Anthea West

I have been a practising Buddhist for about 20 years now. Buddhism has many different traditions, which coexist very amicably. The one I follow is the Theravada tradition, representing the kind of practice followed in Sri Lanka and Thailand. Some thirty years ago the Thai meditation master, Ajahn Chah, decided that the time was ripe to send some of his followers to the UK, at the request of a group of British Buddhists. Under the leadership of Ajahn Sumedho, this community of monastics has flourished and grown. There are branch monasteries in Chithurst, Sussex; Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire; and Harnham in Northumberland. Monks and nuns living in this tradition follow the austere rules laid down by the Buddha, and are supported by a much wider lay community, among whom I count myself. Meditation is the central practice, but will not be fruitful unless it is supported by adherence to simple moral guidelines. Generosity is also highly valued.

The Buddha told us to take nothing on trust, but to experience the benefits of practice for ourselves and make up our own minds. Everything I have experienced since entering the tradition has only confirmed its value. Buddhists are urged to be extremely respectful of the faiths of others, and within the Theravada tradition religious teaching or opinions are never given unless the audience specifically requests them. In this spirit of respect and cooperation I am very happy to be part of the Interfaith group, and thoroughly enjoy events and meetings.

The Berkshire Theravada group meets fortnightly, at my home, and we also visit the monasteries when we can. I can be contacted by email: