Bodhinyana

Monastery gates open:

7am - 6pm, Monday - Friday

7am - 1pm, Saturday and Sunday

Visitors are welcome to walk quietly around the Monastery grounds that are not marked as 'Restricted' or use the hall for individual meditation. Smoking, alcohol and music are prohibited on the monastery grounds.

Most people come for the daily offering of the meal at 10.30 am and participate in the ancient tradition of the alms round by putting rice in the monk's bowl. Before sharing the meal together, everyone will gather upstairs of the dining hall for a short blessing. After the meal, the monks are available to speak informally with the visitors.

The monks' huts are open to the public on formal occasions like the opening to the Rains Retreat and Kathina. It is a perfect opportunity for visitors to have a glimpse into a monk's simple livelihood and residential area.

Please remove your shoes and head-gear on entering the kitchen or food areas. Please wear modest clothing which covers you. This applies to both men and women, and includes not wearing short skirts, shorts, thigh slashes in skirts, sleeveless or low-cut tops and singlets. Please switch off you mobile phone and avoid making loud noises.

Longer Stays

Those who are interested in residing in Bodhinyana for a period of time can request permission from the Guest Monk in person, by fax, telephone or mail. Visitors must apply early, as there has been a growing number wanting to stay at Bodhinyana. The monastery can only house 4 visiting men and 3 visiting women.

During the annual Rains Retreat (full moon in July to full moon in October) there is no short-stay accomodation for guests. If you wish to stay for the entire 3 months of the Rains Retreat, you must apply in writing to the Abbot.

Guest Information

There are 4 male and 3 female guest rooms available, free of charge (priceless). Local guests may stay for up to 2 weeks, interstate & international guests, for up to 4 weeks. There are no short stay rooms available during the Rains Retreat, from mid-July to mid-October. If you wish to stay for the entire Rains Retreat, please apply in writing to the Abbot. All other applicants, please contact the Guest Monk. Please note, applicants need to meet the following criteria:

Applicants should be Buddhist, and a member of the B.S.WA. if living locally.

Applicants should be experienced meditators, and have completed at least one Buddhist retreat. Note: there is no formal meditation teaching program at the monastery.

Applicants should be in good physical and mental health.

Guests must keep the 8 precepts & monastery rules, and assist with work duties.

The Eight Precepts

• To refrain from intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
• To refrain from taking what is not given.
• To refrain from any sexual activity: no physical contact or intimacy with the opposite sex.
• To refrain from speech which is dishonest.
• To refrain from using alcohol or non-medicinal drugs. Smoking is banned in the monastery.
• To refrain from eating after noon. Non-milk drinks, juice, sweets, sugar & honey are allowable.
• To refrain from dancing, singing, playing music, and wearing cosmetics, perfume, and jewellery
• To refrain from using luxurious beds and seats.

Daily Routine

General Points

Guests should dress modestly: no shorts, singlets, or revealing clothing. All external business should be kept to an absolute minimum. Try to maintain silence as much as possible. All food & drinks are donated by the local Buddhists who come each day to the monastery.

What to Bring

• Torch.
• Alarm clock.
• Toiletries and towel.
• Sheets & sleeping bag. Bedding is available but must be cleaned before you leave.
• Work clothes and shoes/boots.
• CD/MP3 player.

Coming and Going

Try to arrive around 10am, before the main meal. Your room should be cleared on your last day by 10am. For those without transport, please take the Australind train, from Perth to Serpentine Station: departing Perth at 9:30am or 5:55pm. For bookings call: 1300 662 205, or see: www.transwa.wa.gov.au. After booking a seat, please confirm with us your arrival time, so we know when to pick you up.

Seeking ordination at Bodhinyana Monastery

Men from outside of Australia are welcome to seek ordination at Bodhinyana Monastery to train under Ajahn Brahm, but we cannot guarantee that this will always be possible. According to Australian visa regulations Bodhinyana Monastery must give precedence to Australian candidates. Moreover, the visa regulations are themselves quite onerous, and it is impossible to know beforehand whether any particular application will be successful.

Any prospective candidate for ordination should first of all enter Australia on a Visitor Visa, preferably a 12-month visa. Such visas are available without sponsorship from Bodhinyana Monastery. If the candidate wishes to extend his stay beyond those 12 months, he should approach Ajahn Brahm and ask whether the Monastery is prepared to sponsor a temporary residence visa for him. If there is sufficient accommodation available, then the monastery may be willing to support a candidate,if the circumstances are right.