FAQ

FAQ 

This page has information on the following topics:

• Dhammaloka and events
• Ajahn Brahm
• Bodhinyana Monastery
• Dhammasara Monastery
• Jhana Grove
• Supporting the BSWA
• BSWA membership
• General
• Covid

FAQ about Dhammaloka and events

What are the usual events in Dhammaloka and which are live streamed?
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Please refer to the following table.
For more details on each event, please refer to our website:
BSWA – Events – Dhammaloka

*RAINS RETREAT (Full moon in July – Full moon in October):

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Is there a Dana in Dhammaloka this weekend and who is the monk/nun in attendance?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please check out our website for more information:
BSWA – Events – Dhammaloka
Kindly note that information might be updated on a weekly basis so advance information may not be available.[/bg_collapse]

Who is teaching this weekend in Dhammaloka?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please check out our website for more information:
BSWA – Events – Dhammaloka
Kindly note that information might be updated on a weekly basis so advanced information may not be available.[/bg_collapse]

Who is teaching next weekend in Dhammaloka?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please check out our website for more information:
BSWA – Events – Dhammaloka
Kindly note that information might be updated on a weekly basis so advanced information may not be available.[/bg_collapse]

Do we need to register for the above mentioned events in Dhammaloka?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]No registration is needed except for the Children’s Dhamma School[/bg_collapse]

Do I need to pay to attend the above mentioned events?

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No fee is collected for those events.

The Children’s Dhamma School may be subject to a small fee – To be confirmed closer to the start date of Term 2.
You are welcome to give a donation to help support our activities and the Sangha.

Donations can be made via PayPal here Donate to support the BSWA

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Does BSWA conduct an Introduction to Meditation class in Dhammaloka?
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Yes we do.
It is a series of 4 Saturday classes at 3pm in the Community Hall in Dhammaloka, starting on the 1^st Saturday of each month.

Please check out our website for more information:

Intro to Meditation

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How do I listen or watch a BSWA Dhamma Talk or Meditation online?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]To listen or watch the Dhamma Talk or Meditation live, please go to the BSWA YouTube Channel.
If the event is already over, you can retrieve the recordings on the BSWA website:
https://bswa.org/teachings/. You can then use the search function to find the right talk.[/bg_collapse]

Are there accommodations in Dhammaloka for people to stay?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]No, we do not have accommodation for people to stay in Dhammaloka.[/bg_collapse]

FAQ about Ajahn Brahm

How can I ask a question to Ajahn Brahm?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please see our Contact a Monastic – Including Ajahn Brahm page for ways to ask questions of Ajahn or our other monastics.[/bg_collapse]

How can I request Ajahn Brahm to speak on a particular topic during the Friday Night Talk in Dhammaloka?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]The BSWA has thousands of talks available online via our YouTube Channel and Teachings Page.  Please use the search functions on these pages to find talks on the topic you are interested in.  If you cannot find what you are looking for, then please see our Contact a Monastic – Including Ajahn Brahm for ways to connect with Ajahn Brahm and other monastics to make a new topic suggestion.[/bg_collapse]

How can I request for Ajahn Brahm to be a guest speaker at an event in Australia, overseas or online?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please email any requests of this nature to admin@bswa.org and they may be forwarded onto Ajahn Brahm for consideration.[/bg_collapse]

Am I allowed to use quotes from Ajahn Brahm’s books, or clips from his talks for other programs?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please email any requests of this nature to admin@bswa.org and they may be forwarded onto Ajahn Brahm for consideration.[/bg_collapse]

I would like to express my gratitude to Ajahn Brahm for his teachings. Who do I write to?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please email any messages of this nature to admin@bswa.org and they will be collated into a group of messages and forwarded onto Ajahn Brahm, for him to read when he has time.  Please do not include any questions as they can not be forwarded.  If you have any questions for Ajahn Brahm or other monastics, please see our Contact a Monastic – Including Ajahn Brahm page for ways to ask these.[/bg_collapse]

