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THERE ARE THESE TREES, THERE ARE THESE EMPTY HUTS -
DO NOT BE NEGLIGENT, BUT MEDITATE!”
(The Buddha, Majjhima Nikaya #106/M ll 266)
DO NOT BE NEGLIGENT, BUT MEDITATE!”
(The Buddha, Majjhima Nikaya #106/M ll 266)
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Āsāḷhā, marks the beginning of the yearly Rains Retreat ('Vassa'). For 3 months, from the full moon of July to the full moon in October, the monks settle down for a period of intensified meditation practice. (This year, from Wednesday 17 July until Sun 13 October). They are not allowed to travel during this time, and all energy is devoted to cultivate bhāvanā. Here at Dhammagiri, we stop all external development projects like building & maintenance work during this time.
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SHORTER DISCUSSION AFTER MEAL - 17 JULY TO 13 OCTOBER
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When trying to develop samatha meditation, keeping noble silence is one of the most important supportive conditions. Therefore, as every Vassa, we keep the Dhammadiscussion after the meal short (about 30 min max), to minimize the need to talk for the senior monk, and allow him to get back to his kuti early to refocus his mind on internal silence. We also have the session in Q&A form, rather than delivering a formal "sermon" - please don't feel shy to ask questions, or else the session may be very short). Your understanding and support are much appreciated
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Ven. Buddhisāro has arrived from Thailand for the Rains Retreat
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Ven. Buddhisāro, a young American monk from Portland, Oregon, has just arrived in time for the vassa. He formed the aspiration to ordain at a young age while still at high school. After finishing school, he worked for some time just to get enough money to finance a pilgrimage to India. While visiting the sacred Buddhist Sites in India, he met a German monk, Ajahn Piyadhammo from Wat Sacca, Berlin, who recommended he ordain at Wat Pah Nanachat. He followed that advice, and at only 23 years of age he is now entering his third vassa as a bhikkhu. Ajahn Kevali, having experienced Dhammagiri on his visit last December, suggested that it would be beneficial for Ven.Buddhisāro to continue his training here. Additionally, that will give his parents a chance to visit him here in Queensland, in a Western cultural environment, after the rains retreat in December. |
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AJAHN DHAMMASIHA RETURNS TO DHAMMAGIRI
Ajahn Dhammasiha has returned from his European and Asian overseas
trip on Monday 1 July after visiting Singapore for three days.
After looking after the monastery in Ajahn's absence, Ven. Panya leaves
on 3 July to return to Bodhisaddha monastery, Sydney.
Ajahn Dhammasiha has returned from his European and Asian overseas
trip on Monday 1 July after visiting Singapore for three days.
After looking after the monastery in Ajahn's absence, Ven. Panya leaves
on 3 July to return to Bodhisaddha monastery, Sydney.
VESAK PHOTOS
A selection of photos of the Vesak celebrations on Sunday 19 May
can be viewed by clicking the button here.
A selection of photos of the Vesak celebrations on Sunday 19 May
can be viewed by clicking the button here.
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PILGRIMAGE TO BUDDHIST SACRED SITES IN INDIA 2020
Ajahn Dhammasiha has been invited to lead a pilgrimage to the Buddhist holy sites of Bodh Gaya &
Rajagaha in February-March 2020. Our pilgrimage is designed to maximize the time pilgrims will spend in the
sacred sites. It will allow them to really settle down,relax, and develop their meditation supported by the
incomparable Dhamma-energy emanating from the holy sites. We focus only on Bodh Gaya & Rajagaha,
and avoid the time consuming and exhausting bus travel required if one visits all the various sites.
Instead, we will have the ease of body and mind to take in the unique atmosphere, and cultivate our
meditation in the very location where the Buddha attained supreme enlightenment.
Longer option 14/02 to 11/03/2020
Shorter option 14/02 to 04/03/2020 (includes 3 nights in Varanasi)
Several places still available, bookings close 30 July 2019
Click on the button for full details and booking form.
Rajagaha in February-March 2020. Our pilgrimage is designed to maximize the time pilgrims will spend in the
sacred sites. It will allow them to really settle down,relax, and develop their meditation supported by the
incomparable Dhamma-energy emanating from the holy sites. We focus only on Bodh Gaya & Rajagaha,
and avoid the time consuming and exhausting bus travel required if one visits all the various sites.
