Bodhi Tree Buddhist Retreat Centre

My name is Venerable Pannyavaro (or to many just 'Pannya').

I am the founder and Abbot of Bodhi Tree Forest Monastery & Retreat Centre. I have been a Buddhist monk and meditation teacher for over 30 years. Bodhi Tree is appealing for your support to help build an Ordination and Meditation Hall for our monastery. Your donations will help fund our Meditation Retreat Complex, which ultimately will provide facilities for up to fourty-four meditators (cost free).


Location and Eco-friendly focus

Bodhi Tree is situated in Northern New South Wales, Australia near the city of Lismore, on 95 acres (36.91 hectares). When we first secured the land it was badly degraded, but from all the environmental work we’ve done in the past nine years it has been transformed into a sanctuary for native flora and fauna, encouraging many native species back to the area.

We have cleared large areas of invasive weeds and planted approximately 7000 rainforest trees, as well as fruit and nut trees. This includes approximately 800 koala food trees that provide sanctuary to endangered wildlife, and has helped restore the natural habitat and is a food corridor for koalas. Since its inception Bodhi Tree Forest Monastery has always had a strong eco-friendly focus.

Vipassana (Mindfulness) Meditation

Bodhi Tree is a Vipassana (mindfullness) meditation centre in the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition, we offer short meditation workshops, 10-day Vipassana retreats and also cater for long term self-retreats. All free of charge. 


Where we are at now

In 2013, all design and engineering plans for the new Centre were completed and planning permission has since been granted. Work has commenced and we have finished the first building a two-bedroom accommodation unit (see above) especially designed for the disabled and elderly. In addition, a substantial part of the infrastructure has been installed.

About Us

We are a registered not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1992 and follow the Buddhist tradition of not charging for our services and retreats. We survive entirely on donations (dana) and help from volunteers.

Contributing to this Gofundme appeal to help build our Meditation Centre will enable us to offer free 10-day Insight Meditation retreats on a regular basis – and whether you’re a Buddhist or not - all are welcome!

Thank you for your generosity!

Ven. Pannyavaro
Bodhi Tree Forest Monastery & Retreat Centre

Please visit our website for more information: www.bodhitreemonastery.org