“Monks, be devoted to seclusion.” The Buddha’s words resonate here at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage. This serene monastery exists just 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD. Dhammagiri offers a return to original Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes the practices of great meditation masters.
Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage is a Theravada Buddhist Forest Monastery. It follows the tradition of Ajahn Chah. It aims to cut through the confusion of modern Buddhist gurus. It wants to share the Buddha’s original teachings found in the Pali canon. These teachings are alive in the Forest Tradition.
In April 2007, Ajahn Dhammasiha arrived at this site. He faced a steep hill during Brisbane’s worst drought. Ajahn Dhammasiha came from Germany. He left his PhD studies seeking a spiritual path. He found Buddhism through the Dhammapada. He ordained in Sri Lanka before coming to Australia.
Dr. Gamini, a Sri Lankan neurologist, supported Ajahn Dhammasiha. He guaranteed the monastery’s mortgage. Despite opposition, he believed in monks who practice Dhamma seriously. The community rallied to support the new monastery. They faced challenges such as a steep access road and lack of facilities.
Daily alms giving sustains the monks at Dhammagiri. The lay community provides food and necessities. Volunteers like Leigh devoted time to construction and landscaping. Dhammagiri gradually grew. An office and restrooms were added. Many visitors came to meditate and hear teachings.
Dhammagiri shares Dhamma through online platforms. You can find live video streams and recorded videos on YouTube. Podcasts are available on Spotify and iTunes. The website offers Dhamma Reflections and news.
Spiritual advice is available for lay visitors. Experienced monks offer guidance. They show how to apply Buddhist wisdom to daily life. Regular chanting and guided meditation take place here. Refuge and Precepts ceremonies are also offered.
In 2008, Dhammagiri faced a challenge. A neighbor planned to sell his property. The buyer wanted to build a dirt bike circuit. Ajahn Dhammasiha sought help from a Tripitika chanter. This monk had memorized the entire Buddhist scriptures. After the monk chanted, the neighbor accepted Dhammagiri’s offer.
Dhammagiri provides suitable living conditions for monks. They cultivate meditative practice in solitary cabins. The monastery also offers Dhamma talks and guided meditations. These are led by experienced monks and visiting meditation masters. Visitors can find a Buddhist lending library. They can also participate in volunteer activities to make good karma.
Consider joining the monks. Visit Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage to cultivate inner peace. Experience the quiet contemplation and study. You will find it only 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD.