Bodhivana Forest Monastery is a spiritual sanctuary rooted in the timeless teachings of the Buddha. It offers a place for meditation, reflection, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion in the peaceful hills of Nepal.
The teachings of the Buddha have been carefully preserved for more than 2,500 years through an unbroken monastic lineage. This tradition continues today in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Bodhivana Forest Monastery follows the Theravāda forest tradition — a path emphasizing meditation, simplicity, discipline, and direct insight into the nature of reality.
“Just as the great rivers flow into the ocean, the teachings of the Buddha continue through generations of dedicated practitioners.”
Forest monasteries follow the ancient tradition of practicing in quiet natural environments. Away from noise and distraction, practitioners cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion.
Since the time of the Buddha, monks and meditators have practiced in forests, mountains, and peaceful natural surroundings.
This tradition continues today at Bodhivana, where nature supports the cultivation of mindfulness, concentration, and insight.
The name “Bodhivana” means “Forest of Awakening.” Our vision is to cultivate a sacred forest of Bodhi trees connected with the enlightenment of the Buddhas described in the scriptures.
At present we preserve the sacred Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), the very species beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
Over time, Bodhivana hopes to gather and cultivate the different trees associated with past Buddhas, creating a living forest that symbolizes awakening, wisdom, and compassion for all beings.