing and the cuckoo bird is going Koo Koo, Koo Koo, as I sit here and write this.

It's been nearly a week since we've arrived and it feels good to be living so close to nature. We have been busy rescuing the baby oak trees from the brambles and the strawberries from the stinging nettle, sticky weeds. The oak trees and strawberries have opened up and now stand at least a couple of inches taller. They are breathing out nembutsus.

This afternoon, after a major battle with the nettle we made some nettle tea (perhaps to help our ego not feel so bad about the losing battle).

The fresh air and physical work is tiring but overall we are happy nembutsu-ers. Namo Amida Bu!

SUMMER 2008 EVENTS

This Summer we will be hosting events in France from now until August 20th

May 15 - July 10 Centre open to visitors: Normal schedule, Buddhist practice, summer planting, groundwork, and lots of fun with Susthama and others from The Buddhist House.

The main teaching period this year will focus on  the crossover between Pureland spirituality, society and the arts. This begins with the annual teachings in July which is on Pureland and will continue in practical ways in the arts period. The schedule for the summer is:

July 10-30 Dharmavidya's Teachings: Buddhism and its Application in Society, Culture and the Arts (see below)

August 1-20 Arts in France: Creative Space and Buddhist Practice Time to enjoy exploring your creative side through a variety of media in a relaxed, holiday setting. The arts period gives opportunity for you to share time with others in a spiritually orientated environment. Definitely no need to be artistic. Plenty of inspiration if you want to have a go, but if you'd rather sun-bathe no-one will mind! (click on "continue reading" for details)

18 May 2008 Back to Nature and staying connected

Amida France is a great place to go if you're looking for contact with spirituality through nature.  There is a timelessness and spaciousness that one feels out here and even though I've been here several times the place abounds with a new and special kind of beauty.

From long walks in nature to checking email and staying connected with friends and family using wireless technology there is a lot on offer to put a big smile on one's face.

On our walk around the meditation path and around the property we came across two large mushrooms which Alena looked up and found to be giant field mushrooms, so we cooked them up for supper last night.

AMIDA FRANCE BOOKINGS

booking information form

Arrival Summer 2008: Lillies and Irises

The small team arrived at the centre on 15 May only to be welcomed by nature. Everything has been growing - tall grass, bugloss, buttercups along with many other splendid wild flowers. Our delight has been the beautiful yellow irises and water lillies in the pond.

France Opens Mid-May

Susthama and a couple of members from The Buddhist House will go to France in mid-May to open it up for the summer season.  The retreat centre has been closed for the winter period and so there will be alot of work initially; getting the place aired out and clean, digging the garden to get the beds ready for planting, clearing paths for outdoor walking meditation and also to make a way to the meditation hut ready for anybody interested in doing a solitary retreat in the woods.

It's a great time of year to be in France. If you're in need of space, fresh air, and a retreat atmosphere then do come along.

Dharmavidya's Teachings in France 10-30 July 2008

Dharmavidya & Prasada

will give lectures on

Pureland Buddhism and its Application in Society, Culture and the Arts

 

Do come and join us for the July teachings. During the three week period of the July Retreat. This year our theme reflect Amida Trust's interest in the arts and culture and in the influence which they have in society.  We will be offering 12 lectures over the three week period on themes related to these exciting topics. Besides being known for his writing and his work as Dharma teacher to the Amida Order, Dharmavidya has an interest in poetry and drama. This year he has been developing pandramatics sessions at The Buddhist House which combine improvisation with spiritual exploration. Prasada is also known for her writing. Her most recent book (to be published next February) explores Guilt, using fictional sections alongside more theoretical analyses. She is also interested in creative arts.

There will also be

• - periods of Pureland practice
• - introductory seminars for the less experienced on the basics of the Pureland approach
• - seminars and coaching for the more experienced related to Buddhist chaplaincy and ministry

As usual there will be plenty of opportunities for outdoor life, community living, discussion and sharing with stimulating company, and good vegetarian food, much of it from the centre's own garden.

Happy New Year

Volunteer Harvesting Retreat

As you can see we  had some fun walking our neighbours' Llamas!

We were very fortunate with the weather and the sun shone as we picked and processed and made chutney to feed us in the coming year. We managed a couple of visits to local villages and even a swim in the lake at the beginning of our stay.

Thank you to all our helpers who also helped us to close up for winter.

