Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery
Purchased by the Saranaloka Foundation in January 2015, the monastery’s steward organization, Aloka Vihara is located on 17 acres near Placerville in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California.
The Nuns
Ayya Anandabodhi and Ayya Santacitta were both part of the monastic community of Amaravati in England for almost 20 years. In 2011 they stepped out of that community in order to take full ordination as bhikkhunis. They are teachers who have delved deeply into the wounds that privilege, oppression and the present climate chaos have brought to their practice and to our world. They share their perspectives and inspire investigation into these issues in their Dhamma teachings and by personal example.
Ayya Ahimsa has lived at Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery for five years. She is a stalwart support in taking care of the monastery, sharing her wisdom with guests and developing her practice. She began her training at Sati Saraniya Hermitage in Ottawa, Canada.
Ayya Niyyanika has lived at Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery for a little under two years. She supports the smooth running of the office and is dedicated to supporting the development of a harmonious and welcoming community through the practice of skillful listening and community process. She did her initial monastic training at Dhammadharini Monastery in Sonoma County.