About

Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage
“The complete release of my mind was like the quenching of the lamp”
Arahat Bhikkhuni Patacara

Ajahn Vayama, founding abbot of the nuns’monastery in Gidgegannup, Western Australia, took early retirement in June 2010 due to failing health. She and Ayya Seri, her carer, accepted an offer of accommodation in a female lay supporters’private residence where they established Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage on 26th November 2010, with the support of a group of devotees, they are able to live quietly and continue with their practice.

The Hermitage came into existance as an officially separate Buddhist organisation on 23rd June 2011.

Unforfortunately, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni passed away on 20th November 2021. Currently, the supporters are fund raising for a property for Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage in Perth, Western Australia.

Aims of Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage Incorporated (changes approved on 12th April 2023)
a) to provide support, protection, aid and relief for the Buddhist Bhikkhunis and Samaneris of the Theravada Forest Tradition who reside in the Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage established according to the guidelines and practices of the Vinaya Pitaka of the Pali Canon;
b) to provide the four requisites to the Buddhist Bhikkhunis and Samaneris of the Theravada Tradition,  the four requisites being food, clothing, shelter and medicine in accordance with Buddhist tradition and principles.
c) to establish and maintain Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage in the tradition of the Vinaya (the code of discipline of Buddhist Monks and Nuns) and subject to the guidelines and limitations as laid out in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Pali Canon under the sections dealing with the Sangha property, the hermitage to be under the control of the resident Sangha in all aspects.
d) to support the Bhikkhunis and Samaneris so they may act as spiritual guides and teachers for the well-being of the Buddhist community.

Arahat Bhikkhuni Patacara
Many people know the story of Patacara before she became a nun, her many misfortunes and losses which left her widowed, childless, orphaned and homeless. However, she became an enlightened bhikkhuni, foremost in the vinaya and a great teacher who helped many women on The Path.  As such, she is the inspiration behind the establishment of Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage.

Contact information can be found in the Contact Us page.