Dhammadhira was trained as a Buddhist monastic in the Thai Forest Tradition in lineage of Ajahn Chah. She spent eleven years at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monasteries in England from 2001-2012.
After traveling to Thailand, Burma, Australia and India, she decided to return to the U.S. where she took the full ordination into the bhikkhuni Sangha in 2012.
In 2015, Dhammadhira decided to become more engaged in ways that would benefit the larger community. She now makes her home in Colorado Springs where she is working to develop a cooperative model of community for the development of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Her background in education combined with her interests in contemplative practices and sustainability weave through the programs that she offers.
Dhammadhira at the Multi-Faith Children's camp in Colorado Springs, 2017 |
Dhammadhira discovers a new trail.
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Transition (October 2020) : After living in the monastic form for over 18 years, Dhammadhira transitioned back to lay life. The teachings and training that she received will continue to guide her as she integrates them into a wider flow of life. Rather than going by the prefix "Ayya" which is used for bhikkhunis, Dhammadhira can be referred to as "Aruna" which is a Sanskrit work meaning dawn's light.