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Serenity in mind,
Simplicity in life,
Embracing the Teachings
of the Blessed One.
welcome to Mahavana Dhutanka
A serene community established in 2021
as the 7th branch of Nirodharam Monastery in Thailand.
Our monastery cherishes the values of embracing imperfection, recognizing impermanence, and fostering serenity and simplicity. These principles encourage a mindful and reflective approach to life. By finding beauty in the ordinary and embracing life's calmness, we cultivate a sense of appreciation and gratitude for the world around us, discovering deeper meaning and connection in our daily lives.
As a Bhikkhuni community, we provide a secure and nurturing environment for women to practice and learn the teachings of the Blessed One in harmony.
What is Dhutanka?
"Dhuta" means "shaken off" or "removed," referring to clearing the mind of unwholesome states and obstacles. Mahavana Dhutanka is dedicated to personal development, calmness, and reaching the highest happiness - Nibbana.
We faithfully follow the Dhamma and Discipline of the Blessed One, emphasizing the threefold training and living in harmony with nature, guided by wisdom and modesty.
Why Mahavana?
"Mahavana" means "great forest," named after a significant forest near Vaishali, India, associated with the Blessed One. This forest features a well-preserved Ashoka Pillar, symbolizing the spread of the Dhamma, and is linked to the first ordination of Mahaprajapati Gotami, marking the rise of the Bhikkhuni sangha.
Our name reflects our dedication to creating a peaceful, tranquil sanctuary embodying the qualities of a forest. By honoring the forest near Vaishali, we pay tribute to our lineage and our commitment to the Blessed One's teachings.
Join Us
We invite you to join us at Mahavana Dhutanka, where you can experience the tranquility and wisdom of our community. Whether you seek personal growth, spiritual development, or simply a peaceful retreat, our doors are open to you. Come and discover the beauty of living mindfully and harmoniously in the serene embrace of our monastery.
Mahavana Dhutanka
Daily Life
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Past Activities
Starting on June 1st, 2024, we are officially open for international practitioners.
Our recent retreat at the monastery went exceptionally well. The peaceful atmosphere and the enriching sessions provided a fulfilling experience for all participants.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the success of this retreat.
Your presence and engagement made it truly special.
Below are some snapshots capturing the beautiful moments we shared during our time together.
On July 2023, we were invited to Empty Cloud, New Jersey for 15 days
to give Dhamma talks and exchange gratitude among the monastic community.
Mahavana Dhutanka
is now open to international monastic aspirants and practitioners.
for retreats during both the rainy season (June - October)
and the winter season (November - February)!
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Retreat Options:
We warmly welcome both ONE-DAY retreats and OVERNIGHT stays.
Please note that overnight stays are exclusively available for FEMALE practitioners,
as we are a Bhikkhuni monastery.
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For More Information & Registration:
Kindly reach out to us via email here.
to discover more about our upcoming retreats and to register.
Please note that we do not accept walk-ins. Make sure to contact us IN ADVANCE.
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