The Nuns Community
The Order of Sīladhārā (Ten Precept Nuns) began in 1979 with the Anāgārikā ordination (Eight Precept Nuns) of four Western women at Chithurst Monastery.
For the first five years, the women lived as Anāgārikā in a cottage about ten minutes walk from the main monastery.
In 1983 they were given the Ten Precepts, and in the following year, all of the nuns - by then four Sīladhārā and four Anāgārikā moved to Amaravati Monastery, which was to be their new residence.
Since then a training structure has been established, consisting of the Ten Precepts and additional observances. There are currently 17 Sīladhārā and 6 Anāgārikā residing at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monastery.
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Ajahn SundaraAjahn Sundara was born in France in 1946. She studied dance in England and in France. In her early thirties, after working for a few years as a dancer and teacher of contemporary dance, she had the opportunity whilst living and studying in England to attend a talk and later, a retreat led by Ajahn Sumedho. |
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Ajahn CandasiriAjahn Candasiri was born in Scotland in 1947 and was brought up as a Christian. After university, she trained and worked as an occupational therapist, mainly in the field of mental illness. In 1977, an interest in meditation led her to meet Ajahn Sumedho, shortly after his arrival from Thailand. Inspired by his teachings and example, she began her monastic training at Chithurst as one of the first four Anagārikā. |
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Ajahn UpekkhaAjahn Upekkha was born in 1949 in Provence, France. After training and receiving a diploma she worked together with children in a kindergarten for twelve years. During that time she was also married, but realised through these experiences that she needed a more fulfilling life. She began her explorations through psychotherapy. This brought her in touch with the sense of a deeper level of being than the conventional self. |
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Ajahn ĀnandabodhiAjahn Ānandabodhi was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales in 1968. Coming across the Four Noble Truths while still at school a confidence in the Buddha’s teaching was sparked in her heart. She trained in catering and also worked in environmental conservation, all the while looking for spiritual direction. |