Instead, we will have the ease of body and mind to take in the unique atmosphere, and cultivate our
meditation in the very location where the Buddha attained supreme enlightenment.
Longer option 14/02 to 11/03/2020
Shorter option 14/02 to 04/03/2020 (includes 3 nights in Varanasi)
Several places still available, bookings close 30 July 2019
Click on the button for full details and booking form.
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“And for what reason, Ananda, is the Tathagata, the Worthy One, the perfectly
enlightened Buddha, deserving of a stupa? Numerous people will fill their heart with joyful confidence when they contemplate: ‘This is the stupa of the Blessed one worthy and perfectly enlightened!’ Once their heart has been suffused with joyful confidence at that location, then, at the breakup of the body, after death, they will be reborn in a happy destination, in the heavenly world” Digha Nikaya/Long discourses #16.31 |
New brooms for the morning sweep
AJAHN VAJIRO AT DHAMMAGIRI IN FEBRUARY 2019
A video of a talk given by Ajahn Vajiro during his stay can be viewed here:
https://vimeo.com/324467198
A video of a talk given by Ajahn Vajiro during his stay can be viewed here:
https://vimeo.com/324467198
MERIT OPPORTUNITIES
If you would like to contribute to the cost of hosting visiting monks, Dhammagiri has set up two funds for this purpose.
Click to donate to either.
1. TRAVEL FUND 2. MEDICALFUND
TAKE PART
Your participation in the life of the monastery is also one of the greatest gifts you can offer. Check the
various programs listed on the website to choose something that you might like to take part in -
be it offering Almsfood to the monks, listening to Dhamma talks, meditation and chanting sessions,
or day-long retreats. We look forward to seeing you at the monastery.
If you would like to contribute to the cost of hosting visiting monks, Dhammagiri has set up two funds for this purpose.
Click to donate to either.
1. TRAVEL FUND 2. MEDICALFUND
TAKE PART
Your participation in the life of the monastery is also one of the greatest gifts you can offer. Check the
various programs listed on the website to choose something that you might like to take part in -
be it offering Almsfood to the monks, listening to Dhamma talks, meditation and chanting sessions,
or day-long retreats. We look forward to seeing you at the monastery.
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BIOGRAPHY OF AJAHN CHAH
NOW AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH The English version of Ajahn Chah's biography is available at Dhammagiri. The translation has been prepared by Ajahn Jayasaro (previous abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat and one of Ajahn Chah's senior Western disciples), who had also written the Thai original. Included is a great wealth of additional new material, meant to introduce newcomers not yet so familiar with the Forest Tradition to the background and meaning of our practices. This book is superbly produced both in terms of content and external appearance, 800+ pages hardcover in full linen with stitched binding. You can now get it at Dhammagiri (and other monasteries of the lineage of Ajahn Chah) completely for free, due to the amazing generosity of the dedicated sponsors of this publication. |
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THE HORSES ARE BACK
Our new neighbours are agisting their horses in Dhammagiri's lower paddock.
Please do not allow children to venture into the paddock.
Our new neighbours are agisting their horses in Dhammagiri's lower paddock.
Please do not allow children to venture into the paddock.
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VEN. DANTACITTO Ven. Dantacitto (5 Vassa) arrived at Dhammagiri on the 18 December. He is an Australian of Japanese background who trained at Wat Pah Nanachat in Thailand. He recently visited Dhammagiri with Ajahn Kevali and has returned for an extended stay including this year's Rains Retreat (Vassa). |
AJAHN KEVALI - DHAMMATALKS
Ajahn Kevali's teachings on his recent visit to Dhammagiri are now uploaded to our
'Dhammatalks' video channel and can be viewed there by clicking on the links below.
Ajahn Kevali: "Integrating Everything into Practice" https://vimeo.com/305608967
Ajahn Kevali: "Intellectual vs Experiential Wisdom" https://vimeo.com/305859296
Ajahn Kevali's teachings on his recent visit to Dhammagiri are now uploaded to our
'Dhammatalks' video channel and can be viewed there by clicking on the links below.
