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Dhammagiri is a small Hermitage in Theravāda Buddhist forest tradition and is the
first of its kind in Queensland. The Hermitage's main purpose is to serve as a residence
for a small number of Buddhist monks. Based on a strict standard of virtue, the monks
are dedicated to renunciation of sensuality and material possessions. In simplicity
and solitude they practice meditation to develop states of profound stillness,
concentration and bliss (samādhi). The resultant calm and one-pointedness of mind
is used to develop insight into things as they really are. Wisdom arises and is
progressively deepened in a process of thorough investigation of reality (vipassanā),
until ultimately the mind is liberated from greed, hatred,and delusion in the
experience of Nibbāna.
This small community of monks is materially supported by lay people who come
daily to offer food and and other requisites.
Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage provides the monks with ideal conditions to follow the Buddha’s advice.
THERE ARE THESE TREES, THERE ARE THESE EMPTY HUTS -
DO NOT BE NEGLIGENT, BUT MEDITATE!”
(The Buddha, Majjhima Nikaya #106/M ll 266)
first of its kind in Queensland. The Hermitage's main purpose is to serve as a residence
for a small number of Buddhist monks. Based on a strict standard of virtue, the monks
are dedicated to renunciation of sensuality and material possessions. In simplicity
and solitude they practice meditation to develop states of profound stillness,
concentration and bliss (samādhi). The resultant calm and one-pointedness of mind
is used to develop insight into things as they really are. Wisdom arises and is
progressively deepened in a process of thorough investigation of reality (vipassanā),
until ultimately the mind is liberated from greed, hatred,and delusion in the
experience of Nibbāna.
This small community of monks is materially supported by lay people who come
daily to offer food and and other requisites.
Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage provides the monks with ideal conditions to follow the Buddha’s advice.
THERE ARE THESE TREES, THERE ARE THESE EMPTY HUTS -
DO NOT BE NEGLIGENT, BUT MEDITATE!”
(The Buddha, Majjhima Nikaya #106/M ll 266)
AJAHN DHAMMASIHA ON SILENT RETREAT
30 JANUARY - 13 MARCH
After the Kathina & Xmas/New Year seasons with associated activities, travelling and teaching,
Ajahn Dhammasiha will enter a well-earned retreat on 30 January until 13 March. It will not be
possible to contact him personally or via email for that period. Fortunately, Ajahn Dhammadharo
has kindly accepted our invitation to continue all regular teachings and serve as the senior monk.
30 JANUARY - 13 MARCH
After the Kathina & Xmas/New Year seasons with associated activities, travelling and teaching,
Ajahn Dhammasiha will enter a well-earned retreat on 30 January until 13 March. It will not be
possible to contact him personally or via email for that period. Fortunately, Ajahn Dhammadharo
has kindly accepted our invitation to continue all regular teachings and serve as the senior monk.
AJAHN VAJIRO WILL BE VISITING 20 TO 24 FEBRUARY
Ajahn Vajiro is currently the abbot of Sumedhārāma Buddhist Monastery near Lisbon in Portugal.
He has been at Dhammagiri before, but couldn't come here in recent years due to his responsibilities
as the abbot of a newly established monastery. https://sumedharama.pt/category/english/
Ajahn has been a monk for 40 years, and was ordained by Luang Por Chah personally. He has served
as the second monk at Amaravati monastery for many years, supporting Luang Por Sumedho and
taking on a huge load of the administrative and management work, in order to give Luang Por space,
time and energy for his invaluable Dhamma work.
We're grateful that Ajahn Vajiro has accepted our invitation, and I'm sure you will be eager to hear
from him how the tradition of Ajahn Chah is developing in Portugal.
AJAHN DHAMMADHARO RETURNS TO DHAMMAGIRI 18 JANUARY 2019
Most of you will remember Ajahn Dhammadharo from his last extended stay at Dhammagiri in Autumn 2017.
He is an Australian monk of 13 vassa, who was ordained at Buddha Bodhivana monastery,
where he trained for 10 years with Ajahn Kalyano. More recently he has lived in Thailand, and has
spent the last two rainy season retreats in Sunyatā Buddhist Centre in Ireland. He will arrive on Friday
18 January and return to Thailand on 20 March.
We're all very happy to have him back, especially Ajahn Dhammasiha, who will get a chance for
a silent retreat while Ajahn Dhammadharo has kindly offered to look after the monastery
and all regular teaching sessions.
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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. |
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)
AJAHN KEVALI LAST DAY AT DHAMMAGIRI - 26 NOVEMBER 2018
(click here to view the full gallery of photos)
(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 Dhammasiiha, 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 Dhammasiiha, 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)
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.
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.
NEXT FULL MOON (SIL) DAY - SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER
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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BIOGRAPHY OF AJAHN CHAH
NOW AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH Just in time for Māgha Pūjā and Luang Por Liem's visit, the English version of Ajahn Chah's biography has arrived 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 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.
