Inside Bodhipala Monastery’s historic ordination at Mannum
What happens during an ordination service for nine Buddhist monks? Our correspondent goes to find out.
Have you ever seen monks walking quietly along Randell Street in Mannum on a Wednesday morning, carrying large bowls in silence?
They’re from our local Bodhipala Monastery.
But what are they doing – and how might you get involved, if you’re curious?
On Saturday, Bodhipala Monastery – tucked quietly in the bushland about 25 minutes’ drive from Mannum – hosted its first-ever full ordination ceremony.
It was a deeply spiritual and historic moment for South Australia’s Buddhist community.
The event was held on Asalha Puja, one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar, marking the Buddha’s first teaching.
On this day, nine men were ordained as bhikkhus, or monks, for the traditional Vassa, or Rains Retreat: a three-month period of focused meditation and study.
What is the Rains Retreat?
The Rains Retreat began centuries ago as a time for monks to stay in one place during the rainy season, avoiding harm to crops and insects.
It’s a period of deep spiritual practice: of pausing, reflecting, and going inward.
This ordination was especially significant because Bodhipala Monastery was recently authorised by the Thai Sangha, or monastic council, to conduct ordinations – one of only a few monasteries in Australia.
This recognition is a major milestone in the monastery’s development.
Saturday’s event was guided by Luang Por Kalyano, a senior disciple of Ajahn Chah and founder of the Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Victoria.
As Bodhipala’s guiding teacher, he delivered a moving dhamma talk and offered blessed wrist strings, sai sin, to all who attended.
“We are honouring the abbot here, Ajahn Nyanadipo, who has received a new title from the King of Thailand and the Sangha of Thailand,” Luang Por Kalyano said.
“He has also been granted the title of Upajjhāya, or preceptor – someone authorised to ordain new monks – so today we are honouring two things.
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“This honorary title means ‘gaining enlightened knowledge in foreign lands’, a recognition from both the King and the Sangha of Thailand.
“It honours not only Ajahn Nyanadipo, the abbot of Bodhipala, but also the entire Bodhipala community.”
Bodhipala Monastery traced its roots back to Thailand, he said, and to his teacher Ajahn Chah, whose monastery he had the privilege of ordaining at while his teacher was still alive.
Later, Luang Por Kalyano was invited to establish a monastery in Melbourne; and from there, with faith and generosity, Bodhipala was born.
“The way we are honouring this today is by everyone coming together to express what we call muditā: joy in others’ happiness” he said.
“With the ordination of nine new monks, this is a very auspicious occasion.
“The number nine, in Thai, symbolises progress.
“It’s clearly a sign of progress – steady progress – for the monastery.”
About Bodhipala Monastery
Bodhipala follows the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravāda Buddhism, a lineage rooted in simplicity, meditation, and faithful adherence to the Buddha’s teachings.
Established in 2019 on bushland between Mannum and Mount Pleasant, the monastery was created as a place of genuine monastic training and spiritual refuge.
Every Wednesday from 8.45 to 9.15am, Bodhipala monks walk quietly through Mannum, receiving food offerings from local residents – an ancient tradition that gently reminds us of generosity, mindfulness, and human connection.
Mannum residents join the celebration
The ordination drew supporters from across the state, including familiar faces from Mannum.
Helen and Jeff, originally from Wales and now living in Mannum, said they were not Buddhist, but had been invited by their friends Jit and Trevor.
“We just love the peaceful environment and the kindness here,” they said.
Jit, originally from Thailand, has been living in the Mannum area for the past four years.
“I’m a Buddhist, and I feel so lucky to have a Thai monastery not far from Mannum,” she said.
“It’s a blessing to have a place like this, where we can come with friends and enjoy peaceful, happy company.”
Her husband Trevor, who was born in Adelaide and describes himself as “just an Aussie bloke”, isn’t a Buddhist himself, but he said he enjoyed supporting Jit’s beliefs and found value in the teachings.
“I really enjoy listening to the monks when they talk about Buddhist philosophy,” he said.
“There’s always something meaningful to take away.”
Ulrich, originally from Switzerland, explained that he had found the monastery through friends at a meditation retreat.
“Being here makes me happy,” he said.
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“Connecting with peaceful people lifts me.
“And wow, the food – everyone brings something to share, it’s beautiful.”
Sol, originally from South America and currently living temporarily in Mannum, was also deeply moved.
“I was so surprised by how many people came – easily over one hundred,” they said.
“The energy, the food … it was all amazing.
“I had such a great time here and will definitely be back.”
Among Bodhipala’s longtime supporters are Karina and Jared, who’ve volunteered for more than six years.
“I first saw monks walking through Mount Pleasant and didn’t know who they were or how to help,” Karina said.
“Later, I learned they rely on food offerings, so I started bringing bread and fruit.”
Her journey deepened after a visit to a friend who lived next door to the monastery.
“I felt so excited,” she said.
“I’d always wanted to learn about Buddhism but didn’t know where to begin.
“As soon as I stepped inside, I felt at home.
“Now I come every Wednesday with food, help with the garden, and organise rosters.”
Jared, her partner, found his own path.
“After volunteering for four years, I wanted to experience monastic life,” he said.
“In 2023, I did the Rains Retreat myself in Melbourne, since Bodhipala wasn’t yet certified to ordain monks.
“We followed 227 rules and 10 precepts.
“It was tough but transformative.
“I lost weight, felt healthier, and became more peaceful – I only drink zero-alcohol beer now!”
All are welcome to live mindfully
For some of Mannum’s residents, Bodhipala Monastery is more than just a place tucked in the hills.
It’s a quiet companion: a space for stillness, reflection, and human connection, a place where ancient traditions meet everyday kindness.
“If you look at the news, the world seems full of problems,” Luang Por Kalyano said.
“But we can still do something by practicing, finding inner peace, and living mindfully.
“That is a true gift to the world.”
You did not have to be Buddhist to be part of it, he said.
You could come as you are, with an open heart, and maybe a small offering of food and time.
You might just find more than you expected.
More information: www.bodhipalamonastery.org.
This story also appears in the Murray Bridge News.
