Initially the accomodation was temporary, including a modest caravan and a Dhamma shed. The first permanent facility, the Nun's cottage was completed in January 2001. This building provides accommodation, bathroom, kitchen and laundy facilities for residents. It is also the meeting place where supporters come to offer Dana (food and other requisites) and receive Dhamma teachings. Eight brick mediation huts and a seperate amenities block for use by the nuns have since been built in the forest.
Daily life in the monastery emphasises quiet seclusion, meditation practiceand the study of the Buddha's teachings. The routine ar Dhammasara is designed to create an athmosphere conducive to meditation practice. At times there is an emphasis on group prcatice. At other times the focus shifts to solitary practice.
The present monastic community consists of the abbess Ajahn Vayama, Venerable Nirodha, Venerable Seri, Venerable Hasapanna as well as three Anagarikas (trainees), Clare from Sydney, Upheka and Sally from Perth. The nuns are fully ordained Bhikkkunis (equal in every respect to Bhikkhus/Monks ) in the Theravada tradition.
Ajahn Vayama was initally ordained in Sri Lanka as a Ten Precept Nun and fully ordained as a Bhikkhuni in 2009. The Buddhist Society of Western Australia invited her to take up the position of abbot in 1998. Venerable Nirodha was the first nun ordained at Dhammasara in May 2003. Venerable Seri was ordained in July 2004. Venerable Hasapanna was ordained in May 2006. Veneable Mudita was ordained in Febrary 2007. She became the first woman from Western Australia to be ordained at Dhammasara.
Location -203 Reen Road , Gidgegannup WA 6083
Contact: Tel: +61-(0) 8 9574 6583
Fax: +61-(0) 8 9574 6583
Source:http://www.dhammasara.org.au/