Sadly we are not able to keep it open this winter as ill health amongst other reasons prevents us from having a person there permanently. Modgala will be going out in early May to open up Amida France and do the spring planting. volunteers will be very welcome to assist though we will not be able to take guests until June/July.

Please email Modgala on: modgala@amidatrust.com if you are interested in volunteering or staying next year.

Very warm wishes for peace and happiness  in the coming year from Modgala and the crew at Amida Trust

Namo Amida Bu

Autumn in Amida France

Hello from Amida France.

The sun is shining as we bring in a late harvest. Mornings we collect the produce - sweetcorn, carrots, celeriac, beans and a few pumpkins and leeks. Afternoons we sit together cracking walnuts for the freezer and swapping stories. Though sunday afternoon we did go for a swim in the lake - I think the locals thought we were mad. Our fourth volunteer will join Sudana and Modgala tomorrow. Plenty to do, chutney and jelly to make and manure to dig in for next years beans.....

This is the year of the beetroot, so beetroot chutney will soon be on the menu. Wonderful. Namo Amida Bu

Next Trip to France

Modgala will be taking some volunteers out to France on 5th October and will be there until 21st October.

Autumn is beautiful, the golden trees and blue skies offer a lovely backdrop to our harvesting.

We will be collecting walnuts and blackberries along with pumpkins, carrots, leeks etc. Jam and chutney making and making sure the house is safe for winter.

There will be time for gentle practice, walking and perhaps even swimming if the weather is kind.

all are welcome

Namo amida bu

Modgala

the creative undercurrent

Summer 2007:

tile, bamboo, flower, painted art installations now scatter the surrounding land of the amida france...  each speaking to the undercurrent of our creative potential -  spiralling, reaching, flowering,  holding and exploding us toward the unspoken and revealing what is  present...

Come down and see the transformation

                                                                                                   

Arts and Nembutsu

By the grace that we receive through Amitabha's vows, may we be moved to deeds for the benefit of all. As Pureland practitioner's our lives are centred around and on Amida. Amida, the measureless, is present in our lives whether we're conscious of this or not. During this art's period we are creating and finding other ways of expression and seeing everything we do as integral to our practice. Amida is present in our relationship with the 'other', the third space otherwise known as the space in between where the unknown exists which is where something surprising and different happens. We have been learning how to hold the space in order for the nembutsu to flow and work through us and enabling us to be open to receiving and making offerings.

Kindly mind

In the sutras, uncultivated people are called worldly people by the Buddha. These are beings who have not cultivated virtuous qualities like generosity, compassion, patience etc, or in a more philosophically correct way, who have non-greed, non-hate, and non-delusion. Worldly beings are attached to their bodies and their minds and in many ways find it easier to let go of attachment to their bodies than their minds. We tend to see the mind as 'self'. We think that what we think is who we are but in fact the mind changes more quickly than the body. We have one thought and then another one, just like a monkey swinging from one tree to another. This is how the mind works.

Update on what's happening in France

Dharmavidya and Prasada have arrived and so has the good weather. The summer teaching has been altered to meet the needs of the people here and also to those who have requested shorter Dharma talks. These talks will be much shorter in length and will weave in questions from participants here this summer. For those of you who weren't aware, Dharmavidya had to delay coming to France due to being slightly concussed and very tired. For those of you who knew about his condition here is a quick update. He is still very tired and is spending much of his time catching up on much needed sleep. Prasada, who just caught a pretty nasty head cold, drove the entire way to France in this condition and so naturally is also spending much of her time asleep. For them, part of this summer teaching program is to stay horizontal and sleep. A mantra that always comes to mind whenever someone is poorly is 'our body is our friend and its suffering is our teacher.' They are in many ways extraordinary and the amount that they can do is remarkable. The two of them this year, have travelled to Hawaii and back, to Japan, given teachings in the UK and abroad, attended and presented papers at several conferences, run three different training programs that have an attendance and correspondence element to them, developed and launched the Amida Kai and Research Institute, published books, bought a new house and moved into it and have seen to all the everyday aspects of running an organisation as well as Buddhist training community. I haven't written it in any specific order just jotted their activities down as they came to mind and I've probably forgotten alot of other things but one can see that they've been pretty much on the go and they still have a full program lined up ahead of them before the year is out.

