The Senior Ajahns
There are presently 18 Sīladharā (nuns) who were ordained by Ajahn Sumedho, the spiritual director of Amaravati Monastery in England. Pictured below are the nuns who have been ordained for ten or more years, which allows them the opportunity to teach and travel.
Ajahn Sundarā
Ajahn Sundara was born in France. Her early studies were in dance in both France and England. In her early thirties, after working for a few years as a dancer and teacher of contemporary dance, she had the opportunity to attend a talk followed by a retreat led by Ajahn Sumedho. read more
Ajahn Candasirī
Ajahn Candasiri was born in Scotland in 1947 and was brought up as a Christian. After university, she trained and worked as an occupational therapist, mainly in the field of mental illness. In 1977, an interest in meditation led her to meet Ajahn Sumedho, shortly after his arrival from Thailand. read more
Ajahn Upekkhā
Ajahn Upekkha was born in 1949 in Provence, France. As one of thirteen children growing up in a small village, she had her first taste of community life. Her experience in India in 1974 was life-transforming. After that, she spent time living in a Gandhi community.
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Ajahn Thānasant