I would like to send an email to Ajahn Brahm. What is his email?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]As you can expect, Ajahn Brahm has a very busy schedule and does not have capacity to attend to the many requests made of him.  Please see our Contact a Monastic – Including Ajahn Brahm page for ways to ask questions of Ajahn or our other monastics.[/bg_collapse]

Can I request for a personal recorded/written message from Ajahn Brahm?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]As you can expect, Ajahn Brahm has a very busy schedule and does not have capacity to attend to the many requests made of him.  We can ask Ajahn Brahm to sign his signature in one of his books, if you would like to purchase one from our online Bookshop to have as a memento.[/bg_collapse]

Can I speak to Ajahn Brahm directly or privately from Perth?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please see our Contact a Monastic – Including Ajahn Brahm page for details of how to connect with Ajahn Brahm in person if you are in Perth.[/bg_collapse]

Can I speak to Ajahn Brahm privately from overseas/interstate?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]As you can expect, Ajahn Brahm has a very busy schedule and does not have capacity to attend to the many requests made of him.  If you would like to ask a question during the question time of a livestreamed talk, please find details about this on our Contact a Monastic – Including Ajahn Brahm page.[/bg_collapse]

I would like to translate one of Ajahn Brahm’s talks online. Who do I contact to get approval?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please check our Translated Talks on our YouTube Channel first, to see if the talk has already been translated into the language you need.  If not, please email translations@bswa.org to make a request.[/bg_collapse]

Can I translate one of Ajahn Brahm’s books?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please email admin@bswa.org with details of this request.[/bg_collapse]

FAQ about Bodhinyana Monks’ Monastery

Who is the Senior Monk in attendance for dana today?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please call the monastery at (08) 9525 2420 between 6:45am – 7:15am or 6:00pm – 7:00pm to find out.  Leave a voicemail if the call is not answered.[/bg_collapse]

I’m interested on becoming a monk. Can I get more information?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please check out the website for more information:
https://bswa.org/our-locations/ordaining-as-a-monk/[/bg_collapse]

I’d like to stay in Bodhinyana. How do I apply?
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Please check out the website for more information:
https://bswa.org/our-locations/staying-at-bodhinyana/

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I’d like to visit Bodhinyana. Who can I contact to find out more?
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https://bswa.org/our-locations/visiting-bodhinyana/[/bg_collapse]

I’d like to invite a monk to attend a wedding, funeral, or other ceremony. Who do I contact?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please send an email request to: sangha@bswa.org[/bg_collapse]

FAQ about Dhammasara

Who is the Senior Nun in attendance for dana today?
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I’m interested in becoming a nun. Can I get more information?
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Please check out the website:
https://bswa.org/our-locations/ordaining-as-a-nun/

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I’d like to stay in Dhammasara. How do I apply?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please check out the website:
https://bswa.org/our-locations/staying-at-dhammasara-2/

Guest application is closed during Rains Retreat and will reopen in November.[/bg_collapse]

I’d like to visit Dhammasara. Who can I contact to find out more?
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please check out the website:
https://bswa.org/location/dhammasara-monastery/

During bushfire season (Nov-Dec) please check the website before visiting in case the monastery is closed.[/bg_collapse]

I’d like to invite a nun to attend a wedding, funeral, or other ceremony.
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ] Please visit the monastery to make this invitation in person.  [/bg_collapse]

FAQ about Jhana Grove

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]For frequently asked questions about Jhana Grove, please check out the Jhana Grove FAQ here.[/bg_collapse]

FAQ about supporting the Sangha and BSWA

How do I make a donation to BSWA?

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Following are the ways you can donate funds to the Sangha and BSWA:

1. Donate via PayPal on our website here https://bswa.org/donate/
2. Become an ongoing donor via Patreon here https://www.patreon.com/BuddhistSocietyWA
3. Donate in person by cash/cheque, using one of the cashless donation tablets at Dhammaloka, Dhammasara and Bodhinyana.
4. Donate in person, by using a donation envelope and placing it in the donation box.
5. Donate via direct credit (bank to bank transfer) by contacting for details.

