The Amaravati Upasika Association

The AUA has evolved from previous groups such as the Amaravati Support Network and it's prime role is to support the Upasika Training. The Upasika Training has been in operation at Amaravati for over three years and is a set of guidelines aimed at encouraging lay-Buddhist practice. It is also about making a public statement of our committment to Buddhism. Upasika Training movements have grown up alongside many western monasteries which follow the Forest Sangha Tradition. For example Abhayagiri Monastery .

The Upasika Training Guidelines follow and for those with an interest in conventional forms, you can read the full AUA Constitution.

The Upasika Training Guidelines

Purpose.

To enhance individual practice and increase self-discipline through making a formal commitment.

To deepen both the intellectual and experiential understanding of the Dhamma.

To encourage more contact with the monastic Sangha and like-minded people.

To be better equipped to communicate the Buddha's Teachings to others.

Guidelines.

Undertake to live by the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.

Attend regular meetings whenever possible with other Upasikas.

Observe the Uposatha days of the full and new moons in a way appropriate to individual living situations

To visit the local monastery or vihara on a regular basis

To cultivate the practice of regular daily meditation.

To go on retreat at least once a year.

To attend at least one festival day or communal gathering each year.

Cultivate a basic knowledge of the Buddha's teachings

To support the monastic Sangha according to ones means

To keep to the guidelines for one year after making the formal commitment