Monastic residents at Anukampa Grove
Ajahn (Ven) Candā
Ajahn Candā began meditating in 1996 with S.N. Goenka in India. After ten 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!
Ajahn 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. Ajahn Candā is Spiritual Director of Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project.
Samaneri Upacālā
Born in Ontario, Canada, Samaneri Upacālā began meditating in 2016 in the tradition of S.N. Goenka in New Zealand. That first retreat was transformative and sparked an interest in bhikkhuni ordination, which continued to grow as she prioritised meditation and Dhamma service. During this time she heard Ajahn Candā’s teachings on YouTube and felt drawn to her as a bhikkhuni teacher with a similar practice background, who taught the Suttas and emphasised gentleness.
In 2023 she took the Anagārika Precepts with Venerable Adhimutti and travelled with her from New Zealand to Sri Lanka. Having tried this nomadic lifestyle, she realised that a stable community was necessary for a good start to monastic life and visited Ajahn Candā at Anukampa Grove. She immediately felt the warmth of the community and returned later as an aspiring monastic. In November 2025 she went forth as a Samaneri in dependence on her teacher, Ajahn Candā.
“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.