Wood Cottage

Bhavana Dhamma is a place dedicated to the practice of the teachings of the Buddha under the guidance of Ven. Ajahn Khemadhammo. Located deep in the Warwickshire countryside, a short distance from Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, it provides a tranquil atmosphere for those wishing to develop their Buddhist practice.

The property comprises a large, comfortable cottage, a beautiful garden and outdoor Shrine Room and is surrounded by fields with Hampton Wood at the bottom of the garden.

Bhavana Dhamma is just a short walk from The Forest Hermitage (Wat Pah Santidhamma) where a small community of Theravadan Buddhist monks is resident under the guidance of Ven. Ajahn Khemadhammo. The Forest Hermitage is a branch monastery of Wat Nong Pah Pong in Northeastern Thailand.

News and notices

Weekend retreats

Venerable Manapo is continuing to teach weekend retreats every month at Bhavana Dhamma. Please see the retreats page for more information.

Help needed

If you would like to cook for a retreat please look at the programme above and decide when you would like to help.
You can either come just for the morning, or stay for the duration of the retreat to cook all the meals.
If you come just for a morning you will need to arrive at Bhavana Dhamma in time to prepare the vegetarian meal for 11 am.
The number of retreatants averages 10 - 12.
Bhavana Dhamma kitchen should have all the facilities you require.
You are most welcome to cook for one day or for as many as you like.

Arriving a day or so early in order to prepare the cottage.
Welcoming retreatants on arrival and giving the induction talk.
(OPTIONAL) Cooking for the retreatants (you don't need to be a Gordon Ramsey or Delia Smith!).
Ringing the bell.
Generally keeping an eye on things; ensuring people are well; being on hand should any retreatants have problems.
Being responsible for opening up the cottage and shrine room in the mornings and locking up at night.
Tidying up after the retreat; looking after washing etc.

Also:

You may have your own private room.
You will be required to attend the 6 am morning sitting and 8 pm evening sitting. Apart from that you are free to join in as you please.
You may use your private time to read Dhamma books in your room.
All other protocols will apply i.e. not talking unless necessary, keeping the eight precepts, etc.

This is an opportunity to develop not only your virtue and meditation practice but also your generosity. A great opportunity to help yourself and others cultivate the Dhamma!

If you would like to live at Bhavana Dhamma, as part of the Forest Hermitage's community, for an extended period of time to organise and manage the retreats then that could be possible. Managing the retreats would entail responsibilities listed under part-time manager as well as administration work, maintaining the property (painting and gardening skills would be very useful) etc. You would also have plenty of time for personal practice in a retreat setting. Please contact us if you are interested in this position.

Appeal update

The remaining debt to the bank on Bhavana Dhamma (Wood Cottage) is down now to £50,000! This is still a large amount to raise so if you would like to help us then find out how on the appeal page. See the appeal update from last year.

Welcome to Bhavana Dhamma (Wood Cottage)

News and notices

Weekend retreats

Help needed

Appeal update