Our History & Mission
Dhamma Nadi (ဓမ္မနဒီ) was established in 2010 with the vision of creating a dedicated space for the study and practice of Theravada Buddhism. Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Hmawbi, our monastery serves as a sanctuary for both monastic practitioners and lay visitors seeking to deepen their understanding of the Buddha's teachings.
Our mission is threefold:
- To preserve and transmit the authentic teachings of the Buddha as found in the Pali Canon
- To provide a supportive environment for meditation practice and spiritual development
- To serve the broader community through educational programs and compassionate outreach
The monastery follows the Thai Forest Tradition, emphasizing direct experience through meditation practice as the path to liberation. We maintain a simple lifestyle in accordance with the Vinaya (monastic code) while welcoming visitors who wish to learn about Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Our Monastic Community
Venerable Ajahn Suvanno
Abbot of Dhamma Nadi since its founding. Originally from Bangkok, he ordained in 1995 and practiced in the Thai Forest Tradition for over a decade before establishing our monastery. His teachings emphasize practical application of Dhamma in daily life.
Venerable Thanissaro
Resident monk since 2013. He leads our meditation instruction program and is known for his clear explanations of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness practices. Previously worked as a teacher before ordination.
Venerable Punnadhammo
Resident monk since 2018. Specializes in Pali language studies and leads our Dhamma discussion groups. He is also responsible for maintaining our library of Buddhist texts and resources.
Our Buddhist Tradition
We follow the Theravada tradition as preserved in the Pali Canon, specifically within the Thai Forest lineage. This tradition emphasizes:
Direct Practice: We emphasize personal experience through meditation rather than mere intellectual understanding.
- Sila (Virtue): Maintaining ethical conduct as the foundation for mental development
- Samadhi (Concentration): Developing focused attention through mindfulness and meditation practices
- Panna (Wisdom): Cultivating insight into the nature of reality through direct experience
Our practices are based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and the Noble Eightfold Path. We welcome visitors of all backgrounds to participate in our programs respectfully, regardless of their religious affiliation. All are invited to experience the peace that comes from a dedicated practice.