Wat Buddha Dhamma is a Theravadin Forest Monastery devoted to the training of monks and lay practitioners. People are welcome to visit and it is possible to arrange to stay as a guest for a period of time, sharing in the lifestyle of the monastic community. The Wat encourages the development of seclusion, simplicity and renunciation. It is the dedicated commitment to this way of life that facilitates a communal atmosphere where people of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and personalities can live in harmony and to practice the Teachings of the Lord Buddha to realize Ultimate Liberation. An Open Invitation Wat Buddha Dhamma was set up as a monastery with the intention of being a spiritual home, not just for monastics living here, but for the lay community as well. While there are organized retreats from time to time, you are most welcome to visit at any time. Come to the Wat, have a walk through the bush, meditate, have a cuppa with the residents, or offer to help in whatever ways you can. In addition to day visits, you can come to stay as a guest to deepen your practice in a supportive environment of simplicity and seclusion in the company of like-minded people. Make the Wat part of your life. The spiritual connection between the laity and monastics is a precious gift. For regular updates on the happenings at the Wat, you can be added to our mailing list.
The monastics eat one main meal a day in late morning and the monastic regulations require that they finish by midday. If you would like to make an offering for the meal, please call in advance and plan to arrive by 9:30 am. Offering food to the monastic community provides an opportunity to visit and participate in the lifestyle of the monastery. A simple menu is fine, but please keep in mind that it is the only meal for the day. When offering the meal at the monastery, the kitchen manager can help explain the protocol for offering food to the monks
Drive to Wisemans Ferry. If you use the M2 take the Pennant Hills Road Exit, from Pennant Hills Road take a slight left onto Castle Hill Rd. Turn right onto New Line Road. At the roundabout go straight onto Old Northern Road. Drive through Glenorie and Maroota before arriving at Wisemans Ferry. Drive through Wisemans Ferry to the end and take the “Wisemans Ferry” (Not Webb’s Creek) ferry across the river (operates daily for 24 hours and is free of charge). Getting off the ferry turn right (towards Gosford) and drive for 4 km until you see a pole with the sign ‘Wat Buddha Dhamma’ and a Buddhist Flag. Turn off to your left to take you up to the locked gate