Vimokkharam Forest Hermitage

วัดป่าวิโมกขาราม ประเทศออสเตรเลีย

Background

Wat Pa Vimokkharam was established in 1998 under the name ‘Wat Pa Sanghaloka.’ It was founded following the advice of Luangta Maha Bua and one of his disciples, Phra Ajahn Ian Ariyesako, who served as the first abbot. Luangta Maha Bua’s original guidance still resonates in the hearts and minds of the community here: “Keep it small and simple!”

Later, in 2004, Phra Ajahn Khemanando, a disciple of Luang Pu Chah Subhaddo, took over as abbot and renamed the temple ‘Wat Pa Vimokkharam.’ In 2006, the temple's status was changed to an ‘associated branch’ of Wat Nong Pah Pong.

The temple is located in the Dandenong Ranges, approximately 45 minutes from Melbourne. Set on 25 rai (approx. 10 acres) of rainforest, the temple features small huts (kutis) suitable for monks who prefer seclusion and meditation practice. Each kuti includes a forest walking meditation path. Wat Pa Vimokkharam is a cool, peaceful, and refreshing sanctuary.

Following a fire in January 2014, Phra Ajahn Khemanando resigned and returned to Thailand. The fire destroyed all of the temple's religious artifacts. After the blaze, the vihara (hall) had to be demolished, and the temple remained deserted for two years.

During that period, the committee prepared and planned for a rebuild. They invited Ajahn Hasapanyo to assist; he arrived in October 2016 and officially took the position of abbot in March 2017. At that time, the temple had very little—no hall and no kitchen—requiring great patience from the lay supporters. The temple gradually raised funds to begin the reconstruction.

The new foundation of the monastery was poured in November 2020. Construction progressed well and received strong support, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the construction was completed in 2021. The temple was fully finished and officially opened on February 17, 2022.

On April 24, 2022, a celebration was held for the new hall, dedicated to the Sangha. The ceremony was presided over by Phra Dhammavajirarangsi (Tho) and Phra Khru Khampirapanyavidet (Mo). The new hall was named ‘Sanghaloka Hall,’ after the temple’s original name. Additionally, Phra Dech Phra Khun Ajahn Tun Thiracitto of Wat Boonyawad, Chonburi Province, cast a Buddha image to be enshrined at Wat Pa Vimokkharam.

The primary objective of the temple is to provide a peaceful and secluded environment for monks to practice meditation and cultivate self-development. We hold only a few major events throughout the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate tranquility and simplicity. The temple is also prepared to invite senior teachers (Kruba Ajahn) from Thailand to help strengthen our faith and provide spiritual inspiration.

Our supporters are approximately 50% Thai, followed by Sri Lankans, Malaysians, and other nationalities. The temple is open daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, providing an opportunity for laypeople to make merit and engage in Dhamma discussions with the monks.

Every Sunday, there is evening chanting, meditation, and Dhamma discussion, where practitioners can seek guidance on meditation techniques from the monks. The temple also welcomes laypeople to spend time amidst the natural surroundings of this temperate rainforest. During the Vassa (Rainy Season Retreat), evening chanting and meditation sessions are held daily.