Getting ready for Joy's ordination

Joy and I have started going through the precepts together as a way of preparation before ordination. She has been a lay Order member for three and a half years and is ready to take the next step. She has played a key role in setting up and running the project in Delhi and in effect has been working as a minister already. This is characteristic of the Amida way. We don't define what a minister is and then train them to do the job. What usually happens is the reverse; a person starts doing something, or behaving a certain way, and after a while their actions determine what sort of clothes and accessories are necessary for that sort of job.

Summer retreat period so far

The clouds have finally broken up. As it did the sun pushed his rays forward saying "Enough dark clouds, you've kept me hidden from these good people long enough. They can hardly remember what it feels like to be embraced by me and the more you cry your little heart out the more they will sink into a quagmire of mud and slime. Time to move on to another part of the sky and throw your tantrums onto another part of the world where they will listen with sympathetic ears and look upon you with misty eyes glad of your outporing. But I'm afraid Europe has had enough of your gloomy mood and it is time I cleaned up your mess."

Community in France

We had a lovely informal sharing last night. We sat around in the loft space above the kitchen and talked about all the new developments in Amida, the project in India, where we are, or where we feel we are on the path, or not on the path and I gave a quick update on all the changes that we've seen back at the Buddhist House. The group consists of three men and three women. We can divide the group up another way, five school members and one lay resident. And again, we can look at it another way, one Dutch, two Canadians, and three English. And yet again, we could say that there are three pensioners and three non-pensioners. However, we label ourselves we are all foolish beings and we make up the community at Amida France. I'm reading Utopian Dreams: In search of a good life by Tobias Jones which is a book about his exploration/pilgrimage to different communities in the UK and Italy. He started this quest because he couldn't continue living the way that he was and needed to step outside of the 'real world' in order to understand the world better. He writes 'In an ideal community, the onus for you to take responsibilty for other people is borne out of a thankfulness that someone, here, has taken responsibilty for you. It's symbiotic, joyous because your relationship is based on love. In contemporary Western society, however, the instinctive mood is vindictiveness born out of years of being told one is a victim. Complaint becomes knee-jerk, litigation second nature. We can be spiteful to people because we'll probably never see them again. Reading this has put me in a reflective mood and as I sit here writing I realise that I am reflecting on the three questions that we do every morning in our service during our Nei Quan practice. What have I received/What blessings have come into my life? What have I done in return and What trouble has my existence caused. Casting our eyes over the past day and a half, we see that the four of us descended upon Leo and Saille in the middle of the night. Leo had stayed up and made a delicious batch of homemade tomato soup and Saille had baked a loaf of fresh bread. They had made up our beds and short of carrying us to our beds he did everything for us so all that we had to do climb in it and put our heads down.The following day was a very relaxing day. I slept most of it while the others spent time catching up and walking around the grounds. I have felt lots of love and joy in the way they have taken responsibility for us. And in return, we are grateful. Out of gratefulness we help each other. At the moment, Saille, Sudana, and Jorawal are working in the garden; doing some weeding and harvesting the beans. Meanwhile Leo is working on a panel to go behind the Buddha statue on one of the shrines and Joy is making supper. I am sitting above the kitchen and have the luxury of hearing her soft movements and smelling all the wonderful spices that she is using.

Amida France is basic and rustic. One feels the elements and the closeness to nature. We are surrounded by an orchestra of birds and insects. They are enveloping us with their love and saying 'look we are happy that you are here and sharing this space but remember that you are not alone. There is a family of bats living in the gap; a space which divides the main house from the annexe which we call the ecurie. And of course there are spiders everywhere you look. We are learning to overcome certain fears and learning to share a simple life completely with other sentient beings. Most of the activities here include growing fruits and vegetables in the garden and collecting firewood for the cold winter nights. There is a feeling of bliss and solace in living this kind of simple life; time is spent to meet the most simple and immediate needs. We have been blessed by Amida's grace and have so much to be grateful for, what a pity it would be to waste our time complaining.

