Name: Samanadipa Hermitage
Item: Samanadipa Hermitage
Rating: 5
Author: Rob Horsfall

Goljek Forest Hermitage – also called Samaṇadīpa – is a small monastic (samaṇa) sanctuary (dīpa) for small number of monks from the contemplative and conservative forest tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. It is the first of the kind in this part of Europe that follows the original teachings of the Buddha, as found in the early texts and has an unbroken linage from around 2600 years ago. The monks follow the high standard of the monastic code (vinaya) and the teaching (dhamma), which can be found in Theravādin countries (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, Cambodia).

Samaṇadīpa uses two seperated lands. The main Hermitage’s cottage (Ārāma) stands on a slope of half a hectare of land, and more than 3/4 of it is covered in forest. The cottage has the Shrine Room, the kitchen and two bedrooms; in the forest are two kuties, Abhaya Kuṭī and Piya Kuṭī. The second – more secluded and private property – has a cottage (Viveka Vihāra) with two bedrooms and one kuti (Viveka Kuṭī). The property is located about 20min walk from the Samanadipa Arama Vihara.

Samaṇadīpa welcomes visits from anyone who is interested in the Buddha’s Teaching, meditation or seeking the answers to their existential problems. The main purpose of the place is to provide seclusion for monks, however any visitor is welcome to talk to monks and also could stay here overnight for few days (more info).

Goljek Village

The Hermitage is located in a serene, natural environment amid forested land, on Goljek Hill, 40mins drive from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Goljek is a roadside village positioned on a hill near Čatež, north-west of Trebnje. There is an expansive view of the surrounding area from the nearest hill, the 544m high Zaplaz.

Though only a small piece of the forest belongs to the cottage, the forest itself is extensive and stretches out in all directions. Goljek Village is a very small and peaceful place with a population of approximately 65 people.

The Hermitage is closed for the visitors and guests from 14th November 2017 till 20th February 2018.

For guests we have free guest rooms available. If you like to stay here, please write to us for more information. (Alternative option is also that guests stay nearby overnight, there is a bed and breakfast Obolnar in Dolenja vas, 10min driving or 30min walking from the Hermitage.)

In any case, you are welcome to visit Samaṇadīpa any time for the day, keeping in mind the purpose and tranquil atmosphere of a meditation place. You can also make an appointment to meet the monk on arranged time.

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Monks of the Hermitage strictly follow the monastic code (vinaya) as has been laid down by the Buddha. The laypeople who come to the Hermitage are not bound by the rules for monastics. You can interact with them as you would with any friend or acquaintance. However note that,

in addressing a monk, it is generally considered impolite to refer to them directly by name without an appropriate form of address. Any monk can be addressed as “Bhante” (in Pali language) or "Venerable" (in English) or "Častiti" (in Slovenian). Alternatively you can address any monastic who has been ordained for more than ten years as “Ajahn” (in Thai). [Occasioanally you might see in some formal writings "Thera" ("the Elder") and "Bhikkhu" ("a monk" or "a "alms-mendicant", abriviation is "Bh."), however usully we do not use them when we address a monk.];

according to the rules of celibacy, a monk preferably may not sit or talk alone with women in indoor closed areas. The presence of another man is required;

the rules for monks and nuns require that they do not touch members of the opposite sex. No need to feel awkward. If you wish you can greet them by holding your palms together in the praying position;

lay visitors are requested to dress modestly when visiting.

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The Guideline for the Resident and Visiting monks

The main purpose of the hermitage is to provide a conducive place for study, practice and realization of the Dhamma (pariyatti, patipatti, pativedha). The emphasis is put on seclusion, simplicity and individual practice. In order to protect such atmosphere, bhikkhus are advised to follow the following guideline:

Monks wishing to stay at Samanadipa are expected to follow the rules of the Patimokkha, especially rules regarding money (Nissagiya Pácittiya 18-20).

It is advised to send prior request to stay here as a guest.

Use of the computer and internet access are limited. Use of mobile phones and personal computers is not encouraged.

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Samanadipa Hermitage

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