Aruna Ratanagiri Buddhist Monastery — Attraction in Belsay

Furthering the Teachings of Lord Buddha is a Positive in most every way this is accomplished.

Positives.

To Gain experience of being in such a community. Gaining Knowledge of Buddhist meditation practices with a monk. Recommended offering 'Donation' per night stay £12.. Stays are from Sunday to the following Sunday normally.

Honest Negatives.

While it is of Common Knowledge that the Forrest Buddhist Community of Monks etc are more accustomed to Privacy in seclusion This Tiny renovated barn is across a small public lane from neighbours Not linked in anyway with this Buddhist Monastery.

The Non Buddhist Local community are not happy with this Buddhist monastery which are said to "Ignore the Locals, and not even give a polite Respectful Hello, Good morning, etc " !.. Contrary to how The Buddha would or engaged with All Kinds of people even it is said with cannibals and Murderers, and even harmless locals... if you wish to change attitudes of people, etc and just show respect why Not be polite, It costs Nothing. That is what being a Neighbour is all about. That is what Buddhism Should be about.

The location is way out there, and absolutely No Signage is given to aid any new visitors what so ever. Nothing....Walking along this Busy very fast road isTreacherous on this High Speed rout with no path, then the obscure lane hill climb on a tiny secluded lane. sadly the Buddhist monastery doesn't resemble anything like a Monastery more like a cottages in keeping with those private cottages around it again making finding it without proper adequate signage very difficult.

The Retreat living accommodation is sparse, in the attic would be wonderful if your a small child but any adult will continually bang their heads and do so on the absurd attic ceilings. Creaking Flooring Boards throughout and above the Shrine room make it difficult to concentrate when in Meditation and who would put two Kitchens directly opposite the Shrine Room used to Pray, Meditate etc.?? ..Incomprehensible.

Very Strict regime one apparently can be asked to leave for not Keeping the '8 Precepts' One being No food after Noon. No food to be brought to the Buddhist Monastery and one no food even in the attic Dorms. There are No beds, etc. Snoring from others is sure to keep you awake and when having to get up at 5 am leads to exhaustion.

With the inability of social behaviour normally accustomed in any society sadly missing in most part here also towards the Locals it is not only the Locals that feel Snubbed but some visitors as the Men in White (Denouncing everything Monks Nuns in Training) and Novice and Full Monks and even Staff often appear indifferent to visitors, talk between each other while showing distrust to Visitors, Locals alike. Walking the Public lane as if in a daze with no polite desire to engage with another Non Buddhist Monk or employee.

Again The Buddha did Not practice this Behaviour which is damaging to Buddhism and Society alike.

Lacking compassion from some staff members etc alike who's position is apparently to promote, and support visitors to this Buddhist Monastery retreat, often visits are Sunday to Sunday and if one becomes ill or in need You are on Your Own alas. Wish nothing in the surrounding area to aid you, You are stuck and Suffering, pretty much ignored. Again Hardly the Buddhist way....

Absolutely No transportation offered for visitors to a Train station, Coach pick up points etc who often come from Far away. Again even if One is in Desperate Need of such support No Transportation from the Vehicles used for those who work and reside there is offered, or given. What would happen when seriously falling ill in this remote place? Clearly you'll find yourself alone.

No Clothes Washing facilities for Weekly stay visitors offered.

Showing 'Loving Kindness' and 'Mindfulness' is the True Buddhist way and is what The Buddha taught us. Please for the sake of Buddhism lets see more 'Loving Kindness' and Mindfulness' to All Visitors and Locals alike Please. Thank...

A family without baggage; a friend with no axe to grind; a stable environment for quiet reflection; and you can also join the sangha of monks for the midday meal - best to phone and let them know and maybe bring some food; you can meditate in the dhamma (dharma) hall by yourself; you can join in the evening puja (meditation and recitation of buddhist chants in the ancient pali language - there is a chanting book to help you) . When you realise the underlying goodness of this original Theravada tradition you might like to stay overnight, even undertake a retreat, perhaps take the five precepts and learn the way - so that you can in future meditate reflect and use the teachings (dhamma/dharma) when overseas, alone, or at any time. On weekends the sangha host more public teachings. Do...

Heard a lot about this monastery in Northumberland. We drove from Sunderland to pay a visit.

It is not difficult to find in the Northumberland National Park. But note that the road that turns in is rather narrow and you can easily missed it.

Located in what looks like a farm area. You need to open a gate to drive into that area. But don't forget to close the gate after you.

The monastery is simply a very small cluster of houses. When you enter, you can feel the calm and serenity of nature.

We met quite a few visitors from many parts of the world. They went there to meditate and to pray. The volunteers run the place and they serve free...