Vimutti Monastery
The monastery is set amongst the rolling Bombay Hills south of Auckland. The property, 144 acres of undulating farmland, was bought in 2000 and developed over the years into a forested sanctuary for dhamma practice. It stands today beautiful, lush and green, offering an oasis of tranquillity to those who need a getaway from a hurried life, and space for quiet reflection. Nestled amongst canopies of regenerated trees and vegetation, including hundreds of native trees and bushes, are meditation halls, kutis and ponds, as well as dozens of meditation paths and hidden tracks into nature.
The monastery is intended to be a place of abode for Buddhist monks, predominantly of the Thai Forest Tradition, to follow a lifestyle laid down by the Buddha. By walking a path of sensual restraint, dedicated to devoted study, deep reflection and resolute practice of the Buddha’s teachings, the resident sangha becomes an inspiring example and a source of teaching to the lay community.
Furthermore, the monastery offers many opportunities for lay practitioners to develop and grow on that path. Through practices of offering daily alms food and requisites to the monks, and contributing energy to support the monastery’s activities, we practise dana. On meditation retreats, we interact with and live together with fellow lay practitioners, observing sila (right speech, right action) as the foundation of our conduct, whilst practising bhavana (mind training). Other regular activities at the monastery like Open Days, Pujas, Meditation Workshops and Working Bees are equally valuable opportunities for the community to come together to refresh and deepen our practice.
In essence, a monastery is a place of significance in the life of Buddhists when it creates the right environment and conditions for the growth of the lay and monastic community.
Over the years, gradual improvements have been made to the monastery facilities in order to better support the needs of the sangha and lay residents. If you would like to support these efforts, here is more information about major projects.
ATBA is grateful to be able to offer Vimutti Monastery to support the needs of the sangha and lay practitioners.