Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recent changes regarding the Wat?
As of 1st December 2008, Wat Buddha Dhamma has reverted to being a Theravadin Forest Monastery. As a monastery, there is no charge for accommodation or food. We rely on donations in the form of food, money, and volunteer labour. With the exception of organized retreats, the monastery is open every day for visitors. For more information regarding day visits or overnight stays, please go to visiting or staying page.

Who has management control of the Wat?
The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the management of the Wat. Currently, it is composed of three monastics, Tan Chao Khun, (the Abbot) Ajahn Brahm and myself (Venerable Khemavaro, the Resident Teacher) and five lay people (Trevor Slaven, Liz Oski, Donald Tait, Giles Barton, and Rob Cunneen).

Who makes the day-to-day decisions at the Wat?
As the Resident Teacher and a Director, I have the discretions to make the day-to-day decisions regarding the affairs of the Wat, albeit in consultation with the Abbot.

Is Wat Buddha Dhamma turning into a Thai Monastery?
Since I am not Thai and can barely speak any Thai, there is very little chance that the Wat will be a Thai monastery. However, one of the main reasons why I became a monk was the inspirations from meeting the Thai Meditation Masters.

Can I come and do my “own thing” at the Wat? If not, Why Not?
The Wat is a Theravadin monastery, and hopes to provide an environment for those who wish to train their minds and deepen their meditation practice in the company of like minded people hence the precepts, monastery rules, and daily schedule. For those interested in this path the aim is to realize the freedom from desire, NOT the freedom of desire. Understandably not everyone is comfortable in a structured monastic environment or wanting a more rigorous practice; for those of other spiritual traditions or at different stages of practice we are fortunate there are over 200 Dhamma centres in NSW that can be contacted to explore other ways of practice. For more info about other centres, please visit www.buddhanet.net .

Now that the Wat is a Theravadin Forest Monastery, is it a “closed shop” except for a few select monks and nuns?
That Wat is open to meditators of all traditions, monastics and lay practitioners, Buddhists and non-Buddhists, as long as they observe the eights precepts, monastery rules, and join in the daily schedule. During the recent New Year Retreat, there were close to 40 meditators from Mahayana, Zen, Christian, and of course, Theravadin traditions. It's not what or who you are, but what you do that is important in the monastery.