Ajahn Kevali: "Integrating Everything into Practice" https://vimeo.com/305608967
Ajahn Kevali: "Intellectual vs Experiential Wisdom" https://vimeo.com/305859296
AJAHN CUNDA - GOOD-BYE TALK AFTER
SPENDING VASSA AT DHAMMAGIRI
SPENDING VASSA AT DHAMMAGIRI
Ajahn Cunda, from the US and ordained at Abhayagiri Monastery in California,
spent the vassa with us at Dhammagiri. He gave this Dhammatalk on the
Sunday before Pavāranā Fullmoon, just 5 days before his return to California.
spent the vassa with us at Dhammagiri. He gave this Dhammatalk on the
Sunday before Pavāranā Fullmoon, just 5 days before his return to California.
AJAHN CHAH REMEMBERANCE DAY IN KUALA LUMPUR
Ajahn Dhammasiha has returned from a very inspiring Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day in Kuala Lumpur,
and would like to share links to the excellent talks given by several of the most senior monks of our tradition:
and would like to share links to the excellent talks given by several of the most senior monks of our tradition:
https://www.facebook.com/bandarutamabuddhistsociety/videos/2261972723814148/
The first four Ajahns above have all been at Dhammagiri (and the translator, Ajahn Kevali, as well), and we all had a chance to receive teachings from them and to listen to them personally here at our hermitage. In fact, 11 of the 14 speakers mentioned on the program had visited Dhgammagiri previously! |
AJAHN DHAMMASIHA AT BODHINYANARAMA
MONASTERY IN NEW ZEALAND
Ajahn Dhammasiha attended the Stupa Dedication Ceremony on 2 December where,
in the company of some 20 resident and visiting monks, the mural and Buddha Rupa were
unveiled and relics and all manner of sacred objects were placed under the buddha.
(click on image to enlarge)
MONASTERY IN NEW ZEALAND
Ajahn Dhammasiha attended the Stupa Dedication Ceremony on 2 December where,
in the company of some 20 resident and visiting monks, the mural and Buddha Rupa were
unveiled and relics and all manner of sacred objects were placed under the buddha.
(click on image to enlarge)
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An excellent video of the event can be viewed here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTQI124YSng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTQI124YSng
NEW FARM PARK ROTUNDA- TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER
Chanting of the blessing in the New Farm Park Rotunda at the picnic dana provided by
supporters before Luang Por Tam and accompanying monks left for New Zealand.
(click here to view the full gallery of photos)
Chanting of the blessing in the New Farm Park Rotunda at the picnic dana provided by
supporters before Luang Por Tam and accompanying monks left for New Zealand.
(click here to view the full gallery of photos)
ROBE OFFERING - SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER
Chanting of the blessing by the nine monks present following the Robe
Offering Ceremony at Dhammagiri on Sunday 25 November
(click here to view the full gallery of photos)
Chanting of the blessing by the nine monks present following the Robe
Offering Ceremony at Dhammagiri on Sunday 25 November
(click here to view the full gallery of photos)
PICNIC DANA AT NEWSTEAD PARK ROTUNDA
Ajahn Dhammasiha, Ajahn Kevali, Tan Dantacitto, and Ven. Akincano arrive at Newstead Park,
after walking from the City Cat at Teneriffe, for the picnic dana at the Newstead Park rotunda.
Ajahn Dhammasiha, Ajahn Kevali, Tan Dantacitto, and Ven. Akincano arrive at Newstead Park,
after walking from the City Cat at Teneriffe, for the picnic dana at the Newstead Park rotunda.
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AT MT COOTHA LATER IN THE DAY
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(click on images of the day to enlarge)
KING PARROT
Male Australian King-Parrots (Alisterus scapularis) are the only Australian parrots
with a completely red head. Photographed at Dhammagiri this week.
Male Australian King-Parrots (Alisterus scapularis) are the only Australian parrots
with a completely red head. Photographed at Dhammagiri this week.
KATHINA CELEBRATION AT BUDDHA BODHIVANA MONASTERY
Attended by Ajahn Dhammasiha and Ven. Akincano.
