Monastic Lodgings

Dhammadharini has two properties for the support and practice of the Bhikkhuni Sangha: Aranya Bodhi Forest Hermitage and Dhammadharini Monastery.

Aranya Bodhi was the first Bhikkhuni forest hermitage in the West, and is still a rare and special place of practice for the Bhikkhuni Sangha – where the monastic community and visitors can practice in seclusion in nature. The hermitage occupies over 100 acres of redwood forest, with small simple lodgings and rustic facilities, on the Sonoma Coast near Jenner, California. Monastics travel to Aranya Bodhi from around the world for the opportunity to practice in this environment. 

Dhammadharini Monastery is located in Penngrove, California, and provides a beautiful and accessible place for the Bhikkhuni Sangha to practice and offer teachings, and for friends to visit for Dhamma teachings, celebrations, and offerings. 

Having these places of practice allows the resident community, and visitors from around the world, to practice and train together, living as a community in the way defined by the Buddha. 

Donations to this fund enable Dhammadharini Support Foundation to provide these places of practice and training for the monastics, including: 

• Basic operating expenses such as utilities and insurance
• Mortgage payments for the monastery
• Basic maintenance and upkeep
• Fire safety
• New construction and upgrades, as resources allow

Recent special lodgings projects include: 

• Small repairs and maintenance around the monastery including much-needed painting
• Adding insulation to the small yurt at the monastery
• Flagstone patio for the dana offering area at the monastery

Planned upcoming projects include: 

• Elder’s Office/Studio Kuti at Aranya Bodhi