Situated on farmland in central France, is Amida France. There you find three stone buildings, built in the 1800’s, one for housing, kitchen and meeting, another for further housing and storage, and finally a rustic and beautiful shrine room.
This summer we were blessed with 16 days to experience this small but dedicated Buddhist community as they offer silent retreats and programming on a variety of topics including: ethics, Buddhist psychology, drama and creative arts. The Amida Trust community normally resides in England, but journey here each summer. Under the guidance of husband and wife, Dharmavidya (Head of the Amida Order) and Prasada (Coordinator of psychotherapy programs) we were taught new practices, introduced to fresh ideas and engaged in lively conversation. Participants came to the center from different countries making for a wonderful international experience.
The atmosphere at Amida France is relaxed and communal with everyone sharing in daily responsibilities. Attention is given to relationships and preservation of the natural world. This is not a glitzy place; in fact it is quite humble. What is remarkable is the commitment of the Amida community to simplicity, friendship, and making a positive contribution in the world. It was certainly a touch of the Pure Land.
