Goljek Forest Hermitage – also called Samaṇadīpa – is a small monastic (samaṇa) sanctuary (dīpa) for small number of monks from the contemplative and conservative forest tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. It is the first of the kind in this part of Europe that follows the original teachings of the Buddha, as found in the early texts and has an unbroken linage from around 2600 years ago. The monks follow the high standard of the monastic code (vinaya) and the teaching (dhamma), which can be found in Theravādin countries (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, Cambodia). Samaṇadīpa follows particularly the paths of the teacher Ajahn Chah and the forest hermits. More about the tradition you can read here.

Samaṇadīpa uses three seperated lands. The main Hermitage's cottage (Ārāma) stands on a slope of Goljek Village, mostlz covered in forest. The cottage has the Shrine Room, the kitchen and two bedrooms; in the forest are two kuties, Abhaya Kuṭī and Piya Kuṭī. The second - more secluded and private property for monks - has a enclosure cottage Viveka Vihāra in Kriška Reber with two bedrooms and one kuti (Viveka Kuṭī). The property is located about 20min walk from the central part. And the third part is the Guesthouse Nirodha in Brezje, 10min walking distance from the central part. There are also Muni Kuṭī (the Guardinan's hut) and Jaya Kuṭī.

Samaṇadīpa welcomes visits from anyone who is interested in the Buddha's Teaching, meditation or seeking the answers to their existential problems. The main purpose of the place is to provide seclusion for monks, however any visitor is welcome to talk to monks and also could stay here overnight for few days (more info).

Organization



The hermitage was established on 15 April 2016 and is registered as a legal entity under private law ("religious community") with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia on 16 January 2020. (Registration number: 2656205000, tax number: 35038209.)



As specified in the Basic Act, the monastery is governed by two bodies, the Assembly of Monks (Sangha) and the Administrative Council.



The Assembly of Monks is the highest internal organ of the Hermitage, made up of fully ordained monks (bhikkhuji), presided over by the Guardian, who is also the official representative of the monastery. The monks make sure that all things go according to the Dhamma and Vinaya. Major decisions are taken unanimously.



The Administrative Council is formed by a selected group of lay members of the monastery, which is the working and consultative body of the monastery for the non-profit management of the monastery property.



President: Monishankar Singha

Treasurer: Bojan Pirih

Dragoljub Blagojevic

Bojan Božič

Neda Bras

Maja Najdič

Matjaž Piavec



Registered lay members are persons who are committed to the three refuges, follow the five precepts and respect monastic life, and can advise the Assembly of Monks (Sangha) and the Administrative Council.

Mission

The Buddha created monastic communities as the optimal lifestyle for those seeking to understand the ultimate truth of nature. The main purpose and responsibility of a Buddhist monk or nun is to put the teachings into practice. Committed to simplicity, renunciation (having no money and few possessions) and devotion to meditation, monastics do not aim to seek pleasure through self-indulgence or worldly distractions. Instead they strive for a more subtle inner happiness, one that blossoms forth when peace and wisdom take root in the heart. As one’s wisdom develops so does one’s capacity to help others.

Monastic life in all of its activities is designed to develop positive qualities that lead to awakening — qualities such as generosity, loving kindness, integrity, humility, determined effort and a continuity of clear awareness. Since the time of the Buddha, monks and nuns have followed his example by living in forests, mountains and caves. Far from the stress and busyness that afflict modern life, a tranquil natural setting provides the perfect environment for developing serenity and insight.

Vision

We aim to keep the place simple and basic, since we believe such conditions are supportive to our practice, and the Forest Tradition emphasises the Buddha's guidance that monks should be easy to take care of.

The Hermitage's main purpose is to serve as a residence for a small number of Buddhist monks and laity. Based on a strict standard of discipline of the Forest Tradition, the monks are dedicated to renunciation of sensuality and material possessions.

Samaṇadīpa also supports the lay community in their practice of the Buddhist teachings. By offering almsfood and other requisites to the monastic community, visitors to the Hermitage develop generosity (dāna) in the traditional Buddhist form. Visitors can deepen their theoretical knowledge of the Buddha's teaching, discuss their practice and receive encouragement to apply this knowledge to their own life. Samaṇadīpa serves as a sanctuary of quiet reflection and contemplation, where the peaceful, natural environment and the teachings allow visitors to find peace in their heart.

To support those who wish to train themselves according to the instructions given by the Buddha, Samaṇadīpa offers:

accommodation for a few lay guests to experience monastic life as supporter to the hermitage,

study of the Buddha's Teachings - the hermitage has also a library,

Dhamma conversations with monks,

daily opportunities to offer almsfood, requisites to the resident monks or help with the work.

The Residents

Ajahn Sangamaji Thero He was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1974. He was ordained as a novice in 1998 in Sri Lanka with Ven. K. Ñanananda as his teacher, and in 2000 as a bhikkhu. Most of his monastic time have been spend in Sri Lanka, and also in Thailand, Australia, Germany, USA (Temple Monastery), and in Malaysia (Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary). His main interests are the study and practice of Early Buddhism, the training of the mind, and a simple monk's life in the forest. Ajahn Hiriko Thero

(the Guardian of the Hermitage - Saṅghaṇāyaka) He is the founding Elder of the Hermitage. He was born in Ljubljana, in 1985. He took anagarika (postulat) precepts in Santacittarama Monastero Buddhista in Italy in 2004. In the same year, he went to England to take samanera (novice) ordination, and in 2006 he became a bhikkhu (fully ordained monk). His preceptor was Venerable Luang Por Sumedho (Phra Chao Khun Rajasumedhajahn). Ajahn Hiriko is also the chief editor and the administrator at Path Press and the author of The Hermit of Bundala, the biography of an English monk from Sri Lanka, Ñāṇavīra Thera. He is also a writer of Slovenian articles (Menihovi misli) and translator of Buddha's talks or Suttas. Previously he was living in the international branch monasteries of Wat Pah Pong and in Sri Lanka. Tan Phasuko



He was born in 1980 in The Netherlands. He became bhikkhu (fully ordained monk) in 2014 and since then he has been living in international branch monasteries of Wat Pah Pong.

Anagarika Nick He was born in 1987 in London, UK. He became Anagarika (postulant) in August 2020 at Samanadipa Forest Hermitage. Anagarika Bojan He was born in 1981 in Maribor, Slovenia. He became Anagarika (postulant) in August 2020 at Samanadipa Forest Hermitage















