About the Monastery

  
Welcome to the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of our Buddhist monastery in the Southern Highlands. We would like to introduce you to a meditative lifestyle and explain what you will experience during your visit at this forest monastery.
   

About the Place

  
The Sunnataram Forest Monastery is a Theravada Buddhist monastery in the Thai forest tradition. The monastery was established in July 1990. The monastery is situated on the outskirts of the town of Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands, which has an elevation of 2205 feet above sea level. The monastery covers an area of 99.7 acres of bush land, hills and cliff faces. Aboriginal people believe that a sacred site is in the monastery area.

 

Facing the breathtaking view of mountainous Kangaroo Valley with beautiful Jervis Bay of Nowra on the horizon, we welcome sunrise emerging from a sea of cloud.

Because of its panoramic exposure, the site of the monastery is considered by many Feng Shui masters to have one of the best Feng Shui aspects in Australia. With its famous clean mountain air and immense energy from Mother Nature, the monastery is a perfect place for meditation, relaxation and healing.

People who have visited the Sunnataram Forest Monastery agree that they experience feelings of peace and relaxation, immediately on stepping into the area. For this reason, people may flow effortlessly into a calm, meditative state of mind.
   

Meditation classes

The monastery offers free daily meditation instruction in morning ( 5:00 AM) and evening (7:00 PM) classes and a short sitting class after lunch (12:00 PM).

In addition, people who would like to learn more about meditation can participate in one of our meditation programs:

Weekend meditation retreat Private meditation retreat.


If the weather permits, bush walk and Dhamma discussions around camp fire will be added to the meditation retreats.

Please ask for more information from the office.
   

Dhamma talks


Dhamma talks are wisdom that was discussed by the Buddha and other Enlightened ones. Usually, monks will give Dhamma talks concerning knowledge and experiences about meditation, healthy and peaceful ways of life.

Regular Dhamma talks are after lunch (12:00 PM) and after evening meditation class (8:00 PM). If people like to listen Dhamma talks or discuss with monks apart from the regular hours, please call the monastery in advance.

   

Code of conduct for visitors

  

Visitors are welcome to the monastery. However, please help us to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the place by following these suggestions:

  • No killing any living creature
  • No stealing or taking things without permission
  • No sexual activities. No kissing or hugging.
  • No telling lies. No rude words. Not to be noisy.
  • No alcohol, no illegal drugs and no smoking cigarettes.
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    Visitors may not enter in the office and kitchen without permission.

    Visitors may not stay overnight in the monastery without permission.

    Visitors are welcome to bring food to offer to monks, join lunch with members of the monastery and assist in washing up and cleaning up the dinning area. Otherwise your donation for lunch is appreciated.

    Visitors may not enter into the construction site.

    When entering the shrine hall, remove shoes and don’t point feet at the Buddha statues or at the monks.

    Appropriate clothing- cover from neck to below elbows and below knees.

    No pets. No meat to be brought to the monastery. Children to be supervised by adults at all times.
     
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