Attended by Ajahn Dhammasiha and Ven. Akincano.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all who contributed to the working bee today - especially to Leigh who had done so much work prior to
the day, and to all the ladies inside the Dhammahall. Much was achieved to prepare the monastery for next weekend's
special events and the visits of a number of senior monks from Australia and overseas.
Thank you to all who contributed to the working bee today - especially to Leigh who had done so much work prior to
the day, and to all the ladies inside the Dhammahall. Much was achieved to prepare the monastery for next weekend's
special events and the visits of a number of senior monks from Australia and overseas.
LOWER BODHI TREE WITH IT'S NEW FOLIAGE
RECENT DHAMMATALK AT DHAMMAGIRI BY AJAHN CUNDA
“Motivation for Practice”
A talk given during the last Full Moon Meditation Program in this year's rains retreat ('vassa').
A dedicated group of meditators is observing 8 precepts, listening to Dhammatalks,
and silently practising meditation for the whole day. As a period of quiet bhāvanā has just
come to an end, Ajahn Cunda talks about how we can sustain our motivation to practise,
and responds to questions and comments from the audience.
(click here to view the video)
“Motivation for Practice”
A talk given during the last Full Moon Meditation Program in this year's rains retreat ('vassa').
A dedicated group of meditators is observing 8 precepts, listening to Dhammatalks,
and silently practising meditation for the whole day. As a period of quiet bhāvanā has just
come to an end, Ajahn Cunda talks about how we can sustain our motivation to practise,
and responds to questions and comments from the audience.
(click here to view the video)
SOME LOCALS HANGING OUT ON THE VERANDAH
END OF RAINS RETREAT
The five retreatants of this year's Rains Retreat.
Ajahn Cunda will leave on 26 November and return to the US to meet up with his parents and visit
Abhayagiri Monastery near San Francisco,before attending a retreat with Luang Por Sucitto on the
US East Coast, and then moving on to England to spend the winter retreat at Cittaviveka Monastery.
Ven. Akincino Will leave Dhammagiri on 20 December to return via Taiwan to Chithurst Monastery in the UK.
Our lay retreatant, Bernhard Kletzander will leave on the 26 November and, is planning to tour
Queensland before returning to Austria.
Our other lay retreatant,Tony, will stay on at Dhammagiri until April 2019.
The five retreatants of this year's Rains Retreat.
Ajahn Cunda will leave on 26 November and return to the US to meet up with his parents and visit
Abhayagiri Monastery near San Francisco,before attending a retreat with Luang Por Sucitto on the
US East Coast, and then moving on to England to spend the winter retreat at Cittaviveka Monastery.
Ven. Akincino Will leave Dhammagiri on 20 December to return via Taiwan to Chithurst Monastery in the UK.
Our lay retreatant, Bernhard Kletzander will leave on the 26 November and, is planning to tour
Queensland before returning to Austria.
Our other lay retreatant,Tony, will stay on at Dhammagiri until April 2019.
BAMBOO SCREEN
While somewhat dormant during the winter months, the Bamboo planted along
the new neighbours' fence last year is starting to look as originally conceived.
While somewhat dormant during the winter months, the Bamboo planted along
the new neighbours' fence last year is starting to look as originally conceived.
GREETINGS FROM AJAHN KHANTIKO
Tan Khantiko, who you will remember from his recent stay at Dhammagiri, has sent some
photos of 'Doi Mongkolsathan Forest Hermitage' which he shares with one other monk in
a remote area of Chiang Mai Province,
He sends his greetings to all in the Dhammagiri community.
Tan Khantiko, who you will remember from his recent stay at Dhammagiri, has sent some
photos of 'Doi Mongkolsathan Forest Hermitage' which he shares with one other monk in
a remote area of Chiang Mai Province,
He sends his greetings to all in the Dhammagiri community.
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(click on images to enlarge)
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PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE BIRDS
Feeding the birds has made them very aggressive in their pursuit of human food -
recently causing injuries to people.
Please help discourage the birds by not feeding them, and by gently chasing them.
Feeding the birds has made them very aggressive in their pursuit of human food -
recently causing injuries to people.
Please help discourage the birds by not feeding them, and by gently chasing them.
