Monastic residents at Anukampa Grove
Venerable (Ajahn) Candā
Ven. Candā began meditating in 1996 with S.N. Goenka in India. After 10 years of dedicated practice and Dhamma service, she finally discovered an opportunity to ordain in Myanmar and spent the next four years training with Sayadaw U Pannyajota.
A chance encounter with Ajahn Brahm’s teachings in 2010 roused deep confidence and led her to Australia as his disciple. Whilst living at Dhammasara Nuns Monastery for three years, she received full bhikkhuni ordination—and Ajahn’s invitation to start a bhikkhuni residence.
Ven. Candā is a popular international teacher known for her warm, friendly manner and deep knowledge of and love for the Dhamma. Her teachings are relatable and richly informed by the Early Buddhist texts. She emphasises kindness and letting go as a way to develop serenity and insight. Ven. Candā is Spiritual Director of Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project.
Samaneri Upacala
Samaneri Upacala came to Anukampa Grove after training with Venerable Adhimutti in New Zealand and Sri Lanka as an anagarikaa. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, she began meditating seriously in 2018, at a 10-day Vipassana retreat as taught by S.N. Goenka.
On a long retreat in New Zealand in 2021, Samaneri Upacala realised her future entailed going forth. A friend introduced her to a talk given by Ven. Candā and she felt moved—but Anukampa Grove did not yet exist. So she lived in a local bhikkhu monastery, experiencing discrimination: as a woman she was expected to be in the kitchen.
Then with the opening of Anukampa Grove, everything pointed to the UK. Samaneri Upacala expressed her gratitude to Ven. Adhimutti and moved to Oxford in January 2025, making a formal request that March to renew her anagārikā precepts with Ven. Candā as her teacher.
“This is not mine, I am not this, this is not a permanent essence.”
– SN 22.59
How to support us
If you would like to help us continue spreading the teachings, support the running costs at Anukampa Grove and provide requisites to the resident monastics, please see our donations page.