If you require a tax receipt for your donation, please make sure you choose to donate to one of the Building Funds, which are tax deductible in Australia for donations over $2.00

If you do not require a tax receipt or are overseas (so cannot claim a tax benefit in Australia), please consider donating to one of the Expense Funds, which contribute to the running of the BSWA, our online teachings and the medical, travel and other expenses of the Sangha.

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I have a problem with making payment through PayPal. Is there another payment method?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please email accounts@bswa.org for direct credit options.[/bg_collapse]

FAQ about Memberships

How do I become a member of BSWA?

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Information about becoming a BSWA member can be found on our website here: BSWA Memberships

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What are the different types of membership and the fee?

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Information about membership types can be found on our website here: Membership Types

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How long does it take for my membership to be approved as I want to make a retreat booking?

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As you are required to provide your membership number to make a 9 Day Retreat booking, please apply to become a current Full Member 2 weeks prior to the retreat booking opening date. This will give us time to process your membership application ahead of time. New memberships are officially approved at the next available committee meeting. However, full memberships need only be processed (not officially approved).[/bg_collapse]

I have a question on Membership. Who can I contact?

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Please send all membership enquiries to memberships@bswa.org

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General FAQ

I have a Dhamma question. How can I get some answers from a monk or nun?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please see our ‘Contact a Monastic Page’[/bg_collapse]

I have much suffering in my life and want to get some advice from a monk or nun? Which email should I send my query to?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please see our ‘Contact a Monastic Page’[/bg_collapse]

Can I bring my children to Dhamma talks / meditations?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Children are welcome to join our Friday Night Meditation at 7:30pm and Friday Night Dhamma Talk at 8:00pm.  We have a room to the left side of the Main Hall with a TV livestreaming the meditation and talk.  This side room is especially suited to families with young children.[/bg_collapse]

I live overseas and would like to find a monastery near where I live.  Can you recommend one?
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You can use BuddhaNet to search for a monastery/retreat centre in your area. All you need to do is fill in the details and search.

The tradition of Buddhism BSWA follows is Theravada, however, you can choose which school you prefer / follow when doing the search.

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What should I wear to BSWA locations?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]For meditation, comfortable and loose clothing is recommended. Dressing in a modest way is a gesture of respect for the monks and nuns. In a Buddhist temple the principle is that your clothes should not draw attention to yourself.  For more on Buddhist etiquette, please see here: Buddhist Etiquette – BSWA[/bg_collapse]

How do I take 3 refuges and 5 precepts with a monastic?

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At Dhammaloka

Attend Dana at Dhammaloka at 10.00am and the monastic in attendance will offer the 3 refuges and 5 precepts before the meal.  You can then ask them to endorse your membership form after the meal.

Attend Dhammaloka for the Friday night talk or Saturday meditation (excluding during rains retreat July-October).  Come early to meet with the monastic in attendance in the Reception area before the meditation and ask for them to offer you the 3 refuges and 5 precepts and to endorse your membership application form.

At Bodhinyana

Attend Dana at Bodhinyana at 10.30am any day of the year and approach the senior monk in attendance after the meal to ask them to offer you the 3 refuges and 5 precepts and to endorse your membership application form.  More information about visiting Bodhinyana can be found here: https://bswa.org/location/bodhinyana-monastery/

At Dhammasara

Attend Dana at Dhammasara at 10.30am any day of the year, where the nuns offer the Three Refuges and Five Precepts everyday as part of the Dana ceremony.  Ask Ajahn Hasapanna or the senior nun in attendance to sign your membership form after lunch.  More information about visiting Dhammasara can be found here: https://bswa.org/location/dhammasara-monastery/

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Does BSWA give counselling?  How much does it cost for advice/guidance?

