In July, I received an email saying “CONGRATULATIONS!” in capital letters, and it said that I was one of the 60 lucky ones who had been accepted on Ajahn Brahms’ 9-day retreat planned for October 2025. I had dreamed of this since 2021, when I first heard Ajahn Brahm on YouTube. This was a unique opportunity, work and other commitments were cleared away to travel to Australia, and it was an experience of a lifetime.

The retreat was held at Jhana Grove retreat center, which is located 15 minutes from Bodhinyana, where Ajahn Brahm lives with about 30 other bhikkhus. This photo story shows a bit of what I experienced during the three weeks I was at Jhana Grove and Bodhinyana.

At Jhana Grove retreat center, it has two large stupas. It was nice to do walking meditation around the stupa. There is a statue of Buddha inside each of them.

Ajahn Brahm taught every day for 9 days, and several other monks and nuns attended the popular retreat. Teddy bears are used to help bring out “kindness” and meditate deeper.

At Jhana Grove they have a great little library where you can borrow books written by Ajahn Brahm and other teachers. I benefited greatly from this book and recommend it.

We received personal guidance in meditation from Ajahn Brahm who is one of the world’s best meditation teachers.

The fantastic food we got for lunch every day was donated by Buddhists in the local community. We took part in the ritual of giving “dana”, giving food to the monks and nuns. Here it is Ayya Karunika who receives food in her bowl.

We also had free time that could be spent in the beautiful natural surroundings at Jhana Grove.

Funny green parrots are often seen at both Jhana Grove and Bodinyana.

The deeper the meditation, the more beautiful I am to discover nature.

An obligatory kangaroo selfie. I had a lot of fun studying the kangaroos up close on the grounds of Jhana Grove. Several kangaroos live permanently on the property.

Great to experience the full moon and starry sky at Jhana Grove.

Bodhinyana is just a 15-minute walk from Jhana Grove. We were able to visit Bodhinyana often and use the meditation hall there.

Visiting inside “the cave” where Ajahn Bhram lives.

A very special silence Inside the beautiful meditation hall at Bodinhyana.

Ajahn Brahm is a busy man. Here he gives his blessing by cutting a ribbon for a new local business.

Very nice and nice to meet Ajahn Brahmali, the Norwegian monk who lives on Bodhinyana, and several other monks.