Help a Buddhist monastery in Poland drill a new well!

The Bodhi Tree Foundation and supporters of Ajahn Kondañño Thero would like to ask for your support as they strive to make the teachings of the Buddha more accessible to the people of Poland. This “hermitage” will function very much in the same way as Samanadipa Monastery (Slovenia) with a mission of being dedicated to the teachings of Early Buddhism.

Fortunately, this effort will include many of the same monastics and lay people who have worked tirelessly over the years supporting both Samanadipa Monastery and Hillside Hermitage. Whether it was the construction of original Hillside Hermitage in the Knuckles Range of Sri Lanka, its new location in Slovenia, or the many improvements and long terms goals for the already established Samanadipa Monastery, this dedicated group has consistently completed these often challenging projects with great enthusiasm and efficiency, and will no doubt direct that same energy to this next venture.

June 9, 2025: Now that a purchase of the new property has been finalized, and Ajahn Kondañño Thero has now officially taken up residence at the new hermitage, Vihãra Pod Lasem, a new phase of work is underway. As with any major project, this one is not without its first setback. After several attempts to rehabilitate the existing well, it seems there is no option to utilize it. With that, a new deep well will have to drilled. While our goal for general renovations will remain at 20k, please consider the next round of fundraising (roughly $3k) to be fully dedicated to this well drilling project.

Please offer your support so we can see the forest tradition continue to prosper. This will be the first hermitage of its kind in Poland!

Ajahn Kondañño Thero was born in 1976 in Poland. In 2007 he took anagārika precepts in Chithurst Monastery, UK and a year later became samanera. In 2009 he was admitted into the bhikkhu sangha in the Upasampada ceremony in Amaravati Monastery with Luang Por Sumedho as his preceptor.

The Bodhi Tree Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) registered with the National Court Register (KRS) in Poland. (KRS: 0001107157)

Jonathan Pizzolo is managing this fundraiser on behalf of the Bodhi Tree Foundation. Please visit the Bodhi Tree Foundation website for further information including contact details for any questions.

Please enjoy this short photo recap of some foundation members touring a potential property: