Dhammadharini Vihara
Dhammadharini Vihara was a Buddhist monastic Retreat (Vihara) for women in the Niles District of Fremont, California. Dhammadharini opened its doors in August 2005, with room for three resident Nuns. In 2009, it was replaced by the permanent Aranya Bodhi ("Awakening Forest Hermitage") in Jenner, CA and a part-Time "urban" residence called "Bodhi House," in Fremont, CA. The Name, "Dhammadharini," is interpreted as, a "holder" or "upholder" (feminine Form) of the Buddhadhamma as a "flowing" or "streaming" reality, teaching and practice. A "Vihara" is a monastic residence, Refuge and center of practice."
Dhammadharini is most notable as the first Theravada Monastery for women in the Western United States. Women's Buddhist Monasteries are rare. When Dhammadharini was founded, it became the third in the entire United States. A focus of Dhammadharini Foundation's Mission is to support bhikkhunis, fully ordained Buddhist Nuns. The Vihara observed the Theravada (mostly southern Asia) Thai Forest Tradition, including annual Vassa. The Abbess and founder, Ayya Tathaaloka, entered monastic Life at age 19. She studied in several Buddhist traditions, as well as with her mentor, Ajahn Maha Prasert of the Thai Forest Tradition. She welcomed bhikkhunis and Vihara visitors from other traditions and now welcomes them at Aranya Bodhi. Dhammadharini was home to several renunciates (women training for Ordination), as well as their Teacher, Ayya Tathaaloka. The physical building was a small, leased condominium, paid for by the supporting Dhammadharini Foundation. Vihara residents relied on the support of the lay community, often walking the neighborhood for almsmeals and accepting what Food was offered. The supporting community provided the rent, as well as other requisites described in the Vinaya. The Vihara offered Dhamma teachings, Sutta discussions and the opportunity for individually arranged lay Retreat.
