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Aranya Bodhi Hermitage
 

Dhammadharini Support Foundation has leased this land from a generous supporter with the aspiration to make a forest meditation hermitage for Theravada bhikkhunis (fully ordained female monastics), like-minded practitioners and friends. It is located among the forest redwoods and high meadows of Northern California's Sonoma coast, near the town of Jenner. The Pali name of our hermitage is Aranya Bodhi, which means Awakening Forest. We aim to offer time for deeply-needed inner development through the recluse practice of the Buddha's teachings at our forest hermitage.

Aranya Bodhi Hermitage is more secluded with less frequent trips outside, and with flexible puja and meditation schedules to allow for individual practice.  There generally is a morning meeting for both Dhamma and logistical sharing. After work period ending in early or mid-afternoon, residents are usually free to return to their kutis, find a suitable location for meditation, or walk in the forest.  Occasional trips out for groceries and errands require driving a four-wheel-drive truck over rough back roads.  Work at Aranya Bodhi is more physically challenging and meditators need to have a self-sustaining practice to benefit from the solitude.

How We Live

Our simple daily program is intended to provide some structure, along with time and space for individual practice. Exact hours vary according to the seasons, with communal practice in our Dhammasala yurt when it's cool or rainy, and outside when fair. Occasional busy days for outside errands or projects are followed by light, silent days.

Daily Schedule 

Wake up until 6:00am
Personal Meditation
6:00 - 6:30am
Devotional chanting
6:30 - 7:00am
Meditation & mindful breakfast preparation
7:00 - 8:00am
Breakfast; Post-meal cleanup
8:00 - 9:00am
Morning Meeting with brief Dhamma reflection, planning work for the day, & logistics
9:00 - 11:00am
Mindful Work Period
11:00am - 1:00pm
Alms Meal Offering Followed by Mindful Clean-up
1:00 - Sleep
Personal Meditation and/or Dhamma Study & Self-Maintenance Time, further community work & errands as needed

Lay visitors and those in the early stages of monastic training are expected to attend all communal activities, with more flexibility for those bhikkhunis who have completed their initial training.

To the extent we are able, periods of fully supported individual retreat are offered to resident bhikkhunis and monastic trainees, as well as aspirants and stewards who have offered a substantial period of service, as well as to respected visiting bhikkhunis who have given much service in their home communities.

It is also possible to welcome a visitor whose primary dedication is cultivating the path of service if s/he is considerate, well-established in practice, and able to live peacefully and harmoniously together.

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