Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the course guide of courses conducted by EBT - International Theravada Forest Monastery, Mysore?

Bhikkhu Bodhi Dhamma, is the course guide. Born in Hindu Family, he completed his Masters in Engineering and started teaching in an Engineering College. However, his quest was very different, and seeking answers to many a questions he visited all possible places, Gurus and preachers, but may have only partially fulfilled his quest. Vipassana course at Goenka Guruji did give him a lot of fulfilment. for the rest he got a few at NaYuana Forest Monastery in Sri Lanka. The reast is history, you will find a very different approach to Buddhism once you engage with him. He brings all his passion, teaching skills, and systematic scientific approach by questioning and examining the proofs before accepting anything preached, believed or practiced. Tough, but fully in control, he is mesmerising!
Enrolment to a Course at next Retreat

Please fill the Enrolment Form and you will receive a call-back from Bhante to understand your need to attend the Retreat, and once he is satisfied, he will approve and confirm your enrolment.
Visit to the Mysore Monastery

The Monastery is currently under construction, so you cannot visit for stay and meditation. The Dhamma Hall is ready and if you can stay in Dormitory, you can visit. The Kutis (rooms) and fully functional kitchen is expected to be ready by February, 2025. So please keep a watch. Until then you can join a course at Pune and other upcoming Retreats
Can I bring my pet to the monastery?

No, pets are not allowed.
How much do I need to pay for a course or stay or meditation at the Monastery?

Since DHAMMA is priceless, your participation in any Dhamma course is FREE of any charge, that includes your stay and food as well. However, you must fulfil the necessary eligibility criteria, of having at least one 10 day course of Sri Goenkaji's Vipassana, or equivalent. After the course, on 10th day, if you wish you can make 'Daana' (donation) which will help the monastery in future courses, and to buy essential needs for Bhikkhus and construction or maintenance of monastery as well as for visitors like you.
What is Theravada Forest Monastery Tradition?

When Buddhism went to Sri Lanka, Japan; and to Thailand, Burma etc. via Sri Lanka and China and elsewhere from Japan and while it was getting lost in India, there were many additions in literature, practices, beliefs that got added to Buddhism after several centuries of Buddha. Theravada Forest Tradition conserves the earliest teachings; furthermore, Bhikkhu Bodhi Dhamma goes beyond just that, to verify with proof in Suttapitaka before accepting it. Hence we can safely say that Theravada Forest Tradition is among the purest form of Buddhist practice, and with Bhikkhu Bodhi Dhamma it is even more!