Welcome to Cittaviveka! Or at least a brief tour of it... Cittaviveka is also known as Chithurst Buddhist Monastery is a monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism.  It was established in 1979 by Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho, who was the first abbot. As such it is a residence for bhikkhus (monks) and siladharas (nuns), where their life of training in ethics, meditation and renunciation can be supported in a quiet rural environment.

​

The monastery is not a retreat centre, but a living environment of woodland, ponds, wildlife – and human dwellings. Here, through ethical guidelines, meditation and community work, we practise living in harmony. The community welcomes men and women who wish to visit, stay as guests or make a commitment to the monastic life.

 

Like the Buddha’s teaching, the beauty and peace of Cittaviveka can only be experienced by entering into it.