Home – old pre 2025

"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 monastic residence (small monastery) in the UK where women can practice and aspire 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 talks, discussion groups and off-site retreats 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.

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

“Radiant Happiness:” Ajahn Brahm’s 2nd Tour, 2025

November 18th – 30th 2025 After the poignant memories of the transformative 8-day residential retreat at Belsey Bridge back in 2018,  we had eagerly planned another at the beautiful Belsey Bridge Centre in 2022. However, when the Centre unexpectedly ceased operations at the last minute, we had to adapt and host an online retreat instead…which we have been doing ever since.Now, six-years from the last residential retreat, we are thrilled to offer an in-person retreat with Ajahn Brahm! His dedication is unwavering and he is generously returning for a second time to the UK this year!Joined by Ven Canda, Ajahn Brahm will be offering …

Life at Anukampa Grove

Ven Dhammasami, Retreats & Thai Restaurants ~ by Ven. Candā Never a dull day passes at Anukampa Grove ~ unless, that is, one may consider our weekly silent meditation days dull. For me, those “stoppings” are deeply relished as we enter the busiest time of our years’ cycle ~ demanding of energy yet benevolently serenaded by birdsong and the rustling of delicate new leaves.  My main activities have included organising the upcoming tours for Ajahn Brahm, newsletter composition, creating a colourful new leaflet with (the now) An. Chie, updating our visitors guidelines with An. Upacalaa, and excitingly, (very lightly) assisting …

Fragrance of Renunciation

by Anagarika Chie A long time ago in Harare, in the days when I first walked home from school alone, without siblings or any older person, I remember how being alone heightened my sensory experiences of the tropical atmosphere. The sunlight seemed brighter, the shades cooler and the tree foliage above so dense. One of these trees was a yellow magnolia with a strong fragrance. In fact, I often paused and stood beneath it, feeling enveloped by the scent and also mystified about its origin. Until one day, I noticed the fallen flowers on the ground and the air filled with …

A New Anagarikaa Hatches on Easter Day!

And then there were three….by Ven Candā On Sunday 20th April, whilst many people were celebrating Easter with family members, our spiritual family grew. It was an occasion to be remembered forever ~ personally and as the first time a British woman had taken up the anagarikaa precepts with a view to bhikkhuni ordination ~ yes, yet another first!  It took an evening to shave Chie’s head, owing to the care needed to ensure that her hair was kept in good condition as a precious donation for cancer patients ~ our friend Karin told us that afro hair donations are …

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 …

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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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