Arrived in France

We have arrived in France. It was a long journey and a bit of a nightmare towards the end as I got a bit disoriented and was following a small road that was leading into blackness and the needle on the petrol guage was on the red line with the red petrol light coming on and off intermittently. I was convinced that we were going to run out of petrol just 10km away from the centre and that the four of us were going to have to sleep in the car and then walk to a petrol station the following morning. Sudana started to chant Namo Quan Shi Yin Bosat as a way of praying to the Goddess to come to our rescue, Joy started having a coughing fit because of not having her quota of cups of tea. Jorawal was the only one who seemed unaffected by the surreal situation. But that is only because he is quiet and reserved by nature. Finally, though we made it, somehow, on an empty tank at 1am and when we did Leo was still up waiting for us. It was a huge relief to see his smiling face. There seemed to be about a zillion more stars in the sky than usual, almost as if they came from other Buddha lands to shine on us reminding us that Amida was with us all along.

Dharmavidya is unwell and so the summer teachings will start later this year. He is back at the Buddhist House resting from a mild concussion and will come out to France when he is well enough to travel.

Dharmavidya's July teachings, August Arts

2007: July 10-29: SUMMER TEACHINGS

Teachings by Dharmavidya on 9 Principles of Amida Pureland Buddhism
Every other day through the Summer Teaching Retreat Dharmavidya gives a major teaching. The Summer Retreats are a pivotal point in the life of Amida-shu, being times when we gather to advance our understanding. This follows the early Buddhist tradition of holding a Vassika Retreat during the rains season of the monsoon in India when Shakyamuni would deliver his major Sutras. At our Retreat Centre in France, however, this is generally a period of very pleasant hot weather. This is an excellent time for an extended retreat. Concurrently there will be practical training going on for those folowing the Ministry Training Programme and this is also a good time for people considering embarking upon ministry training or interested in a Buddhist vocation to sample the Amida life and teaching style.

ARTS IN FRANCE       AUGUST 1 - 20 Following last summers Arts Week in France, this year we are offering an extended period of creativity in August 2007. Arts in France will run August 1st – August 20th. Set at the Amida Buddhist centre, it provides an opportunity to join Buddhist practice in a relaxed, holiday environment, while sharing in a wide range of arts activities. With meditation morning and evening, this week makes a gentle holiday retreat in the peaceful surroundings of rural Berry. Suitable for serious artists, families and complete newcomers. You can dabble in new creative techniques, swap ideas, attend arts workshops and have a lot of fun. Last year there was painting, candle making, mosaic, dance, voicework, ikebana, clay modelling, fabric painting, writing, ceremony as well as plenty of time for swimming and walking. The Amida centre in France is set in rural Berry, the ancient seat of the Dukes de Berry, nestling between two tributaries of the Loire; the rivers Allier and Cher. A region of rolling countryside, small fields, copses and scattered honey coloured farm buildings, this area is well off the tourist maps, and still carries the relaxed feel of earlier times. With several larger oak forests within easy range, supporting walking, horse riding and other outdoor activity, and swimming places at several local lakes it is a perfect environment for gentle holidaying in a Buddhist community. For those with an interest in history, there are many fascinating11th and 12th century romanesque churches, medieval villages and chateaux of various eras as well as the Cathedral cities of Bourges, Moulins and Nevers and the historic centre of the Bourbon kings at Sauvigny all within a short distance of the centre. Last summer we managed regular trips off site for sketching, visiting these historic and religious sites, and relaxing in the countryside. For many though, visiting Amida France is a time to unwind in tranquil countryside, to listen to the prolific bird life and enjoy the flowers and trees. You may well be happy not to step off the premises for your entire stay. The Amida centre itself was formerly a small farm. Set in thirty acres (16 hectare) of land there is plenty of space for camping. There is also basic accommodation in the house and outbuildings. Solitary retreats are possible in the retreat hut, or "bivvying" in more distant fields. A place of peace, mindfulness, celebration and practice, the lifestyle reflects the natural world with which we are surrounded. We live simply and close to the earth and the seasons. Mostly, we eat out of doors, weather permitting. Sometimes we sleep under the stars. Nature is all around us. Our approach to Buddhism is Pureland and we enjoy the creativity of nembutsu practice as well as the silence of meditation. We welcome anyone wishing to enjoy and participate in the lifestyle, whether or not they identify themselves as Buddhist. During the Arts time our days follow a gentle schedule. We wake at around 7.30am (although early risers sometimes enjoy yoga in the dawn light) and have a period of Buddhist practice and meditation before breakfast. After we have eaten together, we have a short community gathering to share plans for the day. The morning is generally taken up either with space for people to work individually or in small groups on arts projects, or with workshop sessions led by community members or visitors. After an informal lunch, some like to continue work or relax while others go off site to visit the lake or explore the locality. Generally we gather before dinner to share our experiences of the day, then enjoy a meal together as the light softens into a golden sunset. An evening meditation period closes the day most days, though sometimes we join in evening chanting in the sunset, or enjoy singing round a campfire. When families are with us, evening service can be kept short enough for older children to join in if they wish.