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AJAHN TIRADHAMMO AND VEN. AKINCANO VISIT FINGAL HEADS BEACH
(many thanks to Leigh for the photos)
(many thanks to Leigh for the photos)
VESAK - 27 May 2018
Ajahn Tiradhammo leads the circumambulation of the lower Bodhi tree at the end of the Vesak program.
Ajahn Tiradhammo leads the circumambulation of the lower Bodhi tree at the end of the Vesak program.
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THE MONASTERY BUGGY
Ajahn Anan, on his visit earlier this year, suggested the purchase of a golf buggy to relieve
Ajahn Dhammasiha's difficulty with his knee and accessing the steep hill at Dhammagiri.
He also donated considerable funds for this purpose. Thanks to additional generous donations
from other supporters, all of the cost has been raised. Dhammagiri now
has a buggy that has proved very useful during more recent visits by senior monks.
Ajahn Anan, on his visit earlier this year, suggested the purchase of a golf buggy to relieve
Ajahn Dhammasiha's difficulty with his knee and accessing the steep hill at Dhammagiri.
He also donated considerable funds for this purpose. Thanks to additional generous donations
from other supporters, all of the cost has been raised. Dhammagiri now
has a buggy that has proved very useful during more recent visits by senior monks.
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THE LOTUS POND
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BUSH CARE BEE
A small group of regular volunteers work in the forest and fields of
Dhammagiri on various projects - here digging out Lantana.
A small group of regular volunteers work in the forest and fields of
Dhammagiri on various projects - here digging out Lantana.
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SATURDAY
07:00 am.......Observance of Triple Gem & 8 Precepts / 5 precepts NB: The above ceremony only is held on top of the hill in monks'meeting hall. The following ceremonies are held at the Dhammahall at the bottom of the hill. 08:00 am.......Silent Meditation 10:30 am.......Almsoffering 11:45 am.......Personal Questions & Dhamma Discussion SUNDAY 10:30 am........Almsoffering 11:45 am........Personal Questions, Dhamma Talk & Discussion 3:00-5:00 pm..Chanting, Guided Meditation, Dhamma Discussion MONDAY 10:30 am........Almsoffering 11:45 am........Personal Questions, Dhamma Talk & Discussion PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 10: 30 am.......Piṇḍapāta (Almsround) 11:45 am........Personal Questions & Dhamma Discussion |
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We have now a dedicated group who comes to the top of Dhammagiri hill every Saturday 7.00 am to take Triple Refuge & 8 Precepts/5 Precepts in the monks' meeting hall. After the ceremony, they continue silent meditation in the Dhammahall at the foot of Dhammagiri hill until the meal offering. Some join the almsoffering as well, and a few may continue some more hours of silent meditation in the Afternoon. There's no need for any prior arrangement, you can just drop in and join any Saturday 7.00 am on top of the hill. It's not required to come every week, participating only occasionally or giving it a try once is perfectly OK, as is observance of 5 precepts in case 8 are too difficult.
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03:00 - 5:00 pm.......Chanting, Guided Meditation & Dhammatalk
Open 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Sundays
The library at Dhammagiri holds an extensive collection of texts on Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and traditions.
For more library information, please contact Indrani Doloswala on 0402908519.
The library at Dhammagiri holds an extensive collection of texts on Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and traditions.
For more library information, please contact Indrani Doloswala on 0402908519.
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Take a moment to join our Newsletter
Keep informed about all latest events at Dhammagiri, and receive occasional Dhamma reflections from Ajahn Dhammasīha. You're always up to date about the latest meditation programs & visiting teachers, and you can enjoy short explanations from Ajahn Dhammasīha on the major Buddhist celebrations like Vesak & Āsālha, delivered directly to your email inbox. |
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Visitors are requested not to use mobile phones or similar electronic
devices (tablets, laptops, games) in or around the Dhammahall.
It's kinder not to feed the birds.
Please note Dhammagiri records and photographs events to share with others via
our website and Facebook page. If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed,
please advise on your arrival. If you require an item to be removed from the website,
please advise the webmaster via the contact page on the website.
devices (tablets, laptops, games) in or around the Dhammahall.
It's kinder not to feed the birds.
Please note Dhammagiri records and photographs events to share with others via
our website and Facebook page. If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed,
please advise on your arrival. If you require an item to be removed from the website,
please advise the webmaster via the contact page on the website.
