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"Herstory" In The Making!

Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project was founded by Ven Candā in 2016 at the request of her teacher Ajahn Brahm, who serves as Spiritual Adviser.

Anukampa means the wise compassion that alleviates suffering and its cause, and was the quality that motivated the Buddha to teach.

We aim to:

1. Promote the teachings and practices of Early Buddhism, leading to full Awakening.

2. Establish the first "Forest Monastery" in England where women can train towards full (bhikkhuni) ordination!

The beautiful cherry tree at Anukampa Grove
The beautiful cherry tree at Anukampa Grove

We are raising enthusiasm and funds for this project by organising retreats, talks and discussion groups, that present the Buddha's teachings in an authentic, relevant and accessible way.

Anukampa is committed to inclusivity by welcoming everyone, including LGBTQIA+ people and those of every ethnicity, race and background, both to our events and as guests.

Get involved with our friendly community to deepen your practice and help make our vision a reality!

And Then There Were Three! 🙂

Welcoming 2 Aspiring Bhikkhunis To Anukampa’s Community! On Sunday 16th March, Anagarikaa Upacala renewed her training precepts with me as her teacher, which also meant formally joining the Anukampa community as my first trainee. This step marks a pivotal point for Anukampa as we now have another long-term resident at the monastery ~ a precious new kalyanamitta (spiritual friend) for everybody here! It is also a turning point for Buddhism in the UK, because this is the first time that a woman has been able to take up anagarikaa training with a wide open path ahead to becoming a full member …

Chie’s Story & Aspirations

Dear Dhamma Friend, You might be pleased to know that I have formally requested anagarika training from Venerable Canda, and she accepted! I intend to complete the preliminary training as Anagarika for part of this year and the next, and if all goes with the current flow of things, go on to samaneri training for some time and in a beautiful culmination of those training years,  I will be able to ask for the full bhikkhuni ordination. Upon requesting full ordination as ordination and if accepted by the Sangha at that time, I would be able to start journeying as …

Anagarikaa Upacala’s Story of Renunciation 

With joy, I write to you as a new full-time member of our community! As such, I would like to share a little about the journey that brought me here. As a youth growing up in small-town Ontario, Canada, I didn’t want to be like the manicured people I saw in magazines and movies. Punk rock, art and anti-capitalist peers were my refuges, in a world saturated with advertisements to buy more and “be” more. In 2014 I was working two jobs. The stress led me to begin meditating which helped for a while… until the practice faded. A year later, having moved to New Zealand, …

My Time in Finland: A Metta Retreat

I had a wonderful trip to teach a Metta Retreat for the new Dhamma Society of Finland this March ~ a community of humble, warm-hearted folks with strong ethics of equality, that quickly felt like family. The retreat was well-attended and I enjoyed giving talks about the inclusive nature of loving-kindness and sharing laughter, tears and stories of resilience. Whilst I was there it was International Women’s Day and this felt apt since Finland was the first European country where women won the right to vote. No wonder that at the heart of their aims is support for and representation …

Documentary: Buddhist Nun on a Mission 

The Inspiring Story of Anukampa Grove Anukampa Grove is the first monastery for Theravada bhikkhunis (fully ordained Buddhist nuns) in the United Kingdom, located in Boars Hill near Oxford. Founded by Venerable Canda with Ajahn Brahm as its spiritual advisor, it was established to provide a place where women can train towards full bhikkhuni ordination. Ven Canda and her visiting friend Ven Upekkha moved in on 22nd March 2024. It is located in a peaceful wooded landscape, offering an ideal environment for Buddhist practice and meditation. Anukampa Grove aims to promote the teachings and practices of early Buddhism, while also providing opportunities for women to …

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OUR EVENTS

Fridays, 18:45-20:00 pm UK Time

“Fridays Sutta Discussion Group

with Ven Canda

Every Tuesday & Thursday


19:15 - 20:00 UK Time


Silent Sitting Group

Wednesdays, 5.30 - 6 pm UK Time


"Pali Chanting & Blessing Group”

Venerable Canda & Ajahn Brahm Ordination 2014
Buddhist Summit 2015

"I feel a responsibility, an ethical need, to work as much as I am able, to establish the first Buddhist monastery for bhikkhunis in a country that nurtured my early Buddhist Path"  ~  Ajahn Brahm. 

"It struck me how different your way of teaching is compared to the male Ajahns. You bring more warmth, emotions, and intuition. It's probably about personality, but I guess also about gender and it just shows how important it is to have diversity amongst spiritual teachers :)"~ Prisca.

"It is our pleasure to do whatever little we have done so far. You are giving us the greatest gift of Dhamma"  ~ Mangala.

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