Teachings by Dharmavidya on 9 Principles of Amida Pureland Buddhism
Every other day through the Summer Teaching Retreat Dharmavidya gives a major teaching. The Summer Retreats are a pivotal point in the life of Amida-shu, being times when we gather to advance our understanding. This follows the early Buddhist tradition of holding a Vassika Retreat during the rains season of the monsoon in India when Shakyamuni would deliver his major Sutras. At our Retreat Centre in France, however, this is generally a period of very pleasant hot weather. This is an excellent time for an extended retreat. Concurrently there will be practical training going on for those folowing the Ministry Training Programme and this is also a good time for people considering embarking upon ministry training or interested in a Buddhist vocation to sample the Amida life and teaching style.

ARTS IN FRANCE       AUGUST 1 - 20 Following last summers Arts Week in France, this year we are offering an extended period of creativity in August 2007. Arts in France will run August 1st – August 20th. Set at the Amida Buddhist centre, it provides an opportunity to join Buddhist practice in a relaxed, holiday environment, while sharing in a wide range of arts activities. With meditation morning and evening, this week makes a gentle holiday retreat in the peaceful surroundings of rural Berry. Suitable for serious artists, families and complete newcomers. You can dabble in new creative techniques, swap ideas, attend arts workshops and have a lot of fun. Last year there was painting, candle making, mosaic, dance, voicework, ikebana, clay modelling, fabric painting, writing, ceremony as well as plenty of time for swimming and walking. The Amida centre in France is set in rural Berry, the ancient seat of the Dukes de Berry, nestling between two tributaries of the Loire; the rivers Allier and Cher. A region of rolling countryside, small fields, copses and scattered honey coloured farm buildings, this area is well off the tourist maps, and still carries the relaxed feel of earlier times. With several larger oak forests within easy range, supporting walking, horse riding and other outdoor activity, and swimming places at several local lakes it is a perfect environment for gentle holidaying in a Buddhist community. For those with an interest in history, there are many fascinating11th and 12th century romanesque churches, medieval villages and chateaux of various eras as well as the Cathedral cities of Bourges, Moulins and Nevers and the historic centre of the Bourbon kings at Sauvigny all within a short distance of the centre. Last summer we managed regular trips off site for sketching, visiting these historic and religious sites, and relaxing in the countryside. For many though, visiting Amida France is a time to unwind in tranquil countryside, to listen to the prolific bird life and enjoy the flowers and trees. You may well be happy not to step off the premises for your entire stay. The Amida centre itself was formerly a small farm. Set in thirty acres (16 hectare) of land there is plenty of space for camping. There is also basic accommodation in the house and outbuildings. Solitary retreats are possible in the retreat hut, or "bivvying" in more distant fields. A place of peace, mindfulness, celebration and practice, the lifestyle reflects the natural world with which we are surrounded. We live simply and close to the earth and the seasons. Mostly, we eat out of doors, weather permitting. Sometimes we sleep under the stars. Nature is all around us. Our approach to Buddhism is Pureland and we enjoy the creativity of nembutsu practice as well as the silence of meditation. We welcome anyone wishing to enjoy and participate in the lifestyle, whether or not they identify themselves as Buddhist. During the Arts time our days follow a gentle schedule. We wake at around 7.30am (although early risers sometimes enjoy yoga in the dawn light) and have a period of Buddhist practice and meditation before breakfast. After we have eaten together, we have a short community gathering to share plans for the day. The morning is generally taken up either with space for people to work individually or in small groups on arts projects, or with workshop sessions led by community members or visitors. After an informal lunch, some like to continue work or relax while others go off site to visit the lake or explore the locality. Generally we gather before dinner to share our experiences of the day, then enjoy a meal together as the light softens into a golden sunset. An evening meditation period closes the day most days, though sometimes we join in evening chanting in the sunset, or enjoy singing round a campfire. When families are with us, evening service can be kept short enough for older children to join in if they wish.