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Please be advised our monastics do not offer counselling for legal reasons.  You can approach members of our Sangha for spiritual guidance, which is without any charge, however, donations to support the BSWA and our Sangha are welcomed.

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How can I learn more about Buddhism?

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Following are some resources to help you learn more about Buddhism.

1. Teachings on the BSWA website – https://bswa.org/teachings/

Teachings for beginners https://bswa.org/practice/

These are also available in podcast http://podcast.bswa.org/

2. Dhamma Talks (teachings of the Buddha) on the BSWA YouTube channel

BSWA YouTube Channel

These talks/meditations are one way of learning about Buddhism and can be listened to on playback or livestreamed at the following times (excluding during Rains Retreat July – October).

Friday Beginner Guided Meditations (7.30pm – 8.00pm WST)

Friday Dhamma Talks (8.00pm – 9.00pm WST)

Saturday Guided Meditations (3.00pm – 4.15pm WST)

Sunday Sutta Classes (3.00pm – 4.00pm WST on the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays of the month)

3. The BSWA’s Early Buddhism Course from 2013

• Early Buddhism Course – YouTube (Tracks 1 – 9)
• Early Buddhism – Course Readings

4. The BSWA’s Kamma and Rebirth Course from 2015

• Kamma and Rebirth in Early Buddhism – YouTube (Tracks 10 – 14)
• Kamma and Rebirth – Course Readings

5. The BSWA’s Dependent Origination Course from 2020

• Dependent Origination in Early Buddhism Workshops (YouTube)Dependent Origination – Course Readings (BSWA Website)

6. The BSWA’s Noble Eightfold Path Course from 2021-22

• Noble Eightfold Path Workshops – YouTube
• Noble Eightfold Path Workshops – Audio (Podbean) – with link to Course Readings

7. You might also be interested in:

• Learning Meditation – Online Introduction to Meditation Course (Ajahn Brahm)
• Reading books on Buddhism – Please see our online bookshop for books by Ajahn Brahm or search Wisdom Books for titles by Ajahn Sumedho, Ajahn Chah and Ayya Khema.
• Attending / listening via YouTube to our Sutta classes – suttas are the teachings of the Buddha from Scriptures and are freely available at Sutta Central or you can listen to teachings via our YouTube Channel here: BSWA Suttas
• Attending meditation retreats – More information about BSWA Meditation Retreats here: Jhana Grove Retreat Centre
• Finding a Buddhist Centre or Retreat Centre in your area – if you are overseas or interstate and would like to make direct contact with Buddhism in your area, please use BuddhaNet to search for a monastery/retreat centre in your area. The tradition of BSWA is Theravada, however, you can choose which school you prefer / follow when doing the search.

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Do I have to be a Buddhist to attend a BSWA location?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]No, we are a diverse community of many cultures, faiths and backgrounds.  All are welcome.[/bg_collapse]

How can I request for chanting/blessing for a sick or dying family member?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]Please call Bodhinyana Monastery between 6:00pm-7:00pm any day of the week on +61 8 9525 2420 and leave a message if your call is not answered.  The monks will add your loved one to their weekly chanting list.[/bg_collapse]

Does BSWA have an online Children’s Dhamma School?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]No, BSWA does not provide online Dhamma School teachings and will not do so in the future due to Australian laws.  If you are in Perth, information about our Sunday Dhamma School can be found here on our Regular Activities page or you can contact our Dhamma School Coordinators via email at dhammaschool@bswa.org[/bg_collapse]

Covid FAQ

What are the Covid requirements to attend any event in any BSWA location?

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Please check the latest WA Government Covid Guidelines for any updates.

We also ask that visitors to BSWA sites please observe the following procedures:

• Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with a suspected case of COVID-19
• Make use of the hand sanitiser stations and wash hands

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Do I require proof of vaccination to attend?

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]At present, we are not mandating proof of vaccination. Please check our website or event organiser for more timely updates for any changes.[/bg_collapse]