Monastic: Deepening into Wisdom and Love
With Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni and Sumedha
October 3 - 10, 2025
Registration opens: Feb 3, 2025
Deep listening and an embodied knowing of our interconnectedness are profound gifts in our being that we all too easily overlook. They are rich wells of both wisdom and love. In this retreat we will return to our body and breath, and to our listening heart, exploring the renewed vision that they gift to us and to this world.
There will be daily chanting, Dhamma talks and Q&A, some guided, and some self-directed meditations. The retreat will be held in Noble Silence. Guests will have the option to take 5 or 8 precepts. A light evening meal will be offered as part of that option.
This is a very special opportunity to sit with Ayya Anandabodhi and Sumedha, who lived and practiced together as monastics for many years, and have sustained a deep friendship through the changing conditions of their lives.
Be aware that while all lodging options have a propane heater, the Tent Cabins and Yurts tend to be colder than the Casitas during the shoulder season. Please select your lodging accordingly.
Cancellation Policy:
- 45 days prior to retreat: Full refund, minus a $150 nonrefundable fee
- 44-22 days prior to retreat: 50% refund
- 0-21 days prior to retreat: No refund
Teachers
Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni
Ayya Anandabodhi, originally from Wales, has been a Buddhist monastic for 30 years. Originally training in the Thai Forest Tradition in England, Ayya moved to the US to co-found Aloka Vihara, a residence for Bhikkhunis (fully ordained Buddhist nuns) in California. Ayya is part of the world wide revival of Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha, which has reopened the way for women to take full ordination in the Theravada tradition. She is the founder of Pārāyana Vihāra in Washington State, where she now resides. Ayya’s practice is guided by early Buddhist scriptures, living in community, and through nature’s pure and immediate Dhamma.…
Learn more about Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni
Ayya Anandabodhi, originally from Wales, has been a Buddhist monastic for 30 years. Originally training in the Thai Forest Tradition in England, Ayya moved to the US to co-found Aloka Vihara, a residence for Bhikkhunis (fully ordained Buddhist nuns) in California. Ayya is part of the world wide revival of Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha, which has reopened the way for women to take full ordination in the Theravada tradition. She is the founder of Pārāyana Vihāra in Washington State, where she now resides. Ayya’s practice is guided by early Buddhist scriptures, living in community, and through nature’s pure and immediate Dhamma.…
Learn more about Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni
Sumedha
Sumedha (Hannah Bagshaw) (she/her) became interested in spiritual practice in her teens. After studying Comparative Religion at university, she practiced as a novice and nun for ten years in the Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah (based in the UK and for a short time in the US). After disrobing in 2010, she co-managed Dharmagiri Hermitage for a year and then co-founded Ekuthuleni retreat place in France, bringing together ecology, simple living and meditation. In 2020 she moved on from Ekuthuleni, but remains resident in France. Sumedha is passionate about how we can reconnect with our deeper being through learning from…
Learn more about Sumedha
Sumedha (Hannah Bagshaw) (she/her) became interested in spiritual practice in her teens. After studying Comparative Religion at university, she practiced as a novice and nun for ten years in the Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah (based in the UK and for a short time in the US). After disrobing in 2010, she co-managed Dharmagiri Hermitage for a year and then co-founded Ekuthuleni retreat place in France, bringing together ecology, simple living and meditation. In 2020 she moved on from Ekuthuleni, but remains resident in France. Sumedha is passionate about how we can reconnect with our deeper being through learning from…
Learn more about Sumedha