Monastic lineage of Ajahn Chah

We are a monastery within the Theravada school of Buddhism, following the lineage and example of our teacher Ajahn Chah. The monastic tradition behind Dhammapala monastery belongs to a branch of the two original Southern schools of Buddhism: the so called Sthavira and Mahasanghika, two groups who separated from each other already shortly after the second Buddhist council – which took place approximately 100 years after the passing away of the Buddha. Both groups represent the forerunners of all the southern schools of Buddhism, among them the Theravada tradition, which appeared on the scene under this name not until a hundred years later.

Read more about our tradition here.

Dhammapala

Dhammapala means ‘protector of the Dhamma’, the teachings of the Buddha. Read more about our tradition’s arrival in the West here.

Present residents at the monastery

Dhammapala is primarily a dwelling place for monks (Bhikkhus), male novices (Samaneras) and postulants (Anagarikas). You can learn about our residents here.