We present three participant reports from the last event on September 6, 2025 at Vihãra Pod Lasem: Putting the timeless before the modern In the pindapat ceremony, a lay supporter puts a ball of rice directly into the bowl of a monk. At its core this act still captures, 2500 years after the Buddha, the essence of the mutual support between the monastic Sangha and the lay supporters. Meanwhile, Dhamma talks are recorded in video and uploaded online in minutes, […]
Inauguration of the Residence of the Forest Sangha — Reflections from the Visit of Hillside Hermitage and Samanadīpa Guests to Vihãra Pod Lasem
The First Pabbajjā and a New Step on the Path of the Forest Sangha in Poland
In the early days of this year’s Vassa, a pabbajjā (novice ordination) ceremony was held at Vihāra Pod Lasem, located in the Subcarpathian region of Poland, marking a significant milestone for the Forest Sangha in this country. This event took place in a hermitage that is gradually coming into being through the dedication of forest monks, the Bodhi Tree Foundation, and the support of many lay practitioners from both Poland and abroad. We were honored by the presence of Ajahn […]
3 Refuges and 8 precepts
On July 4, at Vihara Pod Lasem, Kamil formally arrived at 3 Refuges and 8 precepts and began his training as Anagarika. The privacy policy, including the information clause on the processing of personal data in accordance with GDPR, can be read here.
We invite you to the first event at Pod Lasem Vihara
The Pabbajjā Ceremony and the opening of Vassa season We warmly invite you to come to Pod Lasem Vihara at 12th of July for a ceremony of Pabbajjā, during which anagārika Patryk will be accepted into the Sangha as sāmaṇera (novice monk). The event will start at 11:00 a.m. with offering of the food. The Pabbajjā ceremony will start after a cleanup and a short break. The event will also be an inauguration of this year’s rain retreat season […]
Fundraising for the well at the Buddhist Hermitage
We need several thousand PLN to drill a deep well at Vihara Pod Lasem – a newly established hermitage for Buddhist monks and nuns of the forest tradition. Renovation and adaptation of the Vihara for everyday functioning is currently underway. Ajahn Kondanyo, Patryk (Anagarika) and Kamil are actively participating in the works. Unfortunately, it has turned out that the existing well cannot be used, as we had made several unsuccessfull attempts to pump up the water and clean it. Without […]
Vihãra Pod Lasem has started!
Here is the news many have been eagerly awaiting: On May 20, 2025, Ajahn Kondañño arrived at the Vihãra, joined by Kamil, an Anagarika candidate. Together, they became the very first residents of the hermitage. Vihãra Pod Lasem has officially begun its journey. Here’s the photo report of the first moments of the Vihãra. The first part – unloading: The second part – Ajahn’s arrival: We hope these photos brought a warm smile and a sense of satisfaction […]
Vihãra Pod Lasem – the first Polish hermitage for Buddhist monks and nuns – is just around the corner.
Today is a great day – not just for our Foundation, but for everyone who has hoped to see the first hermitage for Buddhist monks and nuns emerge in Poland. We are delighted to officially announce that your hopes have been fulfilled. Yesterday, we signed all the necessary documents and the Foundation became the owner of the property, making our dreams come true! The hermitage named Vihãra Pod Lasem will come to life thanks to your dedication, enormous hearts and […]
Springtime visit
On Friday, March 14, we visited again the place where we hope to build a hermitage for monks and nuns of the Buddhist forest tradition. This time we came across a landscape heralding spring. We also had more time to take a closer look at the building and its surroundings. Our first good impression from the last visit was confirmed and the location seems to be excellent, filled with beautiful, natural forests with mostly deciduous trees, picturesque gorges and peaceful […]
Buddhism and Bodhi Tree Foundation – hopes and challenges
This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard: “Monks, if beings knew, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of selfishness overcome their minds. Even if it were their last bite, their last mouthful, they would not eat without having shared, if there were someone to receive their gift. But because beings do not know, as I know, the results […]
The first Buddhist hermitage in Poland
We are glad to invite you to participate in a landmark event – setting up the very first Vihara (hermitage) in Poland for Buddhist monks and nuns of Theravada forest tradition. We are one step away from realizing our ambitions! Soon we will purchase the property – a small house that will provide essential facilities for monks and nuns staying in a hermitage and also visiting lay people. In order to take this step, we need financial support from everyone […]