Temple -Forest-Monastery

The primary purpose of Temple Forest Monastery is to serve as a place where Buddhist forest monks are able to live and practice the monastic life according to their tradition – which combines meditation and seclusion for individuals within a forest wilderness with a disciplined communal life – and where those interested can apply to become monks and receive a traditional training. In addition the monastery acts as a religious center, or ‘church’, for local and regional Buddhists, and also as a resource for those of any faith or none interested in learning from traditional Buddhist monastic life, teachings, and practice.
Everyone is welcome: guidance and opportunities for meditation and quiet reflection are offered for visitors and, for those who wish to join the monastic routine of the monks, for overnight guests. The monastery aims to provide an accessible contemplative sanctuary for anyone interested in this way of life. It is therefore a place where cultures mix, and on any given day there may be local American as well as Thai or other Asian visitors, and occasionally guests from other countries.
Temple Forest Monastery is part of an international monastic community based in Thailand, with branches in various Western countries; the monks at Temple are mainly Westerners who have taken ordination within this monastic order. The monasteries of this tradition are financially independent, each funded entirely through unsolicited donations from people who wish to support that particular monastery. Since Buddhist monks’ rules prevent them from receiving or handling money or having personal funds, a religious non-profit organization was created to facilitate those needs for this monastery. Everything is offered freely to everyone who comes to the monastery; there is no charge for anything.