Bodhinyana Buddhist Monastery - Serpentine, Western Australia

Pei

Situated within the Serpentine National Park. Peaceful & upmost serenity. Colourful birds & kangaroos were easily seen. Do not disturb the nature. Adhered to the basic disciplines. Respect the monks & Monastery. Speak gently & softly at all times. Amituofo 🙏 🤲

Kevin W.

During our visit to Bodhinyana, a serene Theravada Buddhist monastery located in Serpentine, about an hour’s drive southeast of Perth, Western Australia, we had the privilege of a memorable encounter. Established in 1983 and operated by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia, the monastery is a place of tranquility and reflection.

While exploring the grounds, we noticed one of the monks diligently sweeping the pathways. Curious, we paused to engage in conversation. With a touch of boldness, I asked him what had led him to embrace monastic life. To our surprise, he shared that he hailed from Pontypridd in Wales. Years ago, he was a successful professional, headhunted by prominent businesses, which brought him to Western Australia. Shortly after arriving, he married, but the relationship turned out to be profoundly challenging and painful. This hardship led him to question his life’s direction and ultimately inspired his decision to pursue the path of a Buddhist monk.

He spoke candidly about his daily routine, explaining that each monk is assigned specific tasks at the start of the day. On this particular day, his role was sweeping the leaves from the paths. Interestingly, he noted that even monks are not immune to occasional disagreements, but much of their time is spent in solitude, providing ample opportunity for reflection and mindfulness.

The monastery’s peaceful ambiance, enhanced by the presence of wild kangaroos, left a lasting impression. He mentioned that on Christmas Day, the monastery welcomes many visitors who bring an abundance of food, which is shared during lunch with the monks and guests—a tradition that embodies generosity and community.

He kindly invited us to join them for lunch that day, which was Boxing Day for us. Regretfully, we had to decline as we needed to return home, where our daughter was preparing dinner for us. Nonetheless, the experience left us deeply moved and inspired by the monk’s story and the serene beauty of Bodhinyana.

Kail K.

Very peaceful welcoming Buddhist monastery that accepts any individual from any religion. Very clean and quiet. Visitors are not told but expected to maintain those disciplines.

Ample parking and clean sanitary facilities. Best to visit in winter or spring to see the surrounding forest come to life.

Jeff N.

So welcoming, peaceful and ready to help you in your practice.

Leoni V. L.

Nice and peaceful. We weren't lucky enough to meet Ajahn Brahm on this probably once in a lifetime trip. But we did meet very kind people and the lovely birds that tried to have lunch with us.

Jakub J.

I love it. Relaxing and beautiful location.
I'm recommending with all my heart.

jigme Y. C.

Fantastic place to get back your peaceful mind.

Beautiful drive journey towards the monastery.

Wonderful surroundings and lovely designed structure.

Plenty garden and parking space. Free entrance to all visitors.

Be mindful and quiet as there are meditation huts in the area.

Adrian M.

A humble and inspiring beacon of kindfulness stands at this monastery of monks. In addition to the hall that the monks receive visitors in, there's a large and calm energy meditation hall for some peaceful meditation and reflection, and the surrounding grounds in the bush are also serene and relaxing.

The monks and visitors are kind and friendly, and all are welcome to get involved in the activities for common good. They offer daily offerings of alms to the monks, followed by helpful teachings on life, the opportunity to speak to and ask the learned and wise monks questions, and the sharing of the remaining and plentiful food amongst the visitors for a pre-noon meal. Be sure to check the website before you visit to see what's scheduled, timings and etiquette.

There's a regular community that visits on various days during the week, with the weekends and public holidays being busier. It's a great oasis away from the city to bring one some inner peace.